"Building Internal Resilience Through Horses" is a program led by Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre in partnership with Trent University and The Mane Intent in Indian River. Open to teenage women who have witnessed or experienced family conflict, dating violence, or other forms of abuse, the program is designed to promote healthy self-esteem, emotional awareness, coping skills. and personal resilience. Research results from the program were shared at the inaugural Inviting Resilience conference, which took place at Trent University on May 21 and 22, 2019. (Photo: The Mane Intent)
When around 200 people gathered at Trent University in May for the two-day national Inviting Resilience conference, their aim was to build the community’s capacity for resilience against the pervasive effects of violence and interpersonal trauma.
And an innovative way to help foster that resilience involves having young women who have experienced trauma work with horses. Research results to date from “Building Internal Resilience Through Horses” — a program led by Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre in partnership Dr. Kateryna Keefer of Trent University and The Mane Intent — were shared at the conference.
The Inviting Resilience conference, held on May 21st and 22nd, was organized by Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, Trent University, and The Mane Intent Inc., with an advisory committee that included members from the First Peoples House of Learning, the Peterborough Police Service, and Peterborough Public Health.
Inviting Resilience conference organizers Katie McKeiver of the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, Trent University psychology professor Dr. Kateryna Keefer, and The Mane Intent owner Jennifer Garland. Dr. Keefer is the research lead for the Building Internal Resilience Through Horses program being delivered at The Mane Intent. (Supplied photo)
“We know that one in three women and one in six men will experience a form of physical or sexual violence in their lifetimes,” says Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre executive director Lisa Clarke. “These rates are even higher for indigenous peoples and individuals who identify with the LGBTQ+ spectrum. This conference is part of an ongoing multi-sectoral effort to invite resilience into our communities, families, minds and bodies, to help us heal from past trauma and prevent future violence.”
Speakers at the conference included Dr. Keefer (conference chair and senior lecturer in psychology at Trent University), Dr. Sandrina de Finney (associate professor in the School of Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria), and Dr. Michael Ungar (professor of social work and Canada Research Chair in Child, Family and Community Resilience at Dalhousie University).
The conference also included presentations, experiential activities, and poster displays on topics including promoting resilience among victims of intimate partner violence and childhood abuse, transforming care in pregnancy and neonatal abstinence syndrome, the neuroscience of stress and resilience, suicide prevention among First Nations youth, and responding to disclosures of sexual violence on campus.
Around 200 people gathered at Trent University on May 21 and 22, 2019 the two-day national Inviting Resilience conference. Participants included service providers, researchers, administrators, and community members. (Supplied photo)
Other topics included addressing partner violence in trans communities, promoting resilience of parents and caregivers, reducing childhood anxiety, teaching emotional competencies, as well as innovative trauma-informed programs involving theatrics, art, hip hop dance, yoga, nature walks, Nato’ we ho win (the Art of Self-Healing), and the animal-human bond.
One of the many programs featured at the conference, Building Internal Resilience Through Horses is led by Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, with Dr. Keefer heading a research team from the Emotion and Health Research Laboratory at Trent University, and The Mane Intent in Indian River delivering the program.
The Mane Intent’s owner and program director Jennifer Garland has been involved in facilitated equine experiential learning for many years, as the result of experiencing a major life change when a horse walked into her life and became the most inspiring coach she ever had. She had been a successful consultant but felt deeply connected to the practice of working with horses, because of the power and the strength they inspire in people. She left the corporate world and blazed a new trail as a certified equine learning facilitator.
The team behind the Building Internal Resilience Through Horses program (left to right): Cheryl Wood, Beverley Clifton, Dr. Kateryna Keefer, Susan Hardy, Sunny the horse, Jennifer Garland, Sonya Vellenga, Nicole Oattes, Katie McKeiver, and Vivianne Burmester. (Supplied photo)
“I stepped out of my comfort zone, followed my passion and launched The Mane Intent in 2014,” Garland says. “I know horses can change who you are because they changed who I am.”
After taking this step, Garland attended a community conference where she started a conversation about her equine programming with a woman sitting next to her. This casual conversation eventually developed into a growing movement to understand trauma and to instill resilience.
“A quick chat turned into more,” Garland says. “Then we found a researcher (Dr. Keefer) and I’m glad we started that conversation.”
The collaborative chats grew into studies and then evolved into new learning on how to be trauma-informed. Garland is working on helping people understand this emerging methodology, which first involves acknowledging that trauma is pervasive, and then paying attention to safety, trust, choice, compassion, and collaboration — all while focusing on someone’s strengths.
VIDEO: Building Internal Resilience Through Horses
In 2017, the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, The Mane Intent, and Dr. Keefer’s research team landed some serious funding when the Public Health Agency of Canada provided a three-year $464,983 grant.
In 2018, the group launched a new website resource at invitingresilience.ca, where both survivors and professional service providers can review information on the resilience research, factors of resilience, and healing from trauma, along with local programs and resources for trauma survivors.
As well as supporting the Building Internal Resilience Through Horses program, the funding also allowed the group to organize the inaugural Inviting Resilience conference, where Garland had the opportunity to share the results she’s been seeing with participants in the program.
The program, which is designed to promote resilience and life skills in young women ages 13 to 18 living in the city and county of Peterborough and surrounding areas, has supported 11 groups of young women. Each of the participants has been impacted by childhood adversity and interpersonal trauma or exposed to intimate partner violence.
Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre social worker Katie McKeiver, part of the team behind Building Internal Resilience Through Horses, with Sebastian of The Mane Intent. (Photo: The Mane Intent)
“The program is about gaining coping skills to be resilient in the face of trauma,” Garland says. And it’s having an impact — she and the team have received funding to continue for another two years.
“We’re going to 2021 now,” Garland says. “This is the power of possibility when you partner with others in the community.”
Garland is happy to report that program partnerships are growing, including through an agreement to support groups from the New Canadians Centre.
“Being trauma-informed helps people create the space they need to move through difficult parts of life and into a stronger future,” explains Garland. “It allows us to be much kinder and more inclined to hold space when they need that support.”
'Code of Conduct - A Sketch Comedy Revue' is a series of short sketches written and performed by (left to right) Rebecca Bloom, Heather McCullough, Miranda Warren, and Dave Cave. From small-town interactions to flirting miscommunications, this show parodies those painful moments we all feel when living under social codes. The show runs for four performances at Lindsay Little Theatre on June 14th and 15th and June 21st and 22nd. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
Beginning Friday, June 14th, performers Dave Cave, Heather McCullough, Rebecca Bloom, and Miranda Warren come together to present Code of Conduct: A Sketch Comedy Revue at Lindsay Little Theatre.
