Hosted by Cheryl Hickey, HGTV Canada's new feel-good home renovation series, tentatively called "Big Home Overhaul", will bring together HGTV's most talented designers and contractors to complete whole-home renovations for worthy homeowners. HGTV Canada has issued a casting call for the series, scheduled to premiere in spring 2020. (Photo: Richard Sibbald)
Do you know someone who deserves a major home makeover? Someone who is always giving to the community and asks for nothing in return, despite having gone through hard times?
HGTV Canada is looking for candidates for its new television series, tentatively called Big Home Overhaul, which will premiere in spring 2020.
Produced by Proper TV, the feel-good renovation show will see HGTV’s most talented contractors and designers work together to complete whole-home renovations for worthy homeowners.
The show will be hosted by Cheryl Hickey of ET Canada, who will bring together a different HGTV Canada celebrity contractor and designer in each episode to plan and execute the makeover, with the help of the homeowner’s family, friends, and members of the community.
Visit homerenohelp.com to nominate someone for the series (you can also nominate yourself).
You need to provide details about why the nominee deserves to be considered for the series, as well as information about the house to be renovated.
"We have such a great working relationship because we both view how we practice law the same way: it's about our clients." Lawyers Martha Sullivan and Scott McMichael of Sullivan Law Ptbo, a full-service law firm located at 195 Sherbrooke Street in Peterborough. (Photo: Samantha Moss / MossWorks)
Whether you have questions about buying and selling your home, writing your will, administering a loved one’s estate, or have issues impacting your family, Martha Sullivan and Scott McMichael are strong and compassionate legal advocates on your side.
The lawyers of Sullivan Law Ptbo have one primary objective: to work with and for individuals and families to ensure that they feel at ease and empowered throughout the entire process, says Martha, the firm’s founding partner.
“When someone walks through our door, they can ask the big or little questions that will help them — it is about them after all,” Martha says. “We want to meet with a client whenever they are ready with their questions to ease their process. I’ve learned that this comfort is how you grow a loyal clientele.”
Martha Sullivan earned her Bachelor of Laws in 2009; her call to the bar was the following year. After working with some of Ottawa’s well-respected law firms, she returned to Peterborough and started Sullivan Law Ptbo in 2017. Her experience and talents litigating, negotiating, and finding creative solutions led to her being empanelled with both the Family Responsibility Office and the Office of the Children’s Lawyer. (Photo: Sullivan Law Ptbo)
To be trusted and welcomed into people’s lives during a vulnerable or exciting time, she explains, is a privilege that she doesn’t take for granted.
“I take what I do and my responsibility very seriously, but I never take myself seriously. There’s no ego here at Sullivan Law Ptbo.”
Knowledge is power, Martha adds, and “clients can make better decisions when they feel comfortable and confident having all of the information.”
To facilitate this client-centered approach, Sullivan Law Ptbo has created checklists to help their real estate clients when buying or selling their homes, as well as an online calculator where their clients can estimate the costs of moving to a new home. This year, the firm will add similar tools in other areas.
Technology has significantly changed the manner in which Sullivan Law Ptbo communicates with and serves their clients — a major disruptor that is driving huge change in the traditional legal services arena, says Martha.
“Our use of technology allows our clients to become more active and involved throughout their matter and confident in their legal decisions,” she explains. “We also have a paperless office which enables our clients to review and edit documents online. Clients can also schedule appointments online and can be continually kept up-to-date through our online portal system.”
Martha notes that people should feel comfortable enough asking questions that relate to a lawyer’s expertise, experience, fees, special knowledge, and management of a case.
“It’s wonderful to help a client get through a process that they may have felt overwhelmed or intimidated by,” she says. “So the first thing we ask them is, ‘What are your questions for us?’ Being flexible in our approach and our ability to tailor our services is how we help clients most. We treat them as people, not as a case file.”
“Our goal is to help make challenging times better. Our team truly believes it and follows through on this daily.”
Sullivan Law Ptbo’s founding partner Martha Sullivan (right) won the 2018 Peterborough Business Excellence Awards in the Micro Business category last October. Here she is pictured with Julie Kellett from Darling Insurance who was the award sponsor. (Photo: Miranda Studios Photography)
This approach for Sullivan Law Ptbo continues to prove successful. It has earned them a reputation as a team of talented lawyers prepared to go the extra mile for its clients. It also earned the firm the 2018 Peterborough Business Excellence Awards in the Micro Business category last October.
Martha says Sullivan Law Ptbo embodies the best qualities of the Peterborough region itself: adaptable, empathetic, tenacious, hard-working, and committed to its causes. Practicing those homegrown values has made the two-year-old law office into one of community-wide influence.
Martha returned to her family roots in Peterborough to open Sullivan Law Ptbo in 2017, after studying and working in Ottawa at well-respected law firms for almost 15 years. In 2018, law firm McMichael Davidson joined Sullivan Law Ptbo.
“I have a deep respect for the history and of the business from my predecessors,” says Martha.
McMichael Davidson began with Justice Richard Batten in the 1950s, followed by William and Lois Davidson, and then Scott McMichael.
“Scott is and will always be a mentor,” Martha says. “We have such a great working relationship because we both view how we practice law the same way: it’s about our clients.”
Yet it’s not just about the cases for Martha — it’s also about community.
She has led mock trials with elementary school students, led talks with seniors’ groups about estate planning, trained social service agencies about legal process for survivors of domestic violence, and spoken at marriage preparation courses about the legal significance of marriage.
The Sullivan Law Ptbo office is also a drop-off location for local charity PTBO Needs.
The Sullivan Law Ptbo team, from left to right: Martha Sullivan, Scott McMichael, Sarah Whalen, Ben Teeter, and Jenn Rowles. (Photo: Samantha Moss / MossWorks)
The future looks bright for Sullivan Law Ptbo. The team recently moved to a new location to 195 Sherbrooke Street in downtown Peterborough to accommodate its growth, and is working on many exciting projects and looks forward to helping even more clients in the coming years.
Along with staff and volunteers, Peterborough Business Downtown Improvement Area executive director Terry Guiel points at the promotional signage during the launch of the new 'Open Late 'Til Eight' initiative on June 4, 2019. The initiative will see 27 retail stores in downtown Peterborough staying open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays this summer, and parking will be free in the downtown after 6 p.m. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
One of the best ways to encourage people to shop local is to make it more convenient for them, and that’s why the Peterborough Business Downtown Improvement Area (DBIA) has launched “Open Late ‘Til Eight”.
