New Stages Theatre Company presents a staged reading of Canadian playwright Hannah Moscovitch's "What a Young Wife Ought to Know" on May 12, 2019 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough. Moscovitch was inspired by a collection of letters written in the 1920s by real women and men to family planning pioneer Dr. Marie Stopes, who co-founded Britain's first family planning clinic ("The Mothers' Clinic for Constructive Birth Control") in North London in 1921. (Public domain photo)
On Sunday, May 12th, New Stages Theatre Company concludes its 2018-2019 season with a staged reading of Canadian playwright Hannah Moscovitch’s What a Young Wife Ought to Know.
New Stages Theatre Company presents What A Young Wife Ought To Know
When: Sunday, May 12, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St. E, Peterborough) How much: $25 general admission ($15 students/arts workers/underwaged)
Written by Hannah Moscovitch, directed by Randy Read, and featuring Nikki Duval, Benjamin Sutherland, and Evelyn Wiebe. Part of The Page On Stage Reading Series. Tickets available in person at the Market Hall Box Office or by phone at 705-749-1146 (12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday) or online anytime at markethall.org.
Directed by Randy Read and featuring Toronto-based performers Nikki Duval, Benjamin Sutherland, and Evelyn Wiebe, What a Young Wife Ought to Know is inspired by the letters of real women living in the 1920s and tackles a subject rarely acknowledged: women’s sexual health issues and birth control practices of the early 20th century.
Written by Hannah Moscovitch, one of Canada’s most acclaimed young playwrights, What a Young Wife Ought to Know debuted in 2014 at the Neptune Theatre in Halifax. Moscovitch developed the play after she read Dear Dr. Stopes: Sex in the 1920s — a collection of letters written by real women and men to Dr. Marie Stopes, scientist, author of the 1918 sex manual Married Love, and an early advocate for birth control who opened the first birth control clinic in England.
Through the letters included in the book, Moscovitch discovered a whole new dialogue about sexual issues and anxieties that have gone forgotten in our modern world of The Pill, IUDs, and other birth control devices.
“The voices of the men and women in these letters were distinct from anything I had read before,” Moscovitch writes. “The letters are explicit about ‘unmentionable’ topics: sex, desire, adultery, childbirth, and birth control. The style of the letters is stark, hilarious, and unflinching, and the vocabulary is amazingly frank and sexual. To me, the letters felt like a voyeuristic glimpse into what life was like before birth control.”
Playwright Hannah Moscovitch was inspired to write “What A Young Wife Ought To Know” after reading the book “Dear Dr. Stopes: Sex in the 1920s”, featuring letters written by men and women seeking advice from early birth control advocate Dr. Marie Stopes. Some of the dialogue in the play comes directly from these letters. (Publicity photo)
As New Stages artistic director Randy Read explains, Moscovitch’s use of real-life source material is one of the things that the makes the play so compelling.
“One of the great things about this play is that a lot of dialogue is taken from the letters that were written to Doctor Stopes by real women who lived at that time,” Randy says. “In some cases Hannah Moscovitch lifts the dialogue right out of these letters. The women in these letters were very open with their thoughts because they were doing it in writing.”
What a Young Wife Ought to Know centres on a young wife named Sophie (Nikki Duval) who is madly in love with her husband Johnny (Benjamin Sutherland), the former lover of her older sister Alma (Evelyn Wiebe).
In “What A Young Wife Ought To Know”, Nikki Duval performs as Sophie. Duval has appeared on stage in “Knickers! A Brief Comedy” (Globus Theatre), “The Pitchfork Disney” (Precisely Peter Productions), “Well Born” (So Co Theatre/ Truth and Lies Theatre), “Hamlet” (Hart House), “The Circle”, “Prey” (New Words Festival-NTS), and more. Her film and television credits include “Workin’ Moms” (CBC), “Murdoch Mysteries” (CBC), “Hyena Road” (Elevation Pictures) and more. (Publicity photo)
When Sophie finds herself pregnant with their fifth child, the reality of another difficult pregnancy and the burden of not being able to support another child becomes unbearable to her. In desperation, Sophie seeks console from the spirit of her sister — who herself died from a botched abortion.