Lindsay Little Theatre presents Code of Conduct – A Sketch Comedy Revue
When: Friday, June 14 and Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 8 p.m.; Friday, June 21 and Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 8 p.m. Where: Lindsay Little Theatre (55 George St. W., Lindsay) How much: $10 at the door
A series of short sketches written and performed by Dave Cave, Heather McCullough, Rebecca Bloom, and Miranda Warren.
A night of awkward laughter and poking fun at the human condition, Code of Conduct is the first outing for the foursome, who are determined to forge a different kind of sketch comedy in the Kawarthas.
Code of Conduct was conceived by popular comedic performer Dave Cave, whose previous successes include Lindsay Lohan’s Speak: A Classic Album Comes to Life and Almost Falling Off a Couch for 45 Minutes. According to Dave, what differentiates Code of Conduct from many other sketch comedy shows is that the sketches are inspired by real-life events and the show eschews wacky characters and gimmicks.
“We all draw from real-life experiences as part of the writing process,” Dave explains. “It’s not improv, such as yelling ‘Tell us a funny job you might have.’ We’re not asking the audience to come on stage. The acting process is more about realistic reaction.”
“We are not doing characters. We are not putting on funny glasses or doing funny voices. We’re all just variations of ourselves. If the content is already funny, then you don’t need to act it in a funny way. Acting it as normally as possible is what is funny.”
“The title of the show is Code of Conduct because most of the scenes deal with some sort of societal norm or some kind of normal situation that somehow gets violated in each scene,” adds Heather McCullough. “It’s maybe somebody not going along with something, or somebody not behaving properly and they think it’s not a big deal.”
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“A lot of the themes we are drawing on are things that are awkward or embarrassing or shameful,” Dave continues. “Things that happened to us and we couldn’t retaliate at the moment, but now we are able to live out that fantasy of what we could say to those people if we could go back.”
“A lot of my scenes are about really awkward dating mishaps, and miscommunication of who I am as a person,” Rebecca Bloom says. “When I’m doing comedy, I speak a lot about myself to make other people laugh, but in this environment I wanted to put it out to the audience to see if it works.”
“I’m a mother of two little kids and this is my way back into theatre after a break,” says Miranda Warren. “It’s always cool to come in and feel the energy of other people and get into someone else’s mindset.”
The show’s title is “Code of Conduct” because most of the sketches deal with a societal norm that gets violated in some way, such as dating mishaps. (Poster: Lindsay Little Theatre)
Working together for six weeks, the four performers’ process for creating the sketches was not only taking inspiration from real life but, most importantly, not trying to be funny.
“Dave keeps telling us not to be funny,” Miranda points out.
“What I’ve asked everyone to do is to not watch comedies, so you can be more aware of the humour around you,” Dave explains. “I find that people who don’t try to be funny are the funniest people.”
“The biggest thing we’ve taken from this is don’t try to be funny,” Heather agrees. “Just do whatever and don’t try to be funny. Don’t even think about being funny. Sometimes it feels like we’re not doing anything, which in itself becomes funny, but scary at the same time.”
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“It’s freeing and risky all at the same time,” Heather continues. “You get to live outside the box and try something crazy and off the wall, but it’s also terrifying because you don’t know if it’s going to connect with the audience. Every time we come on stage there is a real risk to that, but there is also this cool kind of freedom to make it up on the spot between the four of us.”
“The amount of preparation that we collectively put into shows, for a character or a scene or emotional depth as actors, is the complete opposite for this show,” Rebecca notes. “I think that’s the scary part. We are just trusting ourselves and our humour and hope it gets out to the audience.”
So is it funny?
I’ll admit that I’m traditionally a hard sell, because comedy is generally not my favourite genre. However, in the two sketches the group showed me, I was delighted by the offbeat nature of the sketches. As promised, they don’t rely on wacky characters or zany hijinks.
Instead the comedy is subtle, clever, and uncomfortable. Dark yet relatable situations are combined with the natural chemistry between the performers, creating something original and engaging to watch.
Oh … and I laughed until my face hurt.
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“Laughter is such an important thing in life, and while going through this process I’ve laughed more than I’ve laughed in a long time,” says Heather. “I mean belly laughing, tears-running-down-your-face kind of laughter, and it feels so good to do that. So I hope that contagious laughter is what the audience will experience.”
Come laugh your own face off at Code of Conduct: A Sketch Comedy Revue which runs at Lindsay Little Theatre (55 George St. W., Lindsay) on Friday, June 14th and Saturday, June 15th and on Friday, June 21st and Saturday, June 22nd. Performances starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $10 at the door.
Local collectors will display some of the oldest antique tractors and steam engines around at the 23rd annual Father's Day Smoke & Steam Show, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 16, 2019 at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene. (Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village Museum)
Celebrate Father’s Day by taking dad to the Smoke & Steam Show at Lang Pioneer Village Museum (104 Lang Road, Keene).
The 23rd annual event, which kicks off the museum’s 2019 summer season, takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 16th.
A tradition in Peterborough County, the Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show is the largest of its kind in the Kawarthas.
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Local collectors will display some of the oldest antique tractors and steam engines around as they compete for over 20 awards, including Best Unique Exhibit, Best Display, and Lang Pioneer Village’s Choice Award.
The tractor games, including lawn tractor races, begin at 12 p.m. Tractors try to balance on a tilted platform as fast as possible, or manoeuvre through an obstacle course while balancing a tin can on a stick.
You can also view displays of smoke and steam collectibles, hit and miss engines, antique tool collections, and more.
Antique tractors on display at the 2018 Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show. (Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village Museum / Facebook)
In the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building, demonstrators and visitors can enjoy a pancake breakfast served until 11 a.m. while supplies last (three pancakes for $5, with syrup on the side).
You and dad can hop on board a tractor and wagon ride and tour the historic village in style, learning about the many ways power was generated in the 19th century.
You can visit the Shingle Mill in full operation, powered by volunteers and antique engines, or discover the power of air and heat at the Blacksmith Shop. Learn about steam and horse power at the South Lake School House, and see natural dyeing demonstrations at the Fife Cabin and Jacquard loom demonstrations in the Jacquard Loom Interpretive Centre.
You can also enjoy live music by Al Kirby and Howard Baer on the Weaver Shop porch, and the Lang Traditional Museum Club will also be performing throughout the day.
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If dad could use a shave, treat him to an old-fashioned one by the barber in the Keene Hotel Bar Room. The cost is $24 for a hot shave or $15 for a regular shave. For the kids, a mock shave is available for $5.
The Lang Snack Shop will be open throughout the day serving refreshments, snacks, and Kawartha Dairy ice cream, or visitors can enjoy fresh fries or poutine served by Reggie’s Hot Grill. The day will conclude with a huge tractor parade through the village beginning at 3:15 p.m.
Mirk the border collie waits for the sheep to arrive at Lang Pioneer Village in Keene. A sheep herding demonstration is just one of the many events during the Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show on June 16, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village Museum / Facebook)
There will also be sheep herding demonstrations, including sheep visiting from Shepherd’s Hill Farm and Mirk the border collie.