The new initiative sees participating businesses in downtown Peterborough staying open until 8 p.m. every Thursday and Friday evening this summer — with the added incentive of free downtown parking after 6 p.m.
DBIA executive director Terry Guiel announced the new initiative on Tuesday (June 4) in the popular Hunter Street West cafe district in downtown Peterborough.
“These are the sweet shopping hours, after work when people need the convenience,” Guiel says. “We know from statistics that younger people want to shop after work, and then enjoy dinner and the entertainment that we have to offer.”
A total of 27 retail stores are participating in “Open Late ‘Til Eight”, which runs from Thursday, June 13th until Friday, August 30th. They include everything from men’s and women’s wear, jewellery, music, games, toys, sports, adult novelties, and more.
“Our restaurants are hopping at 8 p.m. and downtown comes alive,” Guiel explains. “Having the convenient shopping hours just makes sense — it segues into people staying downtown.”
Aldana Casado, Kate Storen, and Chelsea Boyd of the Main Street Digital program (a DBIA initiative to help downtown businesses improve their online presence) at the launch of “Open Late ‘Til Eight”, a new shopping initiative that will see 27 retail stores in downtown Peterborough stay open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays this summer. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Guiel says research shows more than 70 per cent of downtown shoppers want the convenience of later hours.
“It’s a great idea,” agrees passerby Jay Adam, executive director of the ReFrame Film Festival. As a shopper, he says the later shopping hours would be more convenient for him.
“Open Late ‘Til Eight” is a coordinated effort with the goal of increasing access to shopping in downtown Peterborough.
“The later shopping hours are very important,” Guiel says. “We need to collectively meet the desires of shoppers.”
To help promote the later shopping hours, participating shops will have an “Open Late ‘Til Eight” sticker in their windows.
“We know it’s important to be open when our customers are wanting to shop,” says Holly Butler, manager at Iceman Video Games, one of the participating stores. “Staying open late keeps people shopping local.”
This summer, look for the “Open Late ‘Til Eight” in the windows of retail stores in downtown Peterborough, indicating the store will stay open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. (Graphic: Peterborough DBIA)
Parking being free after 6 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays will also encourage shoppers to spend more time downtown this summer.
“As Canadians, we need to take advantage of the warm, daylight hours when we get them,” says artist Christy Haldane, who works at META4 Gallery, which is also participating in the initiative.
Here’s the complete list of downtown Peterborough stores participating in “Open Late ‘Til Eight” (we’ve also included a location map below, with addresses, telephone numbers, and links for more information about each store):
Innovation Cluster president and CEO John Gillis shares the highlights of the economic development organization over the past year during the Innovation Cluster's annual general meeting on May 30, 2019. (Photo courtesy of the Innovation Cluster)
Every week, our managing editor collects business-related news and events from across the Kawarthas. If you’d like us to promote your business news or event in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
This week’s round-up of regional business news includes the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas surpassing its economic impact target of $14 million, Peterborough bio-tech startup Noblegen securing $25 million in Series B financing, the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism announcing the nominees for its 2019 Awards of Excellence, the closure of ARIA in downtown Peterborough, and Gerti’s in downtown Peterborough officially reopening under new ownership.
Also featured this week are the Tora Bistro restaurant opening in downtown Peterborough, 7&46 Shop in Oakwood celebrating its fifth anniversary, Community Care Peterborough receiving its first FOCUS accreditation award, and ZimArt’s Rice Lake Gallery celebrating its 20th season.
New regional events added this week include Otonabee Conservation hosting its 60th anniversary celebration in Selwyn on June 6th, Peterborough DBIA’s next breakfast network with Stacey Brandon and Nicholas Brandon in Peterborough on June 19th, Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation holding its annual general meeting in Lindsay on June 19th, and peer lending for women information sessions in Peterborough and Buckhorn on June 19th and 20th.
Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas surpasses its economic impact target of $14 million
Innovation Cluster client Dylan Trepanier of Alexander Optical, who was a winner in the the 2019 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition, speaks about the role of the economic development organization in his successful startup at the Innovation Cluster’s annual general meeting on May 30, 2019. (Photo courtesy of the Innovation Cluster)
At the Innovation Cluster’s annual general meeting, held last Thursday (May 30) at The Cube in downtown Peterborough, president and CEO John Gillis shared some highlights from the economic organization over the past year.
In his address, he noted the organization has surpassed all provincially set targeted goals by Ontario Centres of Excellence significantly, including companies built (91 companies supported against a target of five), startup jobs created (238 against a target of 10), and economic impact ($14.3 million against a target of $1 million).
Originally founded in 2004 as the DNA Cluster (focusing on DNA, forensics, and life sciences to help entrepreneurs develop their practical applications), the organization has expanded over the years to also support digital technology, agriculture technology, and clean technology.
Other speakers at the meeting included: Dr. Neil Emery. vice president of research and innovation at Trent University; Dr. Tom Phillips of Fleming College; Innovation Cluster board chair John Desbiens; and Grant Seabrooke, on behalf of the Peterborough Region Angel Network.
Innovation Cluster client Dylan Trepanier of Alexander Optical also spoke at the annual general meeting. Trepanier, who recently won the 2019 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition along with Cheryl Gould of Electric Juice Factory, spoke about the benefits of being a client of the organization and the role it has played in supporting his startup.
Peterborough bio-tech startup Noblegen secures $25 million in Series B financing
The team at Peterborough bio-tech startup Noblegen, which has secured $25 million in Series B financing led by Richardson Ventures Inc. and BDC. Noblegen co-founder, CEO, and chairman Adam Noble is pictured in the front row at the far left. (Photo: Noblegen)
Last Thursday (May 30), Peterborough bio-tech startup Noblegen announced that it has secured $25 million in private investment financing.
The Series B financing, led by Richardson Ventures Inc. and BDC’s Cleantech Practice, follows a successful Series A funding round in 2016 and brings Noblegen’s total funding to date to $42.5 million.
Noblegen makes nutritious and functional proteins, carbohydrates, and oils from a single microorganism called Euglena gracilis. The company’s proprietary fermentation technology enables it to produce these ingredients with minimal water and land use as well as a reduced carbon footprint compared to the manufacturing of traditional ingredients.