“Sophie and Johnny have huge desire and affection for each other, but also a terror of having another child,” Randy says. “People (of that time) were terrified to have sex.”
What a Young Wife Ought to Know not only studies the early issues around female sexual health, but also the real-life damaging effect that an unwanted pregnancy can have on the family in an era where birth control was rare and ineffective.
In “What A Young Wife Ought To Know”, Benjamin Sutherland performs as Johnny. Sutherland has appeared on stage in “The Secret Garden” (Young People’s Theatre), “A Few Good Men” (Theatre Aquarius), “Peace River Country” (Tarragon Theatre), “Breathing Corpses” (The Coal Mine Theatre), “Hamlet” (National Theatre School), and more. His film and television credits include “Kim’s Convenience”, “Shadowhunters”, “Love Locks”, “Murdoch Mysteries”, “Saving Hope”, and “Mayday”, and more. (Publicity photo)
“Another child, in some ways, became a death threat to a family,” Randy notes. “You had families that were devastatingly poor, and had four or five kids already that they couldn’t feed.”
Filled with love, madness, desperation and moments of comedy, What a Young Wife Ought to Know takes the audience back to a bygone era with an entirely different set of sexual issues beyond those that we have today, but which are still immediately recognizable to a modern audience.
A unique way to watch a theatrical production, New Stages’ The Page on Stage Reading Series has actors performing a play in a dramatic script reading, but without any sets or costumes and with limited interaction on the stage. This allows the focus to be on the words and the meaning of the show, as well as allowing top talent to perform challenging productions that otherwise would not come to the Peterborough stage.
In “What A Young Wife Ought To Know”, Evelyn Wiebe performs as Alma. Wiebe is an actor, dancer, classical singer, and collaborator. She is a recent graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada, where she performed in the role of Lady Macbeth in David Latham’s 2018 production of “Macbeth”. (Publicity photo)
What a Young Wife Ought to Know will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 12th (Mother’s Day) at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St. E, Peterborough).
General admission tickets are $25 ($15 for students, art workers, and the underwaged) and are available in person at the Market Hall Box Office or by phone at 705-749-1146 (12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday) or online anytime at markethall.org.
While this is the final production of the current season, New Stages returns in September with its 2019-2020 season, when Randy plans to produce two staged readings and three productions:
Torch Song by Harvey Fierstein (Sunday, September 15, 2019)
Bang Bang by Kat Sandler (Sunday, November 10, 2019)
Every Brilliant Thing by Duncan MacMillan and Jonny Donahoe (Tuesday, January 14 and Sunday, January 19, 2020)
Canadian Rajah by Dave Carley (Sunday, March 8, 2020)
Iceland by Nicolas Billon (Sunday, May 3, 2020).
For more information about New Stages Theatre Company, visit www.newstages.ca.
At the Lakefield College School trustees' meeting in Victoria, British Columbia on May 4, 2019, John and Jane Hepburn (second from left and second from right) share a toast with Lakefield College School board chair Nicole Bendal (left), Lakefield College School head of school and foundation Anne-Marie Kee, and Lakefield College School Foundation board chair Jock Fleming in celebration of the Hepburns' $15-millon donation to the school. (Photo courtesy of Lakefield College School)
A former student and his wife have donated $15 million to Lakefield College School — one of the largest single donations ever made to an independent school in Canada.
John Hepburn, who graduated in 1968, is a trustee of the school’s foundation. He and his wife Jane made the announcement at the foundation trustees’ meeting in Victoria, British Columbia last Saturday (May 4).
The donation will support the school’s new dining hall, one of the major priorities in the school’s latest strategic plan. To be located at the heart of the 155-acre main waterfront campus, the dining hall will strengthen and enhance the student experience and be a gathering place for the entire community, according to a media release from the school.
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The new dining hall will be named in honour of the Hepburn family.