The cost for admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, $7 for children and youth ages 5 to 14, and $40 for a family (two adults and up to four children and youth). Admission is free for children under five.
With the Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show, Lang Pioneer Village Museum will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Monday, September 2nd (Labour Day).
There’s lots to see and do for dad and the entire family at the 23rd annual Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show at Lang Pioneer Village in Keene on June 16, 2019. (Graphic courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village Museum / Facebook)
In 2019, Kim Blackwell is marking 25 years at 4th Line Theatre in Millbrook. The theatre's managing artistic director since 2014, Blackwell is pictured here at Winslow Farm in a photo for Heather Doughty's Inspire: The Women's Portrait Project. (Photo: Heather Doughty)
This year, Kim Blackwell is marking her 25th year at 4th Line Theatre in Millbrook.
The managing artistic director has played an integral role in the development of the outdoor theatre company for more than two decades.
Born in Toronto and raised in Peterborough, Blackwell was involved in the local theatre community from a very young age. It was while performing in a play in 1992 at the former artist-run The Union Theatre in Peterborough when she first heard about Robert Winslow — one of The Union’s founding members — staging The Cavan Blazers at his farm in Millbrook. She began working with 4th Line Theatre two years later.
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“She is a force of creative energy,” says Winslow, the founder of 4th Line Theatre and its creative director. “Kim has given a quarter of a century to 4th Line Theatre and I thank her from the bottom of my heart for her significant contributions.”
In 2001, Winslow made Blackwell an artistic associate at the theatre and she soon directed her first production at 4th Line, 2002’s Gimme That Prime Time Religion, following it up the next year with Ryan Kerr’s Attrition. In 2014, she was appointed the theatre’s managing artistic director by Winslow and the theatre’s board of directors.
Kim Blackwell became 4th Line Theatre’s managing artistic director in 2014. (Photo: 4th Line Theatre)
During her career at 4th Line, Blackwell was nominated for the John Hirsch Award for Directing Excellence in 2009 (Canada Council) and in 2014 (Ontario Arts Council). She was the winner of a 2013 KETS Award for “People Who Rock Our World.” She was the only Canadian invited to train with Felix Barrett, the renowned artistic director of Punchdrunk (Sleep No More) in his immersive and promenade theatre style.
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Blackwell was inducted into Peterborough’s Pathway of Fame in September 2016.
“As a director, Kim Blackwell manages to pull the seemingly impossible together,” says actor Linda Kash. “Braving the natural elements, leading an enormous cast with a wide spectrum of experience, demanding professionalism and, all the while, maintaining a great sense of humour. She not only helps to tell meaningful, original and local stories, but also makes the experience of the telling itself meaningful.”
“She is a dedicated and driven theatre-maker, passionate about her work, the work of the artists she develops and the Canadian theatre scene in general,” says playwright Alex Poch-Goldin. “Kim’s leadership as artistic director and a director at 4th Line has galvanized it into an essential and iconic institution, unique in the Canadian landscape, where history comes to life and reflects contemporary issues.”
Renowned playwright Judith Thompson, whose ground-breaking play Who Killed Snow White? at 4th Line last summer was directed by Blackwell, agrees.
“She is one of the major voices in Canadian theatre,” Thompson says. “Her work at 4th Line as artistic director is brilliant, fully respecting 4th Line traditions while helping the theatre to grow creatively and reach wider audiences. As a playwright with 35 years experience, I can say that this was my finest experience with a director. She has a profound understanding of the space, the professional actors and the volunteers and most importantly the play. Kim is a woman of strong convictions and her principles shine through in every work she directs.”
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During her time at 4th Line Theatre, Blackwell has directed 16 productions including seven world premieres. This year, she is directing the first show of 4th Line’s summer season: the world premiere of Beau Dixon’s Bloom: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fable.
Kim Blackell (centre) directing during the first day of rehearsals for Beau Dixon’s “Bloom: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fable”, which premieres at Winslow Farm in Millbrook on July 4, 2019. (Photo courtesy of 4th Line Theatre)
“With her guidance, patience and determination, Kim helped cultivate my craft and gave me a safe platform to explore and grow as an artist,” says Dixon, who is a well-known musician, actor, and playwright. “As a director, she’s fearless, articulate and insightful. She is a fierce leader with relentless passion for producing provocative Canadian theatre.”
Bloom: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fable opens at the Winslow Farm in Millbrook on Thursday, July 4th. Tickets, gift certificates, and picnics for 4th Line Theatre productions can be purchased by phone at 705-932-4445, online at 4thlinetheatre.on.ca, or at 4th Line Theatre’s Box Office at 4 Tupper Street, in Millbrook or its ticket outlet at the Peterborough Museum and Archives at 300 Hunter Street East, Museum Drive in Peterborough.
Tora Bistro has brought authentic Japanese ramen to downtown Peterborough, including their popular Tonkotsu ramen that featues a broth simmered for 12 hours. (Photo: Madeline Gingrass)
This month, food writer Eva Fisher checks in at two new local restaurants: a new ramen hotspot and a lakeside patio paradise. She also samples some of Haliburton’s best cuisine at the upcoming Haliburton Highlands Food and Beverage Showcase, and follows the aroma of freshly brewed coffee to the Edison Espresso and Pastry Bar.
Now you can get authentic Japanese ramen in downtown Peterborough
Tora Bistro in downtown Peterborough opened its doors in May of 2019. (Photo: Madeline Gingrass)
There’s a new restaurant in downtown Peterborough. Tora Bistro (172 Charlotte St, Peterborough, 705-876-7559) opened in mid May, and their menu features a variety of cuisine including Japanese ramen and sushi, Korean food, and Indian food.
Tora Bistro is owned by Jiman Kim, who also owns sister restaurant Madoi Sushi. Manager Madeline Gingrass says that the decision to put ramen on the menu came from the staff’s own passion for the dish.
“The owner and the (Madoi Sushi) kitchen staff would go to Toronto every weekend after work to get ramen. After a while they decided, ‘We’re tired of going to Toronto, we’re going to do it here.'”
The most popular ramen on the menu thus far is the Tonkotsu ramen. The chefs simmer pork bones for 12 hours to get a thick, rich broth.
“It has to be 12 hours, nothing less,” Madeline asserts. “We’ve actually sold out a couple of times. If it’s not 12 hours, we’re not going to be serving it.”
The Tonkotsu ramen is topped with fried pork belly, vegetables, and an egg.
Tora Bistro offers a variety of Japanese, Korean, and Indian food, but so far the ramen has been the most popular item. (Photo: Madeline Gingrass)
Madeline also suggests trying the vegetable creamy ramen, which is their vegan option. It has a shitake mushroom broth with vegan soba noodles and pan-fried vegetables.