With this most recent round of financing, Noblegen plans to scale its production capabilities as well as to bring its ingredients to market in the U.S. in 2019.
Kawartha Chamber announces nominees for 2019 Awards of Excellence
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism has announced the nominees for its 20th annual Awards of Excellence.
The Chamber received over 100 nominations, with several businesses and organizations receiving more than one nomination.
The nominees are:
Baled Storage Solutions
BALL Real Estate Inc., Brokerage
Bartender & Co
Beachwood Resort
Bell’s Garage
BEL Rotary Club
Birch Bend Cottage Resort
The Bridgenorth Deli
Buckhorn Community Centre
By the Bridge
The Canadian Canoe Museum
Camp Kawartha
Central Smith Creamery
The Chocolate Rabbit
Christopher Z. Tworkowski Architect
Clearview Cottage Resort
Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine
Cottage Toys
Coyle’s Tire and Auto
The Cozy Home
Craftworks at the Barn
Crawford Building Consultants Inc.
Cuddles for Cancer
Curve Lake Cultural Centre
Dsouza Farm Systems
Emily Mae’s Cookies and Sweets
Entomo Farms
Free Flo Physiotherapy and Sports Injuries Clinic
Gastles – Registered Patent Agents
Giant Tiger Lakefield
Griffin’s Greenhouses
Hard Winter Bread Company
Home Suite Home Transitions
ISL Insurance Brokers
Kawartha Buttertart Factory
Kawartha Lakes Construction
Kingdon Timber Mart
La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
Lakefield Agricultural Society
Lakefield Bakery on Queen
Lakefield Farmers’ Market
Lakefield Literary Festival
Lakefield Village Lions Club
The Land Canadian Adventures
Lang Pioneer Village Museum
Lock Stop Cafe
Mallory Graham – Marketing Strategist
Nateure’s Plate
Netmechanics
Nexicom
Nightingale Nursing
Niteowl Creative
Old Bridge Inn
Overstock Liquidation
Paris Marine
Peterborough Agricultural Society
Peterborough Golf and Country Club
Peterborough Humane Society
PKA Softtouch Inc.
Quirk’s Garage and Towing
Rosey’s Trading Post
Salon Sorella and Day Spa
Scotsman Point Resort
Steve’s Auto Repair
Style Boutique
Swanky Events
Sweet Competition
Treewell
Vanier Plumbing
The Village Inn
Village Pet Food & Supply
Voltage Tech Electrical Services
Westwind Inn on the Lake
Whelan’s Flooring Centre
Whetung Ojibwe Center
Windover Plumbing
The Wine Connection
Young’s Point Personal Training & Fitness
The Awards of Excellence will be presented on Thursday, October 10th in the Bryan Jones Theatre at Lakefield College School.
ARIA in downtown Peterborough has closed
The ARIA nightclub in downtown Peterborough has closed. (Photo: Google Maps)
The ARIA nightclub at 31 George Street North in downtown Peterborough closed its doors in May.
The venue, which opened in 2012, was frequented primarily by college and university students.
Owners Lang Freeman and Sammy Shehadeh of Sammy & Sons real estate management plan to renovate the space and open a new venue at the location later this year.
The pair, along with business partner Franz Roessi, also own The Social (previously 70h5 and Sin City) and 180 Hunter.
Gerti’s in downtown Peterborough officially reopens under new ownership
Gerti’s staff celebrate the official reopening of the downtown Peterborough restaurant under new ownership. (Photo: Gerti’s / Facebook)
Gerti’s in downtown Peterborough held its official re-opening last Saturday (June 1) under new ownership.
Former owners Gerti and Alban Sina sold their business, located at 225 Hunter Street West, in April to Diana and Sean Hunter and Cole McCall.
The new owners have renovated the interior of the restaurant and have launched a new menu with more vegetarian options as well as new drinks.
Gerti’s is also now open for lunch. Regular hours are 11:30 a.m. to midnight seven days a week.
Tora Bistro opens in downtown Peterborough
Tora Bistro in downtown Peterborough specializes in Korean and Japanese cuisine. (Photo: Peterborough DBIA)
Tora Bistro, a new Asian fusion restaurant in downtown Peterborough, is now open.
The restaurant, located at 172 Charlotte Street, specializes in Korean and Japanese cuisine.
It’s open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., seven days a week.
7&46 Shop in Oakwood celebrates its fifth anniversary
Chef Ted Reader with 7&46 Shop’s resident mascot Corneilius the Bear. Known as “Godfather of the Grill”, Reader will be grilling at 7&46 Shop on June 14, 2019 as part of the Kawartha Lakes eatery and giftware destination’s fifth anniversary celebrations. (Supplied photo)
7&46 Shop, a popular eatery and giftware destination in Kawartha Lakes, is celebrating its fifth anniversary.
Located just west of Oakwood on Highway 7, 7&46 Shop first opened its doors in May 2014.
“From the beginning we wanted to create a special destination for people and families,” say co-founder Donna Corneil in a media release. “7&46 Shop is more than just a store. 7&46 Shop is a family-favourite destination, a place where families look forward to visiting on their way to and from the cottage.”
The shop features food, unique giftware, candles, collectibles, and other specialty items. It also has fairy gardens and games for children. New this year is “Twist on 46”, a new food truck experience.
As part of its fifth anniversary celebrations, 7&46 Shop will be bringing Chef Ted Reader to grill from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 14. Known as “Godfather of the Grill”, Reader is an award-winning chef, author, food and product innovation entertainer and a professor of Modern Culinary Applications Innovations at the Canadian Food and Wine Institute at Niagara College.
Community Care Peterborough receives its first FOCUS accreditation award
Community Care Peterborough has received a its first accreditation award from FOCUS, a non-profit accreditation agency for community service organizations in Ontario.
Through its volunteers and staff, Community Care Peterborough supports the health and well-being of individuals, caregivers, and communities through a network of eight offices throughout the city and county of Peterborough.
FOCUS accreditation looks at all aspects of how an organization provides services, from how people are supported to the effectiveness of the operations. They sent a team to Community Care Peterborough for four days in April to observe how services were provided, to review data, and collect input from various people with a stake in the services being provided.
In particular, the FOCUS validators noted the instrumental role played by volunteers at Community Care Peterborough. More than 800 volunteers donate a total of 100,000 hours each year, equivalent to 58 full-time staff.