“Jane and I feel strongly that there is something very special at Lakefield,” Hepburn said when making the announcement. “We’re excited about the school’s vision and strategic direction and wanted to do our part to accelerate its realization. I feel very fortunate to be in a position, thanks in large part to the education I received at Lakefield, to help make the school even stronger for its students.”
The Hepburns have been long-time supporters of Lakefield College School. As well as helping students through tuition bursaries, they launched an initiative five years ago to encourage other alumni to donate to the school.
The Hepburn Alumni Challenge offers gift incentives to the school (up to $3,000 per alumnus over five years). In the five years since the launch of the challenge, donor participation among Lakefield College School alumni has become the highest among educational institutions in Canada.. The donations fund the Hepburn Alumni Challenge Bursary, which supports several students from alumni families.
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Besides supporting the new dining hall, the Hepburns’ $15-million donation will also be used to help implement the school’s other strategic priorities.
“The support we have received from John and Jane Hepburn over the years is truly extraordinary, and this gift will make a transformational difference for our school and our students,” says Anne-Marie Kee, head of Lakefield College School and the foundation.
“With this new dining hall will come an array of opportunities for us to connect and learn from each other, as one community in one inspirational space. Our school community is incredibly grateful for the Hepburn family’s leadership and support.”
Located on the shores of Lake Katchewanook in Lakefield, Lakefield College School provides a co-educational day and boarding experience for 365 students from over 40 countries in Grades 9 through 12. (Photo: Lakefield College School)
The Ontario Provincial Police have charged a Selwyn Township man with murder while they continue to search for his alleged victim.
On Monday (May 6) at around 7:20 p.m., officers from the OPP’s Northumberland detachment responded to a report of a man injured from an alleged assault.
When they arrived at an address on Centennial Lane north of Campbellford in the municipality of Trent Hills, police found evidence of a person who had been seriously injured.
Northumberland OPP officers, with the assistance of the OPP Central Region Emergency Response Team, Canine Unit, and Aviation Unit then conducted an extensive search of the area for the victim.
While they continue to search for the victim, police have arrested 62-year-old Stephen Murray Kelly of Selwyn Township and have charged him with first-degree murder.
Kelly is being held in custody for a bail hearing on Tuesday (May 7) at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg.
This investigation is ongoing by members of the OPP Northumberland Major Crime Unit, with the assistance of the OPP Forensic Identification Unit under the direction of Detective Inspector Brad Robson of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch.
Police are asking anyone with information regarding this crime to contact the Northumberland OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact the Peterborough/Northumberland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
You can also submit information online at www.stopcrimehere.ca. Being anonymous, you will not be required to testify in court and information you provide may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Retiring from touring after more than 40 years, Sharon Hampson and Bram Morrison will be performing in "Sharon, Bram & Friends: 40th Anniversary Farewell Tour" at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough on May 15, 2019. (Publicity photo)
Skinnamarink a dink a dink, Skinnamarink a doo, I love you …
Showplace presents Sharon, Bram & Friends: 40th Anniversary Farewell Tour
When: Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. Where: Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: $27 – $34
Tickets are available in person at the Showplace box office (290 George St. N., Peterborough), by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at www.showplace.org.
Kids both young and old have one more chance to sing those lyrics along with Sharon and Bram when the iconic Canadian children’s entertainers come to Peterborough for the final time this month.
The “Sharon, Bram & Friends: 40th Anniversary Farewell Tour” takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15th at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
Sharon Hampson and Bram Morrison are retiring from touring 40 years after they, along with the late Lois Lillenstein, released their first record One Elephant, Deux Elephants as the trio Sharon, Lois & Bram.
A Sharon and Bram show is a sing-along concert for the entire family, featuring such well-loved favourites as “She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain”, “Five Little Monkeys”, “One Elephant”, “Tingalayo”, and, of course, “Skinnamarink”.
VIDEO: “Skinnamarink” from The Elephant Show – Sharon, Lois & Bram
“We love singing with our audiences,” Sharon and Bram say. “The sound of families singing together, and the expressions of delight on the faces of parents and children as they share the music, bring us deep satisfaction.”