From the Korean menu try the bibimbap, a rice dish with meat and vegetables served in a stone bowl.
“The whole thing comes out still cooking, which is exciting.”
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Sashimi fans will want to try the raw fish bibimbap. On the Indian menu the butter chicken is a standout.
Madeline says that the biggest surprise for her during the first weeks of Tora Bistro has been Peterborough’s hunger for ramen.
“Most of the people coming in, when I ask them what brought them in, say the ramen. They always say this is the one thing Peterborough was missing.”
Lock 27 Tap and Grill now open on Clear Lake
Lock 27 Tap and Grill opened this spring in Young’s Point. (Photo: Lock 27 Tap and Grill)
Lock 27 Tap and Grill (2824 River Ave, Young’s Point, 705-652-6000), located on the shores of Clear Lake, opened on May 9th.
Owner Korina Schonberg and her husband Allan Nelson previously owned Sin City and the Tankhouse.
“We’ve come with lots of experience,” she says.
Lock 27 Tap and Grill is a seasonal business, and the location is known for its spectacular patio.
“The view of Clear Lake is just breathtaking.”
Patio perfect, Lock 27 Tap and Grill has a breathtaking view of Clear Lake. (Photo: Lock 27 Tap and Grill)
The restaurant is open seven days a week, with breakfast served on weekends. Breakfast will also be offered throughout the week, beginning later this month.
The menu is pub style, with specials throughout the week. Korina’s favourite menu item is the reuben, but she also recommends coming for Wing Wednesday and Fish Friday.
Those looking for lighter fare may want to try the Power Bowl Salad with rice, black beans, tomato, cucumber, cilantro and a house dressing. There’s also a loaded burger menu, which includes the plant-based Beyond Meat burger.
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The space will be animated with live music, games, and even a paint night. You can stay up to date with all of the events being offered at Lock 27 on their Facebook page.
“We’re really trying to get some different things going, so the people in Young’s Point will have something new to do in the summertime.”
For Korina, connecting with people is the best part of the business.
“That’s what I actually miss. We’ve been out of the business for two and a half years and I really miss it.”
Haliburton Highlands Food and Beverage Showcase features the best of Haliburton cuisine for a good cause
Guests at the Haliburton Highlands Food and Beverage Showcase on June 15, 2019 can sample food from 35 local vendors. (Photo: Haliburton Highlands Food and Beverage Showcase)
On Saturday, June 15th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 35 vendors will showcase the best in Haliburton Highlands food and beverage at the 6th annual Haliburton Highlands Food and Beverage Showcase.
Chairperson Diane Dawson says that this event is a great opportunity to taste some of what Haliburton has to offer.
“Culinary is one of the pillars of our tourism in Haliburton County.”
The event takes place at Wintergreen Maple Products (3325 Gelert Rd, Minden, 705-286-3202), an event venue with a century barn and a 120-acre sugar bush. Wintergreen Maple Products makes a line of preserves, which will of course be available to try at the showcase. They will also make tourtiere, pulled pork, roast beef, maple baked beans, pork tenderloin, and more.
Other vendors include Highland Coffee, Abbey Gardens, Highlands Brewery, Boshkung Brewery, Into the Blue Pizza, Raisin the Root, and more. Diane says that pizza, locally brewed beer, salad, charcuterie, ice cream and baking will all be on offer. There will even be a wild edibles plant walk.
The Haliburton Highlands Food and Beverage Showcase is attended by hundreds of people each year. The money raised from the event benefits local and international charities. (Photo: Haliburton Highlands Food and Beverage Showcase)
The event is a fundraiser, with proceeds going to global charity H.A.V.E. (Help a Village Effort) and a rotating local charity. This year’s recipient is Plaid for Dads, which raises money for prostate cancer research. Historically, the event raises approximately $5,000 for charity every year.
Diane points out that the event is an opportunity to support charity while getting to know Haliburton’s expansive food scene.
“Everybody loves to eat, and Haliburton county has an incredible culinary scene. Our county’s pretty large, and here you can get it all in one spot.”
The cost to attend the Haliburton Highlands Food and Beverage Showcase is $20 per person or $50 per family. Look for more information at at www.highlandsfoodfest.com.
The Edison Espresso and Pastry Bar becomes home base for coffee entrepreneur Lindsay Brock
The Edison Espresso and Pastry Bar, located in the lobby of the VentureNorth building in downtown Peterborough is now the main focus for food entrepreneur Lindsay Brock (right). She opened The Edison in August 2018 and demand from tenants in the building as well as neighbouring buildings has continued to grow. (Photo: The Edison Espresso and Pastry Bar)
As of May 31st, coffee entrepreneur Lindsay Brock has shut the doors on her French-inspired coffee shop Amusé Coffee Co. to focus her efforts on The Edison Espresso and Pastry Bar (270 George St. N., Peterborough), her operation in the lobby of the VentureNorth building in downtown Peterborough.
Lindsay explains: “Several factors motivated the move but in short, I realized that growth isn’t always linear, and doing less with more focus is much more sustainable.”
Community support has been strong since The Edison opened in August of 2018 at VentureNorth, which is the home of several of the area’s economic development organizations as well as startups.
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“Even with very limited offerings early on and operating only two days a week, the support from in the building and even neighbouring offices started pouring in,” she explains. “We started to get regular requests to cater coffee services for board meetings and events in the building as well.”
It was clear to Lindsay that the location could support a more permanent operation.
“This gave us the confidence to pursue a longer-term operation, complete with a kiosk and espresso bar.”
The Edison Espresso and Pastry Bar offers a pared-down version of Amusé Coffee Co’s menu, including their popular madeleines. (Photo: The Edison Espresso and Pastry Bar)
While the menu at The Edison is somewhat reduced from what was offered at Amusé Coffee Co, the most popular items from the menu are still available.
“We’re keeping a classic beverage menu while keeping it fun and light hearted with creative seasonal favourites. We pared down our food offering to our most popular items, including croissants and Madeleines, a signature French tea cookie. Nice little fresh salads are on the agenda as well.”
But why is it called the Edison? Lindsay explains that the name is a nod to Peterborough’s history of innovation, a perfect fit for their home in VentureNorth.
“Our logo and brand evolution is a bit of a homage to the original Edison General Electric and its role and significance to Peterborough, or as we all affectionately know it, ‘The Electric City.’ VentureNorth is home to many business resources, our tourism and visitors’ centre, and the Innovation Cluster which is an idea hub buzzing with energy … and so we give you The Edison.”
Husband and wife team Tash and Conner Clarkin of Electric City Vegan have taken over the lease at the location that housed Amusé Coffee Co, and according to their Facebook page, they expect to open a new restaurant there in July.