“We are most proud of getting this designation,” says Community Care Peterborough executive director Danielle Belair. “We achieved 98.85 per cent of all standards, an outstanding achievement for our first attempt. This was truly a team effort. We are proud of our staff and the dedication and commitment they have demonstrated in providing the best possible care to our clients.”
The FOCUS accreditation remains in effect for four years, until May 2023.
ZimArt’s Rice Lake Gallery celebrates its 20th season
ZimArt’s Rice Lake Gallery is celebrating its 20th season in 2019. (Supplied image)
ZimArt’s Rice Lake Gallery is celebrating its 20th season of being Canada’s only permanent outdoor gallery of hand-carved Zimbabwean sculpture.
The gallery, which was founded in 2000, opened for the 2019 season last Saturday (June 1).
Owner and curator Fran Fearnley, who has travelled to Zimbabwe 18 times over the past two decades, selects the work directly from the more than 50 artists she represents.
Each year, Fearnley has invited an artist from Zimbabwe for the season. This year’s artist-in-residence is Wimbai Ngoma, who will be leading beginner and advanced stone sculpting workshops at the gallery.
Ngoma has taught in Germany for the past seven years but this is his first time in North America. His body of his work will be featured in the August exhibition.
For more information about ZimArt’s Rice Lake Gallery and upcoming events, visit zimart.ca.
Applications open for new Peterborough Environmental Advisory Committee positions
Applications are open for residents of the City of Peterborough who would like to serve on the city’s new Peterborough Environmental Advisory Committee.
The purpose of the committee is to consider environmental matters related to larger city projects and initiatives identified by city council or staff. The committee will also work to encourage activities in environmental matters, sustainability and climate change.
Participation on the committee is open to anyone 16 years of age or older. Mayor Diane Therrien is encouraging both young people and indigenous people to become involved. The committee will meet at City Hall monthly or as needed.
The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 14th. Applications are available from the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall (500 George St. N., Peterborough) or online at www.peterborough.ca/en/city-hall/committees.aspx.
Applicants may be required to participate in an interview.
Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre presents Business Plan Builder Workshop Series in Lindsay from June 4 to 25
Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is presenting its Business Plan Builder Workshop Series every week from Tuesday, June 4th to Tuesday, June 24th at the Lindsay branch of the Kawartha Lakes Public Library (190 Kent St. W., Lindsay).
The four-part workshop series is designed to help new and existing small business owners gain an understanding of the key components of an effective business plan, as well as provide insights into what is needed to grow and succeed.
The June 4th workshop will cover business planning, the June 11th workshop will cover marketing and sales, the June 18th workshop will cover financial and operations, and the June 25th workshop will cover building a marketing and sales plans.
Each workshop, which runs from 1 to 5 p.m., will be facilitated by Sandy Greenberg, a serial entrepreneur, established business coach, and former business advisor at Centennial College Centre of Entrepreneurship. Wi-fi access will be available, but you need to bring your own laptop.
Peterborough Chamber PBX at Habitat For Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region in Peterborough on June 4
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is holding its next Peterborough Business Exchange (PBX) from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4th at Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (300 Milroy Dr., Peterborough).
The event takes place at Habitat’s new ReStore location, which also now houses Habitat’s administrative offices.
All are invited to attend the free networking event.
Otonabee Conservation hosts 60th anniversary celebration in Selwyn on June 6
The Otonabee Region Conservation Authority is celebrating its 60th anniversary of providing environmental services to area municipalities and residents since 1959.
Members of the community are invited to attend the 60th anniversary celebration from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 6th in the reception venue at Northview Gardens (994 County Road 19, Selwyn).
Naturalist and writer Drew Monkman will deliver the keynote address, and special excellence Awards will be presented to Camp Kawartha executive director Jacob Rodenburg, The Friends of Hope Mill. and the Otonabee Region Conservation Foundation.
There will also be a silent auction featuring unique items that reflect the individual municipalities that form the watershed region of Otonabee Conservation. The funds raised will help establish a new education grant intended to support the environmental aspirations of youth pursuing post-secondary education.
Light refreshments and musical entertainment will be provided. For more information, call Otonabee Conservation at 705-745-5791.
Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce hosts Evening of Excellence Awards Celebration in Bobcaygeon on June 7
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Evening of Excellence Awards Celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 7th at Lakeview Arts Barn (2300 Pigeon Lake Rd., Bobcaygeon).
The evening will feature networking, a silent auction, a gourmet dinner, and award presentations. Gourmet catering will be provided by Lakeview Arts Barn with photography by Laura Elizabeth Photography.
Trent Hills Chamber presents sales workshop in Campbellford on June 10
Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is presenting a sales workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. on Monday, June 10th at the Campbellford Community Resource Centre (65 Bridge St. E., Campbellford).
Led by David Cohen, the workshop will detail the sales process and how to approach each step from customer attraction and lead generation to closing the sale. Each participant will take away steps to access a more effective way to sell and work with a prospective client in a way that is easy to manage.
Peterborough Chamber hosts Chamber AM breakfast meeting in Peterborough on June 11
The next Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Chamber AM breakfast meeting takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 11th at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
The guest speaker has yet to be announced.
Networking begins at 7 a.m., with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. (when you can make your best 30-second elevator speech to the room), followed by the speaker at 8 a.m.
There is no cost for the event (order what you like and pay for what you order).
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.
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 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.
For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
If you live in the Kawarthas, you’ll need to turn on the furnace again tonight — hopefully for the last time until fall.
Environment Canada has issued a frost advisory for early Tuesday morning (June 4) for Haliburton County and Hastings Highlands.
In Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland, temperatures will drop into the low single digits but no frost is anticipated.
For Haliburton County and Hastings Highlands, temperatures will drop to freezing by 4 a.m. on Tuesday morning, with frost expected until sunrise.
Some plants may be damaged or even destroyed by frost. Plants, especially those in frost-prone areas, should be covered to avoid damage.
Frost advisories are issued when temperatures are expected to reach the freezing mark during the growing season, leading to potential damage and destruction to plants and crops.
Representatives from community groups, the Cobourg Police Service, and the Town of Cobourg mimic the famous cover of The Beatles' Abbey Road album during the celebration of the new rainbow crosswalk at King Street West and Second Streets in downtown Cobourg. The crosswalk, which was unveiled during Pride Month in Cobourg, will remain in place for the rest of the summer. (Photo: Town of Cobourg / Facebook)
On Monday (June 3), the Town of Cobourg, along with the Cobourg Police Service and community groups, celebrated the installation of a new rainbow crosswalk located at King Street West and Second Streets in downtown Cobourg.