In the mid 1970s, Sharon, Lois, and Bram met when they were each hosting folk music workshops and performing concerts in public schools as part of the Mariposa in the Schools program. The folk singers soon discovered they shared a passion for creating music for people for all ages, and decided to record an album of music they hoped would appeal to parents as well as children.
After raising $20,000 from friends and family, the trio recorded their debut album One Elephant, Deux Elephants in the spring of 1978 in Toronto. It was released later that year, became the fastest-selling children’s record in Canada, and eventually went triple platinum.
Sharon, Lois & Bram self-financed their first record, “One Elephant, Deux Elephants”, in 1978. It became the fastest-selling children’s record in Canada.
That debut album included “Skinnamarink”, a song that Lois had heard for the first time after she asked her cousin’s daughter if she knew any good songs. None of the band members knew the origins of the song, and the track was attributed to “traditional”, but it in fact was originally written by Felix F. Feist and Al Piantadosi for Charles Dillingham’s Broadway production The Echo in 1910.
Sharon, Lois & Bram later sang it on their CBC television show The Elephant Show, which debuted in 1984, and it soon became their signature song (along with the movements performed with the song). The trio also used it for the name of their 1997 CBC children’s television show, Skinnamarink TV.
Since 1978, Sharon, Lois & Bram have sold more than three million records and have won three Juno Awards for Best Children’s Album (in 1980 for their sophomore release Smorgasboard, in 1981 for Singing ‘n Swinging, and again in 2000 for Skinnamarink TV). They have performed at Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center, and at the White House in 1994 where they had breakfast with President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton.
Bram Morrison, Sharon Hampson, and the late Lois Lillenstein with President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton in 1994. (Photo: Sharon and Bram)
In addition to their musical career, they have supported many social welfare programs in both Canada and the U.S., including school breakfasts for learning and encouraging parents to inoculate their children.
They were also Goodwill Ambassadors for UNICEF in North and South America, for which they received the Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award. In 2002, the three were made members of the Order of Canada.
In 2000, Lois retired from touring with the group, which then began performing as Sharon, Bram & Friends (with the “friends” referring to life-size animal puppets that appear alongside them).
Sharon, Lois & Bram (Sharon Hampson, the late Lois Lillenstein, and Bram Morrison) in a publicity photo for their CBC children’s series “The Elephant Show”. (Photo: Jim Allen)
While Lois subsequently performed with Sharon and Bram on occasion, including at a reunion show in 2009, she passed away in 2015 at the age of 78.
As well as performing as Sharon, Bram & Friends, Sharon and Bram also perform as a duo. In 2017, the two gave a free concert at the Peterborough Folk Festival.
A few tickets are still available for the May 15th show at Showplace. Tickets are $27 to $34, and are available in person at the Showplace box office, by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at www.showplace.org.
Peterborough Pulse, the award-winning open streets festival in downtown Peterborough, returns for its fifth year on Saturday, July 27, 2019. It's one of many popular events taking place in downtown Peterborough this summer. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
Summer is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for outside farmers’ markets, street festivals, food festivals, music festivals, and more.
And the best thing … you don’t have to leave town to experience any of it! Just head to downtown Peterborough. Here are the highlights of what you and your family can experience this summer in the downtown core:
What’s happening this summer in downtown Peterborough. (Graphic: Peterborough DBIA)
Wednesday and Saturday Downtown Farmers’ Markets (May to October)
Every Wednesday, Charlotte Street between Louis and George Streets in downtown Peterborough is transformed into the pedestrian-friendly Peterborough Downtown Farmers’ Market. (Photo: Peterborough Downtown Farmers’ Market)
There’s no need to wait for summer to enjoy the two outdoors farmers’ markets in downtown Peterborough.
The Peterborough Downtown Farmers’ Market opens for the season on Wednesday, May 8th on Charlotte Street between Louis and George Streets, which is closed to vehicles to create a pedestrian-friendly farmers’ market. The market runs every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. until October 30th.