Rhino, one of several sexual enhancement supplements sold by Forbidden Pleasures in Peterborough that have been seized by Health Canada. Products with similar packaging were tested and found to contain aminotadalafil, a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. (Photo: CNW Group / Health Canada)
Health Canada has seized a number of sexual enhancement supplements from Forbidden Pleasures retail locations in Peterborough and Oshawa as they may pose serious health risks.
The seized products are labelled Jaguar 30000, Kangaroo, Master Zone 1500, ResERECTION!, Rhino, Stiff Nights, Super Panther 7K, Triple Green, VIP Go Rhino Gold 69K, and VIP Go Rhino Gold 69K.
The products were being sold at Forbidden Pleasures retail locations at 91 George St. N. in Peterborough, 871 Chemong Rd. in Peterborough, and 1268 Simcoe St. N. in Oshawa.
ResERECTION, one of several sexual enhancement supplements sold by Forbidden Pleasures in Peterborough that have been seized by Health Canada. Products with similar packaging were tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil, prescription drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction. (Photo: CNW Group / Health Canada)
Health Canada advises that previously seized products with similar packaging were found to contains sildenafil, tadalafil, or yohimbine. All three are prescription drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction that should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional.
If you have purchased any of these products, Health Canada advises to stop using them and to consult your health care professional if you have health concerns.
Both the Peterborough Police Service and the City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service are reminding residents to “lock it or lose it” as incidents of thefts from unlocked vehicles are on the rise in the Kawarthas.
So far in June in Peterborough, thefts from vehicles have taken place in areas including Clonsilla Avenue, Charlotte Street, London Street, Rink Street, and Adeline Street. Items stolen include loose change, sunglasses, and cigarettes.
In Kawartha Lakes, several Lindsay-area residents have contacted police to report the theft of property from their vehicles.
Here are some tips to help safeguard your property:
Police will sometimes leave a notice on your windshield if you have left your parked vehicle accessible to thieves. (Photo: City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service)
Before leaving your vehicle, ensure all doors are locked and all windows are rolled up.
Remove keys when you park; never leave your vehicle running unattended.
Never leave money (even loose change), shopping bags, parcels, or other valuables in plain sight on your seats, dashboard, or floor. Either take them with you, hide them, or lock them in the trunk.
Don’t leave personal identification, credit cards, vehicle registration, or insurance slips in your vehicle.
Park in well-lit areas. If you park in a driveway or carport, leave an outside light on during the night or install a motion-detecting light.
If you don’t already have one, consider installing an alarm or anti-theft device in your vehicle.
If you see any suspicious activity in your neighbourhood, contact the Peterborough Police Service at 705-876-1122 or the City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service at 705-324-5252.
From June 13 to August 30, 2019, 27 participating retail shops in downtown Peterborough will remain open unti 8 p.m. every Thursday and Friday evening. Look for the 'Open Late 'Til Eight" sticker in the window of your favourite downtown store. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
Beginning on Thursday, June 13th and continuing until the end of August, many retail businesses in downtown Peterborough will be open until 8 p.m. every Thursday and Friday evening.
“Open Late ‘Til Eight” is an initiative of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) as a coordinated effort to make it more convenient for people to shop downtown, especially after work.
The many restaurants of downtown Peterborough are already open in the evenings, so “Open Late ‘Til Eight” provides people with the flexibility to combine dining and shopping while they are downtown.
Parking is free in downtown Peterborough after 6 p.m., so you can spend a leisurely evening browsing the shops of downtown Peterborough before (or after) enjoying a meal.
Look for the “Open Late ‘Til Eight” sticker in the window of your favourite downtown Peterborough retailer. (Graphic courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
There are 27 participating businesses (look for the “Open Late ‘Til Eight” sticker in their windows):
Bluestreak Records
Charlotte’s Web
Cottage Toys
Dodrio
Flavour
Grey Guardian Games
Hi Ho Silver
Iceman Games
John Roberts Clothiers
K & C Costumes
Lift Lock Escape
META4 Gallery
Minh’s Chinese Grocery
Next Level Mobile
Pipe Dreamz
Providence
Ritual Apothecary
Runner’s Life
Running Room
SOS – Save Our Soles
The Peace Pipe
The Toy Shop
Tiny Green
Tribal Voices
Under One Sun
You’re Welcome
Zap Records
You can also use this map to locate the participating retailers (street addresses and phone numbers are included for each retailer):
To celebrate the launch of “Open Late ‘Til Eight”, the Peterborough DBIA is planning an evening of music and performance from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 20th.
For live music, Ace and the Kid will be playing next to the Flavour Fashion on George Street, and both Washboard Hank and Catfish Willie will be roaming around George Street between Brock and Charlotte serenading shoppers.
In addition, Trellis Arts & Entertainment will be performing ambient dances from 6 to 6:15 p.m. on George Street between Brock and Hunter, from 6:30 to 6:45 p.m. on Charlotte Street between George and Louise, from 7 to 7:15 p.m. on Hunter Street West between George and Aylmer, and from 7:30 to 7:30 p.m. on George Street between Simcoe and Hunter.
For more information about everything happening in downtown Peterborough this summer, visit downtownptbo.ca. You can also follow Downtown Peterborough on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
This story was created in partnership with the Peterborough DBIA.
Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien celebrates the unveiling of AVIT Manufacturing, the new name and brand of Peterborough custom machinery company Steelworks Design, as company co-founders Rhonda and Don Barnet look on, during a media conference and open house on June 6, 2019 at the company's offices at 1961 Fisher Drive in Peterborough. (Photo: AVIT Manufacturing)
businessNOW™ is the most comprehensive weekly round-up of business and organizational news and events from Peterborough and across the Kawarthas.
This week’s column features Steelworks Design of Peterborough rebranding as AVIT Manufacturing, the United Way Peterborough & District announcing its 2019 campaign cabinet team, the federal government providing funding for employers in agriculture sector to hire youth, the Municipality of Port Hope launching Digital Main Street, and the City of Peterborough naming Mr. Lube as the new sponsor of the Kinsmen Civic Centre east pad.
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.
Also featured this week is the opening of applications for the Lindsay C.H.E.S.T. Fund, Michael Tai joining Lett Architects Inc. in Peterborough, Mathew Renda joining Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. as its new general manager, the Peterborough Yoga Festival donating a portion of proceeds from this year’s festival to Alternatives Community Program Services, and Mama Milisa’s Kitchen opening in Keene.
New regional events added this week include the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre hosting a marketing and sales workshop in Peterborough on June 20th and a business planning workshop on June 25th, Community Futures Peterborough holding its annual general meeting in Peterborough on June 27th (including an announcement of the ignite100 entrepreneurial competition winner), Hospice Peterborough holding its annual general meeting in Peterborough on June 27th, and the Summer Company Staples Day in Peterborough on July 10th.