The installation of the rainbow crosswalk — the first in Northumberland County — was led by the Town of Cobourg’s communications department as a way for the town to express support, acceptance, and belonging for the LGBTQ2+ community.
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“We’re happy to support an initiative that reflects who we are as a town and what we value as a community,” said councillor Adam Bureau, who is the town’s coordinator of arts, culture and tourism. “We aim to create a safe and inclusive Cobourg that celebrates diversity of our community and engages with its citizens in a meaningful way.”
The town’s public works division, led by roads and sewers manager Ted Sokay, supported the initiative with work done by Prime Pavement Marking on short notice.
The crosswalk, which coincides with the beginning of June’s Pride Month festivities in Cobourg, is also supported by the Cobourg Police Service.
“We are always proud to raise the Pride flag in our community to show people everyone is accepted and welcomed,” said Police Chief Kai Liu. “Our members champion acceptance, inclusiveness, and anti-bullying when we engage the community we serve. It’s important to us that we continue to build an inclusive community with our partners throughout the year.”
Representatives from Cobourg Queer Collective, the Cobourg chapter of PFLAG, the Cobourg Police Service, and the Town of Cobourg celebrate the new rainbow crosswalk at King Street West and Second Streets in downtown Cobourg. June is Pride Month in Cobourg. (Photo: Town of Cobourg / Facebook)
Representatives from the Cobourg Queer Collective and the Cobourg chapter of PFLAG Canada also attended the celebration.
“The Cobourg Queer Collective and PFLAG would like to thank the Town of Cobourg and Cobourg Police Service for this symbol of solidarity,” said Ashley Bouman, leader of PFLAG’s Cobourg chapter. “It is our hope that this crosswalk will be welcoming to all and put a smile on the faces of all who cross it, as this will bring a sense of belonging to the LGBTQ2+ people in our community.”
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Residents are invited to celebrate the newly installed crosswalk during Pride Month and during the Walk with Pride activities taking place on Friday, June 21st.
As a symbol of acceptance and belonging in the community, the rainbow crosswalk will remain in place for the rest of the summer.
John K. Muir passed away on June 3, 2019. (Photo: John Muir / Facebook)
Peterborough radio legend John Kenneth Muir has died.
As well as being the long-time general manager of Trent Radio, the student-run radio station of Trent University, Muir was an audio engineer, community leader, mentor, and arts advocate.
He passed away early Monday morning (June 3) according to several posts on social media, including one from Trent Radio:
It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of a strong leader and passionate community radio maker. John K Muir…
The 63-year-old Muir had been ill for some time. He leaves behind his wife Yvonne Lai and his children Cora and Iris.
John Muir with his children Cora and Iris. (Photo: Yvonne Lai / Facebook)
Muir’s technical training began in the 1970s in London, England, when he apprenticed as recording technician at the Putney Bridge Studio of Electronic Music Studios, while working as a gaffer at amplified music concerts.
Upon returning to Canada and entering Trent University in the fall of 1975, he became involved in radio and produced and directed many hours of radio drama, news, and programming. In 1978, he became one of the founding directors of Trent Radio when it applied for incorporation.
He was instrumental in establishing Trent Radio’s first studio in 1979, moving the organization to its current location on George Street in 1985 and making the application to the CRTC for Trent Radio’s first broadcast licence.
A young John Muir. (Photo via Trent Arthur)
After 13 years, he left Trent Radio to work as the general manager of a music festival with R. Murray Schafer, as a freelance concert engineer, and as the administrator for Artspace, which was then an artist-run centre for visual art, performance, and communication.
He returned to Trent Radio in August 1994 as general manager, focusing on producing exceptional radio through social advocacy and the cultural avant-garde. He also worked for 12 years as a commercial radio announcer.
He was a founding member of the Canadian Society for Independent Radio Production and the P.R. Community and Student Association (Sadleir House Facility). In 2001, Muir was admitted to the Peterborough Pathway of Fame for his work in local broadcasting and the arts. In 2006, Miller and Barbara Chisholm established the John K. Muir Prize at Trent University.
Over the course of his career, Muir was heavily involved in Peterborough’s arts and culture scene, contributing to organizations such as Folk Under the Clock, the Kawartha Jazz Society, and the annual In from the Cold series of fundraising concerts.
As people learned of his passing on Monday morning, they posted tributes and memories on social media. Following are a sample of some of the public comments shared on Facebook and Twitter.
Today we mourn the loss of John K Muir; innovator, leader, pioneer, influencer, teacher and a great person to know. Make…
Rest In Peace, John Muir. Thinking of you, your family and the community you’ve left us in Ptbo through your work at @trentradio and @SadleirHouse. I’m going to miss you, my friend.
Bobcaygeon Brewing Company, co-founded by Richard Wood and Vincent Castronovo in 2017, is a craft brewery located at 17 Bolton Street in Bobcaygeon with a "innovation lab" opening at 649 The Parkway in Peterborough in June 2019. Wood believe that a new retail system for the sale of beverage alcohol can support Ontario's craft beer industry. (Photo: Bobcaygeon Brewing Company)
Every business owner deserves a fair chance to sell their products to their consumers. But as the co-founder of Bobcaygeon Brewing Co., I can tell you that today, Ontario craft brewers don’t have that opportunity.
Richard Wood is the president and co-founder of the Bobcaygeon Brewing Company. (Photo: Richard Wood / Facebook)
The current alcohol retail system in Ontario isn’t a level playing field for craft breweries. It limits who can sell alcohol, where stores can be located, and restricts where people can buy by 12- and 24-packs.
A recent government report noted that, “nowhere else in the world does a government give the biggest beer companies special privileges at the expense of the rest of the industry.”
The government’s move to end this deal is the right thing to do for Ontario consumers, craft beer lovers, and taxpayers.
I look forward to the day where our customers have the opportunity to pick up our beer at dozens of other retail stores across the Kawarthas — where and when it’s convenient for them.
I also look forward to the day when our brewery is not prohibited from opening additional retail locations, or setting up pop-up locations such as farmers’ markets and community events, like Ontario wineries already do.