At this producers-only market, shoppers can buy directly from farmers, growers, bakers, and more. Seasonal produce, meats, cheese, fresh flowers, baked goods, art, plants to grow, coffee, and lunches-to-go will be available. Along with monthly special events, guest chefs will provide samples, on-site cooking demonstrations, and innovative ideas on using market products throughout market season.
The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday at the AON Citi Centre Courtyard in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the AON Citi Centre Courtyard at 235 Charlotte Street, which can be accessed from Charlotte Street, Aylmer Street, Bethune Street, and King Street.
Launching last year, this is Peterborough’s newest farmers’ market and it opened for the outdoor season on Saturday, May 4th. Sixty per cent of the vendors at the market are primary producers who have gone through a third party inspection process to verify they grow 100 per cent of what they sell. The remaining 40 per cent include bakers, prepared food vendors, artists, and community groups.
The market runs until the fall, when it moves back inside the lower level of Peterborough Square for the winter season. For more information on the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market, visit www.ptboregionalfarmersmarket.org.
Taste of Downtown – Saturday, June 1st
The Taste of Downtown food, entertainment, and shopping festival returns to Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough on June 1, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
A unique family-friendly event featuring local food and entertainment, Taste of Downtown returns to Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 1st.
Enjoy delicious cuisine from 24 local restaurants, enjoy a beverage in the beer and wine garden, and take in some amazing live entertainment.
You can also get some great deals as businesses along Charlotte Street put on a giant sidewalk sale during the annual event.
Mercedes-Benz Peterborough’s Father’s Day Car Show – Sunday, June 16th
Once again this summer, Mercedes-Benz Peterborough is bringing a wide range of classic and exotic cars to downtown Peterborough from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Father’s Day (Sunday, June 16th). The show takes place on the west side of Hunter Street in the Cafe District.
Featuring cars rarely seen on Peterborough streets as well as exclusive cars owned by locals, the car show will feature luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Lotus, McLaren, Alfa Romeo, Rolls Royce, Porsche, and more.
It’s also a family-friendly event, so there will be entertainment for the kids.
The car show is also for a good cause: it’s in support of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation and great care at your local hospital.
Canada Day Parade – Monday, July 1st
Celebrate summer and the founding of our nation during the 2019 Canada Day Parade on Monday, July 1st. (Photo: City of Peterborough)
Celebrate summer and the founding of our nation with the annual Canada Day Parade on Monday, July 1st in downtown Peterborough.
The theme of this year’s parade, which begins at 12 p.m. and travels down George Street to Morrow Park, is “I ♥ Canada!”.
There will be with pre-parade ceremonies at Peterborough City Hall at 10 a.m. featuring speeches, cake, music, and the annual bike decorating contest for the kids with prizes.
For more information (including a registration form for the bike decorating contest and a volunteer application form), visit the City of Peterborough’s website at peterborough.ca.
Kawartha Rotary Ribfest – Friday, July 12th to Sunday, July 14th
The Kawartha Rotary Ribfest food and music festival takes place in Millennium Park in downtown Peterborough from July 12 – 14, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
The 17th annual Kawartha Rotary Ribfest returns to Millennium Park in downtown Peterborough from Friday, July 12th to Sunday, July 14th.
The popular summer food festival features live music every day from local performers, beer, and ribs and more from local restaurants as well as out-of-town vendors along the so-called “Ribbers Row”.
More details on the performers and local and out-of-town food vendors will be announced closer to the event.
Ribfest runs from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, July 12th and Saturday, July 13th, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 14th.
Kawartha Rotary Ribfest is a fundraising festival supported by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, and proceeds will be invested back in the local community.
Peterborough Pulse – Saturday, July 27th
The 5th annual Peterborough Pulse turns the streets of downtown Peterborough into a playground for one day on July 27, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
The award-winning Peterborough Pulse returns for its fifth straight year to downtown Peterborough from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 27th.
For one summer day, downtown streets are closed to vehicles and are instead filled with pedestrians, cyclists and roller-skaters, families pushing strollers, activity and sports demonstrations, art and music, and more.