Steelworks Design of Peterborough rebrands as AVIT Manufacturing
Dennis Darby, president and CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, speaks at the open house and rebranding of Steelworks Design as AVIT Manufacturing on June 6, 2019 at the company’s facility at 1961 Fisher Drive in Peterborough, as company co-founders Rhonda and Don Barnet look on. (Photo: AVIT Manufacturing)
Peterborough custom machinery company Steelworks Design announced a major rebranding as AVIT Manufacturing during a media conference and open house last Thursday (June 6) at the company’s facility at 1961 Fisher Drive in Peterborough.
The company provides integrated technology for the automotive, wood processing, and energy industries, with automated fastening systems, automated assembly systems, lifting systems, engineering services, and product service and maintenance.
The rebranding Steelworks Design to AVIT Manufacturing better reflects that nature of the company’s product and service offerings and better positions the company to expand further into the global automation marketplace.
The company worked with marketing agency Mega Experience over the past year to develop the new branding. The company’s website and social media accounts will be adjusted to reflect the new brand.
VIDEO: Steelworks Design announces major rebranding as AVIT Manufacturing
AVIT Manufacturing was founded in 2002 by Don and Rhonda Barnet as Steelworks Design. The company currently employs 23 skilled trades and engineers — with a focus on advancing women in manufacturing and skilled trades — and plans to double its operations in the next three years.
Some of its clients include General Electric, BWXT, Siemens, Honda, NEFAB, MasterBrand, Peterborough Utilities, Andritz Hydro, and Coca-Cola.
United Way Peterborough & District announces 2019 campaign cabinet team
United Way Peterborough & District has announced its 2019 campaign cabinet team. (Photo: United Way Peterborough & District)
Last Thursday (June 6), the United Way Peterborough & District announced the members of its 2019 campaign cabinet team.
The members are David Goyette (campaign chair, government relations and communications), Jeff Leal (donor engagement), Heather Stelzer (donor engagement), Marcus Harvey (labour sector), Dave Haacke (real estate and developer sectors), Ron Kronstein (corporations sector), Darcy Bonner (leadership and commercial sectors), Tammy Williams (legal sector), Heather Watson (communications), Brittany Cadence (communications), Paul Rellinger (communications and events), Donna Clarke (communications and events), Victoria Pearce (communications and events), Lisa Marinzel (partner agency sector), Correen Day (partner agency sector), and Larry Gillman (event sponsorship).
Members of the team will assist with key decision making around campaign strategies, making phone calls to donors, visiting workplaces, and organizing events.
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Federal government provides funding for employers in agriculture sector to hire youth
Peterborough-Kawartha Maryam Monsef is encouraging local employers to apply to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s new $3.75-million Youth Employment and Skills (YES) Program.
The new program provides funding to employers across the agriculture sector to hire Canadian youth ages 15 to 30. In particular, the program is focused on youth facing barriers to entering or staying in the workforce, to explore employment in the agriculture and agri-food sector, and to better prepare themselves for the labour market.
The program will provide 50 per cent of funds, up to $14,000, towards costs associated with hiring youth. For not-for-profit organizations and applicants who hire Indigenous youth or youth facing barriers, the program will provide 80 per cent of total eligible costs, up to $14,000.
Those who hire youth facing barriers may be eligible to receive an additional $5,000 to cover extra costs associated with hiring and supporting them.
Municipality of Port Hope launches Digital Main Street
Digital Main Street is a free program for businesses in the Heritage Business Improvement Area of Port Hope. (Graphic: Municipality of Port Hope)
At the end of May, the Municipality of Port Hope launched its Digital Main Street Service Squad program in partnership with the Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce and the Heritage Business Improvement Area (BIA0.
Funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association, the program helps small businesses advance their use of digital tools and techniques to improve their online marketing and promotions.
Port Hope received a $10,000 Digital Main Street Grant to establish a Digital Service Squad to help small businesses in the Heritage BIA.
The squad consists of local individuals with specialized skills who will assist businesses, at no cost, to set up initiatives like a Google’s My Business, adopt new digital technologies from e-commerce and social media to back-office systems such as payroll and inventory, conduct a digital-readiness assessment, and apply for a $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant to help them adopt new digital technologies.
The same program is already running in downtown Peterborough.
Businesses in Port Hope’s Heritage BIA that would like to access the Digital Service Squad or apply for a $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant can contact Elizabeth Edwards at eedwards@porthope.ca for more information.
City of Peterborough names Mr. Lube as new sponsor of Kinsmen Civic Centre east pad
Last Thursday (June 6), the City of Peterborough announced a naming rights sponsorship with automotive service provider Mr. Lube on the east pad at the Kinsmen Civic Centre (1 Kinsmen Way, Peterborough).
The ice pad will be known as “Mr. Lube Pad” and will also feature new branding.
The sponsorship agreement is in effect for the next five years.
The locally owned and operated franchise of the Canadian chain of automotive centres specializing in oil changes and other scheduled maintenance is located at 708 Lansdowne Street West in Peterborough.
Lindsay C.H.E.S.T. funding applications now available
The City of Kawartha Lakes is now accepting applications for the 2020 Lindsay C.H.E.S.T. Fund.
The Legacy C.H.E.S.T. Fund provides financial assistance to non-profit, community-based organizations that provide programs, projects, or activities that enhance the quality of life for residents in the areas of health, arts, culture, leisure, heritage, education, and the environment.
Last year, more than $375,000 was awarded to Legacy C.H.E.S.T. Fund grant recipients, including the Rotary Club of Lindsay to build a pavilion in Elgin Park and the Bobcaygeon Music Council to fund a summer music camp.
Michael Tai joins Lett Architects Inc. in Peterborough
Michael Tai. (Photo: Lett Architects Inc.)
Michael Tai has joined Lett Architects Inc. (138 Simcoe St., Peterborough) as a junior technologist.
He was hired in May 2019 after graduating from Centennial College with an advanced diploma in architectural technology.
Passionate about the field of building science and an advocate of sustainable design and green practices, Tai is using his past experiences with 3D modelling and in the construction trades to contribute to the Lett Architects team through building information modelling design and drafting.
Mathew Renda joins Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. as general manager
Mathew Renda. (Photo: Fenelon Falls Brewing Co.)
Mathew Renda has joined Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. (4 May Street, Fenelon Falls) as the craft brewery’s new general manager.
Renda, who founded the beer blog The Bottomless Pint, brings “a wealth of beer knowledge and a true passion for this industry” according to the Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. website.
In other news, Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. has finished installing its new brewhouse tanks and 15-barrel system and is another step closer to opening.
No firm opening date has been set yet, but the company says it is working hard to open soon.
Peterborough Yoga Festival to donate proceeds to Alternatives Community Program Services
The Peterborough Yoga Festival, which takes place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 22nd at Del Crary Park, has announced Alternatives Community Program Services will receive a portion of proceeds raised at this year’s festival.