Such an opportunity will only come if the government ends the deal that stifles our growth and builds a new retail system that supports craft beer.
By putting a few simple measures in place, we can ensure the new retail system supports Ontario’s craft industry. This can be done by setting aside a minimum amount of shelf space for craft beer in every channel, and preventing listing and stocking fees so consumer demand decides what goes on store shelves, not whoever has the deepest pockets.
The government should make these small but important measures the building blocks of the new system. Doing so will help them improve consumer choice and convenience, create new jobs across the province, and allow craft breweries to compete on a level playing field.
DeNureTours in Lindsay offers sunshine vacation opportunities during the fall and winter where guests can enjoy a longer season of sunshine, beaches and mood-boosting benefits. DeNureTours has multiple itineraries to Daytona Beach (pictured) and St. Pete Beach in Florida and Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. (Supplied photo)
While we’re just gearing up for summer, it’s never too early to start planning your next sunshine vacation. Before you know it fall will be roaring in and with it the shorter days, colder weather, and even — gasp! — snow.
There are plenty of reasons to travel during the fall and winter, like fewer crowds and off-season prices.
To plan your next sunshine vacation, visit denuretours.com or call 1-866-967-9909 (toll free).
For a longer season of sunshine, beaches, and mood-boosting benefits, DeNureTours in Lindsay is offering sunshine destination packages to Florida and South Carolina, that will make you forget fallen leaves and the frost.
After all, the birds aren’t the only ones who need to migrate south to keep warm.
Throughout fall and winter, DeNureTours offers a variety of departures to Daytona Beach and St. Pete Beach, Florida, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — all ideal vacation spots that offer the perfect combination of popular local attractions, fun day excursions with fellow Canadian travellers, and time to unwind poolside or on the sandy beaches that DeNureTours’ sunshine vacations are known for.
Bringing guests to these southern locales has been part of the travel agency’s business for over 50 years. DeNureTours’ long-stay resort programs in Florida and South Carolina continue to be popular for those looking to escape the Canadian chill.
Each destination resort overlooks the ocean and offers activity programs and shuttle transportation. All properties have kitchen facilities, and features a swimming pool, whirlpool, elevators and an activity room to meet with a DeNureTours representative and socialize with fellow guests. (Supplied photo)
Each destination resort overlooks the ocean and offers activity programs and shuttle transportation. All properties have kitchen facilities, and each features a swimming pool, whirlpool, elevators and an activity room to meet with a DeNureTours representative and socialize with fellow guests.
Not sure which of the three destinations to choose? Maybe you want St. Pete’s white-sand beaches, or Daytona’s stunning sunrises, or the southern charm of Myrtle Beach.
“Each Sunshine Vacation destination has its own unique features and flavour,” says Mary Kay McGuinness, a tour director at DeNureTours for over 25 years and the Canadian Coordinator for Sunshine Vacations.
“If you’re looking for a little clarity and inspiration to get your trip planning started, a DeNure representative can help you find the getaway that is ideally suited for you.”
DeNureTours will get you to your Florida and South Carolina destination by the travel mode that best suits you, whether by flying or travelling in their comfortable luxury motorcoach (pictured here) that gets you there in a day and a half. (Supplied photo)
You also get the flexibility of creating the vacation of your dreams by choosing your departure date and location, timetable, tours and duration. The pace of each tour varies by itinerary, as each destination and its activities are unique. With DeNureTours’ extensive catalog, you can add whatever extras you like.
You can travel hassle-free knowing that DeNureTours has taken care of all the “little things” so you don’t have to, which will make the difference so that your trip is exceptional, explains McGuinness.
“When planning a trip, every detail is important. We’ll save you the time and effort of doing the research and planning on your own. We want to ensure that the moment of enjoying your vacation starts right when you book with us. All you have to do is relax and enjoy it.”
DeNureTours will get you to your Florida and South Carolina destination by the travel mode which best suits you, whether it’s by their comfortable luxury motorcoach (which gets you there in a day and a half), or by flying. When booked through DeNureTours, your flight price to St. Pete and Myrtle Beach also includes return transfers between the U.S. airport and the resort.
McGuinness says everything you need is provided once you arrive: accommodation, shuttle transportation, an on-site DeNureTours representative, activities and social events, and much more. DeNureTours staff are highly qualified and competent to pay attention to the needs of guests, including any unexpected situations that may arise.
“Being meticulous with the travel details shows our commitment not only to the vacation, but also to our guests and the staff who work at the individual destinations,” says McGuinness.
Named by the New York Times as one of the best places in the world to visit, St. Pete’s sun-soaked beaches, calm Gulf waters, eclectic culinary scene (notably, the seafood) and sunset vistas are a winning combination. (Supplied photo)
While you may be miles away from home, you can expect your resort to have all the conveniences of home.
Relax and focus on making memories with scheduled events, or take part in social get-togethers like wine and cheese receptions, bingo or movie nights with fellow Canadians in the DeNureTours hospitality suite. The hospitality suite is open all day and guests are encouraged to use it as a meeting place.
The activity shuttle bus is available to all guests, for many local excursions, shopping and dinner outings. The shuttle bus drivers are friendly and helpful, offering local information and their personal knowledge of the area they call home.
With the trend towards more immersive extended vacations, a DeNureTours Sunshine Vacation is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of local flavour. DeNure representatives will give you a variety of “locals-recommended” things to do.
“You’ll see much more than just the town you’re staying in,” says McGuinness. “These destinations are full of incredible food, music, sights and people. You’re going to want to use that time to soak up as many experiences as you wish, as opposed to just coasting through.”
Many Canadians prefer travel to south of the border because of the familiarity to their own culture, language, and currency, notes McGuinness.
The soft white sand of Myrtle Beach stretches along the Atlantic for 96 kilometres. The best views of the Grand Strand are from the top of the 187-foot-high SkyWheel, the centrepiece of the Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade. (Supplied photo)
When trying to entice Canadians to visit the U.S., she says the first thing she does is remind them that it’s more affordable than they think.
“Yes, people travel relative to the strength of the Canadian dollar and what they’re used to paying in exchange rates, but guests know what they’re going to pay upfront when they book a DeNureTours vacation,” she says.
Sunshine Vacations become repeat destinations because guests develop an emotional attachment to these spots through amazing experiences they’ve had with family, friends, and DeNure staff, she adds.
“There’s comfort, safety, and less risk in familiar places.”