The annual “open streets” event is part of a global movement to promote physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and livable cities.
More details about the 2019 Peterborough Pulse will be announced in June.
Hootenanny on Hunter Street – Saturday, August 10
There’ll be dancing in the streets during the Hootenanny on Hunter Street on August 11, 2019, downtown Peterborough’s biggest live music street party. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
The Hootenanny On Hunter Street, downtown Peterborough’s biggest live music street party, returns for its ninth year on Saturday, August 10th.
The annual one-day festival runs from 12 noon to 11 p.m. on Hunter Street West between George and Aylmer streets. Admission is free.
This is the second year that the festival is being organized again this year by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. You can expect an extra-special event in honour of Hootenanny founder Jonathan “Jonny Trash” Hall, who unexpectedly passed away earlier this year.
The line-up of performers at this year’s Hootenanny will be announced in June.
Peterborough VegFest – Sunday, September 15th
Enjoy vegan food and celebrate a plant-based lifestyle at Peterborough VegFest in Millennium Park in downtown Peterborough on September 15, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
Vegetarianism and veganism continue to grow in popularity, and Peterborough VegFest is the local expression of this global movement that celebrates the health, environmental, and ethical benefits of a delicious plant-based lifestyle.
The volunteer-run festival returns to Millennium Park in downtown Peterborough for its third year from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 15th.
The family-friendly festival offers 100 per cent vegan fare and goodies, notable vegan speakers, live music, a kids’ activity zone, live cooking demos, and more.
More details about this year’s Peterborough VegFest will be announced closer to the event date. For more information (including volunteering or becoming a vendor or exhibitor), visit ptbovegfest.ca.
Peterborough Pride Parade – Saturday, September 21st
The annual Peterborough Pride Parade takes place in downtown Peterborough on September 21, 2019, wrapping up Peterborough Pride Week festivities. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
The 17th annual Peterborough Pride Parade takes place this year in downtown Peterborough at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 21st.
It’s the culmination of Peterborough Pride Week, the annual celebration welcoming all people regardless of their sexuality or gender identity, which runs from September 13th to 22nd.
After pre-parade activities at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall, the parade begins at 2 p.m. and travels from City Hall south on George Street to Sherbrooke Street, east to Water Street, and then north to end at Millennium Park
That’s where “Pride in the Park’ festivities will run until 6 p.m., including a family picnic, live music, food, and a beer tent, as well as information booths related to the LGBTQ+ community and more.
Many hundreds of participants are expected to participate in this year’s parade, whose theme will be announced soon.
For updates and more information on Peterborough Pride, visit peterboroughpride.ca.
Purple Onion Festival – Sunday, September 22nd
Welcome the fall harvest of local food, celebrate local culture, and wear purple at the annual Purple Onion Festival on September 22, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
Summer in downtown Peterborough wraps up on Sunday, September 22nd with the Purple Onion Festival, a family-friendly celebration of local food, culture, wellness and sustainability.
Organized by Transition Town Peterborough, the 9th annual festival welcomes the fall harvest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Millennium Park, where you can enjoy food samples from local vendors (celebrating local food month), craft beer, live music, and much more. And every year at 3 p.m., there is a family dance for the climate in the centre of the park.
Attendees of the festival are always encouraged to wear purple to demonstrate pride in Peterborough’s local farmers, local businesses, and local culture.
More details about this year’s festival will be announced closer to the event date. For more information and updates, visit the Transition Town Peterborough website at www.new.transitiontownpeterborough.ca/ttp/.
This story was created in partnership with the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area.
A business in East City was temporarily closed following a fire in a second-floor residential unit on April 30, 2019, thieves broke into the business and stole items including cash. The break-in took place sometime between May 1 and 6, 2019. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
The Peterborough Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance following a break-in at an East City hair salon that was temporarily closed following a fire last Tuesday (April 30).
Sometime between Wednesday, May 1st and Monday, May 6th, an unknown person or persons broke into the business. Once inside, the thieves stole items including an amount of cash.