Alternatives Community Program Services provides opportunities for learning and skill development in the areas of employment, volunteerism, recreation, and community connections for people living with developmental disabilities and other exceptionalities in the city and county of Peterborough.
“Alternatives promotes health, wellness and community connectedness for all, aligning well with the Peterborough Yoga Festival’s vision,” states Alternatives Community Program Services in a media release. “The proceeds will provide opportunities for people living with challenges to enjoy the benefits of yoga in our newly renovated and fully accessible space.”
The not-for-profit Peterborough Yoga Festival gives back all of its proceeds from ticket sales back to the community. As well as Alternatives Community Program Services, the proceeds from this year’s festival will go to United Way of Peterborough & District and Nanhi Dunya, an international non-governmental organization that supports children.
Mama Milisa’s Kitchen opens in Keene
Mama Milisa’s Kitchen in Keene. (Photo: Mama Milisa’s Kitchen / Facebook)
Mama Milisa’s Kitchen is a new family-owned restaurant in Keene that opened at the end of May in the former location of Peachy Keene Café, which closed in November 2018,
The new restaurant is owned and operated by Milisa Hele with the help of her daughter Myka Wilson.
“When looking at places to open a restaurant, Keene was one of the towns that caught our eye the most,” the family writes on Facebook “Our family is from the county. We have always been a small-town country family. When we moved to Peterborough we missed the small town vibe a lot; when coming here it felt like home again. Driving to Keene, we realized that it did not have a family restaurant so we thought it would be a huge opportunity for us.”
Located at 3265 Highway 2 in Keene, Mama Milisa’s Kitchen offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner — including pizza — and delivers. The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays).
Business Advisory Centre presents new venture session in Peterborough on June 11
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s Business Advisory Centre is presenting “New Venture Session” from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11th in the lower-level boardroom at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
The session will cover the foundations of starting and running a business, resources and programs available to entrepreneurs in Peterborough & the Kawarthas, how to work with the Business Advisory Centre, building a plan of action for your business, and completing the start-up checklist.
Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism hosts annual partner meeting in Keene on June 18
Dr. Nancy Arsenault, co-founder of the Tourism Cafe in British Columbia and an expert on experiential travel, is the guest speaker at the Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism partner meeting on June 18, 2019. (Promotional photo)
Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism is hosting its annual partner meeting from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18th at Elmhirst’s Resort (1045 Settlers Line, Keene).
Open to active Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism partners whose tourism businesses reside within the region, the meeting provides the opportunity to meet board members, staff, ministry representatives and advisors, and to network with other tourism operators.
Dr. Nancy Arsenault, co-founder of the Tourism Cafe in British Columbia and an expert on experiential travel, will be the guest speaker.
Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre holds annual general meeting in Cobourg on June 18
Northumberland’s Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre is holding its annual general meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18th in the Rotary Room at Cobourg Public Library (200 Ontario St., Cobourg).
Among other business, Dr. Mavis Morton of the University of Guelph will be presenting a final report on prevention best practices that she can her fourth-year Violence and Society class have prepared for Cornerstone.
Refreshments are at 6 p.m. followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
If you plan on attending, please RSVP by emailing ghuth@cornerstonenorthumberland.ca by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11th.
Artspace holds its annual general meeting in Peterborough on June 18
Artspace’s annual general meeting takes place on June 18, 2019. (Photo: Matthew Hayes)
Artspace is holding its annual general meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18th in the main gallery at Artspace (378 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough).
The agenda will include a review of the previous year’s operations, including highlights from exhibitions and programming, as well as a presentation of the centre’s audited financial statements.
Artspace will also seek nominations for new members for its board of directors. While Artspace encourages all members of the public to attend, only members in good standing are eligible to participate in voting and run for a position on the board.
The meeting will be held in a physically accessible space.
Peterborough DBIA breakfast network with Stacey Brandon and Nicholas Brandon in Peterborough on June 19
Stacey Brandon and Nicholas Brandon of RBC are the guest speakers at the Peterborough DBIA’s Breakfast Network on June 19, 2019. (Supplied photos)
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is hosting its next breakfast network meeting from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 19th at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
Guest speakers Stacey Brandon and Nicholas Brandon of RBC will talk about succession planning for small businesses.
Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with the guest speakers at 8 a.m.
The event is open to everyone. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation holds its annual general meeting in Lindsay on June 19
Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation will hold its annual general meeting on Wednesday, June 19th.
The meeting takes place at 4 p.m. in the Victoria Room at City of Kawartha Lakes City Hall (26 Francis St., Lindsay).
Peer lending for women information sessions in Peterborough and Buckhorn on June 19 and 20
Paro Centre For Women’s Enterprise, a not-for-profit social enterprise, is hosting two information sessions in June on its peer lending circles, a micro-finance program for women.
Peer lending circles are small groups of like-minded women who meet regularly to share their experiences, offer advice to each other, and expand their individual and shared contact networks. Members also provide peer loans between $500 and $1,000.
The sessions take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19th at Tiny Greens (431 George St. N., Peterborough) and from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Lock Stop Cafe (1919 Lakehurst Rd., Buckhorn).
For more information, contact Pat at Community Futures Peterborough at pat@cfpeterborough.ca or 705-745-5434.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre hosts marketing and sales workshop in Peterborough on June 20
The Business Advisory Centre of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting “Marketing and Sales” from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 20th in the lower-level boardroom at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Part of the centre’s Business Fundamentals Workshop series, the session is designed to provide a robust structure so you can create your own marketing, sales, and customer relations strategy. It will cover the importance of customer segmenting and target market, what makes an effective online and offline marketing strategy, marketing tactics to consider and include in your strategy, online marketing tools, and acquiring clients and tracking customer interactions.
Kawartha Chamber hosts a Stoney Lake boat cruise on June 20
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism’s next Business After Hours event features boat cruise on Stoney Lake from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 22nd at Stoney Lake Cruises (610 Mount Julian – Viamede Rd., Woodview).
Participants will board at 4:30 p.m. and the cruise will happen from 5 to 7 p.m. (rain or shine).
Appetizers will be provided by Burleigh Falls Inn (email info@kawarthachamber.ca if you have any dietary restrictions).
United Way Peterborough holds annual general meeting in Peterborough on June 24
The United Way Peterborough is holding its annual general meeting from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 24th at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
The meeting will showcase the recipients of the 2019 Neighbourhood Fund, which provides small one-time grants to support informal groups of people who are working together to improve their neighbourhood or demographic community within the city and county of Peterborough.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre hosts business planning workshop in Peterborough on June 25
The Business Advisory Centre of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting “Business Planning” from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25th in the lower-level boardroom at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Part of the centre’s Business Fundamentals Workshop series, the session is designed to give you a strong foundation in business planning and to demonstrate the importance of a comprehensive business plan. The workshop will also share tools available for creating a business plan and top tips for creating a plan ready to share with banks and funding agencies to secure financing.