And, should you experience a medical emergency while travelling, a DeNureTours on-site representative is stationed in all destinations to offer assistance with organizing travel back home to Canada and resolve any queries or problems that may arise during your stay.
DeNureTours is currently offering multiple departures to Daytona Beach and Myrtle Beach for fall 2019, and has added St. Pete Beach to the roster for winter 2020. Here are some highlights to anticipate on each visit.
St. Pete Beach, Florida (10 Days, 17 Days, or 24 Days)
Named by the New York Times as one of the best places in the world to visit, St. Pete’s sun-soaked beaches, calm Gulf waters, eclectic culinary scene (notably, the seafood), and sunset vistas are a winning combination.
Explore the neighbourhoods of St. Pete Beach using the Suncoast Beach Trolley. Discover the shops on Corey Avenue, or enjoy a visit to John’s Pass — a turn-of-the-century fishing village with great dining, superb shopping, dolphin watching, and fabulous fishing.
VIDEO: St. Pete Beach, Florida
Nearby Pass-A-Grille is a historic beachfront paradise at the southern tip of St. Pete Beach: a quaint spot dotted with beach boutiques, surf shacks, and art galleries.
See the area’s many museums including the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg Museum of History, and The Dali Museum. If you have a green thumb, explore the winding paths and cascading waterfalls of Sunken Gardens, St. Petersburg’s oldest living museum at one hundred years old.
At Fort DeSoto Park, fish from two free piers, 24 hours a day, and hike a seven-mile stretch of wilderness that inter-connects five islands.
Get retail therapy shopping the Ellenton Premium outlets of 130 stores, visit the historic community of Tarpon Springs, catch a hockey game in Tampa or a Blue Jays game in Dunedin, or try renting your own speedboat or hiring a charter for inshore or deep-sea fishing.
Daytona Beach, Florida (10 Days, 17 Days, or 24 Days)
Home of the “the world’s most famous beach” and jaw-dropping sunrises, Daytona draws sunseekers, beach lovers, socialites, and active adventurers from all over. Visit the Daytona Beach Pier, an historic attraction along the 37-kilometre stretch of hard-packed sand.
From motorsports to music to food, Daytona Beach is home to over 60 renowned festivals. Explore the sights, sounds, and flavours of the Fiesta Italiana, Halifax Art Festival, Celtic Festival, Oyster Festival, Daytona Turkey Run Car Show and Swap, Riverfest Seafood Festival, and many more.
VIDEO: Daytona Beach, Florida
For the outdoor enthusiast, try your hand at parasailing, paddle boarding, ocean kayaking, surfing, jet skiing, scuba diving shipwrecks, or snorkelling artificial reefs.
If fishing is high on your list, cast a line from the pier or by charter for tarpon, sailfish, redfish, spotted sea, and trout. Troll inshore amid the mangroves, or go guided deep-sea fishing and bring back dinner with an amazing tale.
You’ll want to visit the 1887 Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum (Florida’s tallest) that provides gorgeous views 53 metres above the Atlantic, or maybe the Marine Science Center which boasts a 5000-gallon reef aquarium and a stingray touch pool.
See the Museum of Arts & Sciences which pays tribute to speed, history and space, showcasing a mishmash of Cuban art and American memorabilia, or take a relaxing stroll along the historic boardwalk, an esplanade of entertainment built in 1920 with its famous coquina rock bandshell amphitheatre.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (10 Days, 17 Days, or 24 Days)
Aside from its southern appeal, Myrtle Beach is known for its great entertainment, shopping, dining, and attractions.
The soft white sand of Myrtle Beach stretches along the Atlantic for 96 kilometres. The best views of the Grand Strand are from the top of the 187-foot-high SkyWheel, the centrepiece of the Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade.
VIDEO: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Visit Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, a favourite destination with over 9,000 acres of breathtaking natural beauty. If you want to shop ’til you drop, don’t miss the Market Common, the Coastal Grand Mall, Barefoot Landing, or Broadway at the Beach, which has 350 acres of one-of-a-kind boutiques along the water.
Try your hand at golf with over 100 meticulous Myrtle Beach courses, enjoy unique and delicious dishes at one of the many surf shacks or lounges, or stroll the heart of the historic Murrells Inlet fishing village, where the MarshWalk serves up live entertainment and savoury Lowcountry dishes set against rustling palmettos and golden grasses at sunset.
Feeling adventurous? Take a day trip to Charleston (two hours south of Myrtle Beach) to experience a horse-drawn carriage ride down charming cobblestone streets, preserved in history and lined with pastel antebellum houses. The spectacular gardens and gigantic oaks hung with Spanish moss give Charleston its distinctive charm. And don’t miss a visit to the French Quarter or the Battery.
If you’re ready to plan your sunshine vacation adventure this fall or winter, book your trip with DeNureTours.
DeNureTours Ltd. is located at 71 Mount Hope Street in Lindsay. For more information, call toll-free 1-866-967-9909, email info@denuretours.com, or visit denuretours.com. You can also follow DeNureTours on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
This story was created in partnership with DeNureTours.
Joe Pitawanakwat, founder and director of indigenous outdoor-education based business Creators Garden, holds a leaf from a bloodroot plant during a guided indigenous medicine walk at Ballyduff Trails, located on the McKim-Garsonnin property protected by Kawartha Land Trust. He explained the use of the highly toxic plant in traditional medicine to help treat fibroids and as an aid for pregnancy. (Photo: Anica James)
On Sunday, May 26th, roughly 80 people gathered over the course of the day at the Ballyduff Trails for two separate guided indigenous medicine walks, eager to learn about the cultural, medicinal, and ecological importance of different native plant species found in the area.
Throughout the day, participants had the chance to look at and learn hands on about different plants found along the trails of the 260-acre McKim-Garsonnin property that is protected by Kawartha Land Trust through a Conservation Easement Agreement.
“Our landscape is waiting for us to come home,” said walk leader Joe Pitawanakwat, founder and director of Creators Garden, an indigenous outdoor-education based business that teaches about the history, philosophy, and legitimacy of plant-based medicine.
“If we can tap into the world around us, we can be healthy and live in harmony.”
Originally from Manitoulin Island, but now based out of Peterborough, Pitawanakwat — along with his friend Beedahbin Peltier of Indigenize.ca, a business that offers indigenization consultation, policy advising, and education work that co-hosted the walk along with Kawartha Land Trust — led two informative walks over the course of the day.
Jean Garsonnin (front left) joined the morning Indigenous Medicine Walk on May 26, 2019. She has owned the 260-acre McKim-Garsonnin property with her husband Ralph McKie since 1986, restoring the land and its ecosystems and turning it into a nature lover’s delight. The property is protected by Kawartha Land Trust through a Conservation Easement Agreement. (Photo: Anica James)
Both men have helped design indigenous perspective curricula for universities and colleges (Peltier is also a professor of indigenous studies at Fleming College) and continue to actively educate the general public about plant-based medicine and sustainable harvesting of plants.
The first group set off on the three-kilometre red trail, where they learned about different kinds of plants and their medicinal uses. Property owner Jean Garsonnin joined the morning walk. She and her husband Ralph McKim have owned the extensive property since 1986 and have done an exceptional job at restoring the land and its ecosystems, turning it into a nature lover’s delight.
Located on the Oak Ridges Moraine near Pontypool, the Ballyduff Trails take hikers through different kinds of environments that include rolling hills, cedar forests, tall grass prairie, mixed forests, and wetland areas.
Beedahbin Peltier speaks to participants about different kinds of plants and their medicinal uses during the Indigenous Medicine Walk on May 26, 2019 at Ballyduff Trails. (Photo: Anica James)
Holding up a leaf from a bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) plant, Pitawanakwat explained to the group the significance of the highly toxic plant for traditional medicine.
“When you look at the leaf, which body part does this remind you of?” he asked.
After a few unsuccessful guesses from the group, he went on to explain how bloodroot, known as Mskwiiwjiibik, has been used by midwives as a traditional medicine to help treat fibroids and acts as an aid for pregnancy.
“The leaf is the same shape as a uterus, and the blood-red colour of the roots symbolizes … well,” he said with a chuckle, “I think the rest of you can guess what that relates to!”
The call of an eastern wood-peewee and the faint whooshing sound of the wind turbines along the hills acted as a musical backdrop to Pitawanakwat’s talk.
“Treat plants as if they are your friends, because they are,” he said. “Listen to them. Read them. Look at them in depth. Just sit with them and pay attention to them. Every plant is telling a story.”
Some of the 80 people who participated in two separate guided indigenous medicine walks at Ballyduff Trails on May 26, 2019 to learn about the cultural, medicinal, and ecological importance of different native plant species found in the area. (Photo: Anica James)
Moving on, participants were taught that wild violets (Viola spp.) are used for anti-inflammatory purposes, whereas Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) has been traditionally used for women’s medicine to induce labour and aid in menstruation. The fruit of Mayapples (Podophyllum peltatum) on the other hand can be boiled into a tea and used as a solution to aid in gardening to deter pests, whereas trillium roots can be used for fishing.
Gently removing a sharp-lobed hepatica (Anemone acutiloba) from the ground, Pitawanakwat passed the plant around the group, asking them to look at the plant and think about it.
“Hepatica,” he said. “What does that remind you of? What word does that remind you of? Hep—.” He paused for the people in the group to speak up and guess.
“Hepatitis?” one participant piped up.
“Exactly! This plant, known as binezit waabigonii, is used in traditional medicine for the liver. Now who can say it with me? Binezit waabigonii.” Participants attempted to repeat the plant’s indigenous name before moving on.
For the afternoon walk, Pitawanakwat lead the second group, which was mostly made up of Fleming and Trent students, to the yellow and orange trails in the “Back 40” area of the property.
Stopping next to a beech tree, the group was taught about the mighty Fagus americana, and how indigenous cultures make a tea with the roots of the tree to create a black ink that is traditionally used for tattooing.
The 260-acre McKim-Garsonnin property is one of 17 properties totalling 4,101 acres protected by Kawartha Land Trust. (Photo: Anica James)
A scarlet tanager greeted the group with its joyful chorus high up in the beech leaves, which definitely excited some group members as they stopped to photograph the red songbird.
Continuing on the walk, group members got to sample different wild plants along the way such as young basswood leaves, wild leeks, and trout lily leaves. One plant in particular, broadleaf toothwort (Cardamine dipylla) — also known as ndapin — seemed to be a hit with the group.
Similar in appearance and taste to the non-native and invasive garlic mustard, the plant is used in traditional medicine as an aid for cancer treatment as well as lung problems. Pitawanakwat dug up one of the plants from the ground, and passed the roots around, encouraging everyone to have a taste.
“It tastes kind of like horseradish,” one participant said, making a funny face due to the spiciness of the root.
Beedahbin Peltier speaks to participants about different kinds of plants and their medicinal uses during the Indigenous Medicine Walk on May 26, 2019 at Ballyduff Trails. (Photo: Anica James)
During the remainder of the walk, Pitawanakwat explained to the group about the medicinal uses of miterwort (Mitella diphylla), which is used for earaches, field pussytoes (Antennaria neglecta) that are given to women after childbirth, and wild mint (Mentha canadensis) that is used for treating everything from fevers to toothaches.
“Focus on the values, and the mental, emotional and physical capacities nature has in connection to us,” Peltier said. “We are all connected, just like the roots of the plants and trees surrounding us here. This is what grounds us. When we open up to nature it’s like when we open up to each other: we are all being exposed to something below the surface.”
At the end of each walk, everyone gathered back at the trail head where they had a chance to try four different teas, along with a small sample of a medicine that took 48 days to make and was created from 85 different plants.
“We don’t often share this medicine because it is sacred to us, but we want to share it with you all today,” Peltier explained.
“Our identities are relationship dependent, with not only ourselves, but with the land and everything that surrounds us naturally. Continue to have a relationship with plants, share the knowledge that you have learned, and continue to learn — and make sure that plants continue to thrive for future generations.”
The Indigenous Medicine Walk is just one of the many opportunities offered by Kawartha Land Trust to connect people with nature. To see the lineup of events this year, visit kawarthalandtrust.org.
About Kawartha Land Trust
The mission of Kawartha Land Trust (KLT) is “caring for lands entrusted to us and helping others protect the land they love.”
KLT currently protects 17 properties totalling 4,101 acres, and assists in the management of five additional properties.
The KLT office is located in The Mount Community Centre (1545 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough). To learn more or to make a donation, please visit kawarthalandtrust.org, call 705-743-5599, or email info@kawarthalandtrust.org.
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