Peterborough DBIA holds its 2019 annual general meeting in Peterborough on June 26
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is holding its 2019 annual general meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26th in the Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
Networking begins at 5:30 p.m. with the meeting beginning at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting, although only DBIA members can vote.
Community Futures Peterborough holds annual general meeting in Peterborough on June 27
Community Futures Peterborough is holding its annual general meeting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 27th at the Peterborough Rugby Club (725 Armour Rd., Peterborough).
The event, which also features a community BBQ, will include the announcement of the winner of Community Futures Peterborough’s ignite100 entrepreneurial competition, from among the three finalists: Goodwin Metals, Cottage Toys, and Cambium Inc.
Hospice Peterborough holds annual general meeting in Peterborough on June 27
Hospice Peterborough is holding its annual general meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 27th at McDonnel Activity Centre (577 McDonnel St., Peterborough).
The meeting will be followed by a celebration of Hospice Peterborough’s volunteers.
Summer Company Staples Day in Peterborough on July 10
Summer Company Staples Day takes place in Peterborough on July 10, 2019. (Photo: Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre)
Students participating in the Summer Company program will be showcasing their businesses on Wednesday, July 10th at Staples Peterborough (109 Park St. S., Peterborough).
Ontario’s flagship youth entrepreneurship program, Summer Company provides students aged 15 to 29 an opportunity to open and operate their own business during summer break. Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre has partnered with the program since 2001.
The 2019 program is currently underway, with seven students at the high school and post-secondary levels getting ready to start their first business. Students are in the process of receiving a grant of $1,500 from the Ontario government to spend towards their start-up expenses.
Summer Company Staples Day not only provides students with the opportunity to showcase their businesses to the public, but provides them with experience in networking, advertisement, and communicating their brand to the community.
All are welcome to attend. More information will be provided closer to the date of the event.
For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath was joined by Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien on Monday morning (June 10) as she took questions from the media, following a 30-minute private discussion between the two politicians about the growing opioid crisis in the City of Peterborough that has seen an alarming increase in overdoses this year. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW)
Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath was in Peterborough Monday morning (June 10) to meet with Mayor Diane Therrien about the growing opioid crisis in the city.
To date this year, there have been 19 deaths resulting from opioid-related overdoses — more than the total for all of last year. On the weekend before last, there were 13 opioid-related overdoses with two of those overdoses resulting in death.
“It’s my understanding that Peterborough has the fourth largest number of deaths (from opioid-related overdoses) in Ontario … that is not acceptable,” said Horwath following a 30-minute private meeting with Mayor Therrien at City Hall.
“I heard from the mayor that this past weekend was similar. People and their loved ones are suffering and lives are being lost. This community is being impacted in a very, very serious way. No family should be in a situation where a loved one is being lost because of this crisis.”
Horwath took direct aim at the Ford government for what she termed inaction on the crisis. She noted the Province’s stated plan to reduce public health care funding and amalgamate health units “are steps in the opposite direction” of what needs to be done to meet the opioid crisis head on.
“My deepest wish is that this provincial government will stop dragging us backwards and start partnering with municipalities to help end the crisis,” she said.
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“What we need is a government that is listening to local communities, listening to local leadership, and listening to local public health units and understanding that they need support. They need a partner at the provincial level to help first responders on the front lines of trying to help with the crisis occurring here in Peterborough.”
Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien greeted Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath on Monday morning (June 10) on her arrival at City Hall. The two met privately for 30 minutes to discuss the growing opioid crisis, in particular an alarming rise in overdoses seen this year in Peterborough. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW)
Mayor Therrien indicated she has reached out to Peterborough MPP Dave Smith and they will be meeting to discuss the issue. As well, together with Selwyn Deputy-Mayor Sherry Senis, she is organizing a July 11th summit on the opioid crisis at Market Hall in downtown Peterborough.
According to both Horwath and Mayor Therrien, the stigma attached with opioid use isn’t helping their cause to see the crisis tackled by the broader community.
“It’s not just people you see on the streets that are affected by this crisis,” said Mayor Therrien. “Middle and upper class families that are dealing with this aren’t sharing that publicly. It’s something that is kept hidden. It is on every street across all neighbourhoods in our community.”
“When they recalled romaine lettuce a couple of months ago, if we had 19 people die from that and 132 people get ill, there would have been a rapid response call to action. The fact that we haven’t seen that despite the severity of this issue means we need to keep talking about it. I guarantee that one of your neighbours, one of your colleagues, has seen this unfold. We need to start sharing those stories so people feel comfortable talking about it.”
Horwath wholly agrees.
“A young person in high school goes to a party and decides for the first time that they’re going to try something … and they lose their life. That’s somebody’s grandchild. That’s somebody’s nephew. That’s somebody’s daughter or son. That’s the kid that works at the grocery store. These deaths and these overdoses impact everyone and they impact the spirit of a community. It has a very saddening effect on the community at large.”
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“I think it’s inaccurate for people to assume that somehow they’re beyond the reach of this crisis. The crisis is rapidly growing and that means even more people are going to be impacted.”
Following her meeting with Mayor Therrien, Horwath also met with Peterborough Public Health officials and first responders to continue the conversation.
“I’m here to listen; to hear what the public health professionals in your community think is important that I know,” she said.
“As professionals in the field, they not only have information that’s very detailed but also ideas and suggestions and recommendations to move forward. One of the things we tried to get the previous government and the current government to do is declare a public health emergency. That helps free up resources and create a sense of urgency.”
“Unfortunately the Liberals wouldn’t do that and it doesn’t look like the Conservatives are prepared to do that either, but we’re going to continue to fight to make that happen.”
“We don’t want this to become the norm where people just expect this kind of news (about opioid-related overdoses and deaths) each and every day. It’s important to keep highlighting the tragedies occurring in neighbourhoods and communities because that will help us to de-stigmatize (opioid) as well as create hope.”
Meanwhile, Ashburnham Ward councillors Gary Baldwin and Keith Riel will host a public meeting on the opioid crisis this Wednesday (June 12)at 7 p.m. at the Lions’ Community Centre (347 Burnham Street, Peterborough) in East City.
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Among those invited to take part in that gathering are Peterborough Police Service Deputy Chief Tim Farquharson and Peggy Shaughnessy, the founder of Whitepath Consulting and Counselling Services and its Redpath program that addresses the underlying issues that lead to addiction.
“This is a time for us to listen, learn and take actions as a community,” said councillors Baldwin and Riel in a joint statement. “This meeting provides another opportunity for people to engage on this critical matter for our community.”
That’s in line with what Mayor Therrien terms her “top priority.”
“We need to work together to make sure information gets out there,” she said.
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