The building housing the hair salon was damaged by a fire in a residential unit located on the second floor of the same building. After responding to the fire, emergency services located one person inside the unit, who was subsequently air-lifted to a Toronto hospital with serious injuries.
The building was temporarily closed following the fire for an investigation by the Ontario Fire Marshal, during which time the break-in occurred.
Anyone with information about the break-in is asked to call the Peterborough Police Service at 705-876-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or stopcrimehere.ca.
This story has been updated to remove some incorrect information.
Cambium Consulting & Engineering) along with the panel of judges (Stuart Harrison, Sally Harding, Jonathan Bennett, Raymond Yip Choy, and Jeff Taylor). The three finalists will make a private presentation to the Community Futures Peterborough board on June 18th, and the winner (who will receive a repayable loan of $100,000 with no interest for three years) will be announced on June 26th. (Photo: Community Futures Peterborough / Facebook)
This week’s round-up of regional business news includes the three finalists for Community Futures Peterborough’s ignite100 entrepreneurial competition, the winners for the Bobcaygeon, Trent Hills, and Port Hope Chambers’ business excellence awards, the Green Party’s Nature Care Earth Day Awards recognizing local eco-friendly businesses (and more), the winners of the 2019 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition, and Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. moving one step closer to opening.
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.
Also featured this week are the Peterborough DBIA’s “Digital Main Street” program, Peterborough Currents being nominated for Best Podcast at 2019 Digital Publishing Awards, Peterborough tech startup Wakhal launching its Community4E digital community-building platform, the Peterborough DBIA seeking sponsors for downtown trolley and Hootenanny on Hunter Street this summer, and Trent University and Noblegen receiving $797,104 in federal funding to advance clean-water technology in the mining industry.
New regional events added this week include the Peterborough Chamber’s PBX at Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre in Peterborough on May 7th, the next Peterborough Chamber breakfast meeting at VentureNorth in Peterborough on May 14th, FastStart Peterborough’s “E-Connect: Spring into Entrepreneurship” in Peterborough on May 14th, the Peterborough DBIA breakfast network with Michael Gallant and Dawn Pond in Peterborough on May 15th, Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism’s annual partner meeting in Keene on June 18th, and the Peterborough DBIA’s 2019 annual general meeting in Peterborough on June 26th.
Three finalists chosen for Community Futures Peterborough’s ignite100 entrepreneurial competition
Donna Rork, founder and owner of Cottage Toys, makes her presentation at the semi-finalist pitch event for the Community Futures Peterborough ignite100 entrepreneurial competition held at Fleming College on May 2, 2019. A panel of judges selected Cottage Toys, Goodwin Metal Products Limited, and Cambium Consulting & Engineering as the three finalists out of a field of eight semi-finalists. (Photo: Community Futures Peterborough / Facebook)
The three finalists for Community Futures Peterborough’s ignite100 competition were chosen before a live audience last Thursday (May 2) during the semi-finalist pitch event at the Fleming College Trade & Technology Building in Peterborough.
The finalists are Goodwin Metal Products Limited, Cottage Toys, and Cambium Consulting & Engineering.
A total of eight semi-finalists (Iron Equipment Ltd., Cottage Toys, Cambium Consulting & Engineering, Percheron Plastic Inc., At the Lake Distributing, Treewell Limited, Goodwin Metal Products Limited, and Keene Trucks) had five minutes to pitch their business idea to a panel of judges (Jonathan Bennett of Laridae, Jeff Taylor of Baker Tily, Stuart Harrison of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Raymond Yip Choy of Fleming College, and Sally Harding of Nightingale). Each presentation was followed by a five to 10 minute question-and-answer session).
Tyler Steeves, founder of Treewell Limited, which received the People’s Choice Award. Treewell Limited produces a natural sparkling maple sap beverage as an alternative to wine or champagne.(Photo: Community Futures Peterborough / Facebook)
In addition to the three finalists, a People’s Choice Award — determined by audience votes — was presented to Treewell Limited.
ignite100 is an innovation challenge where existing business in the Peterborough region compete for significant funding opportunities that support business expansion and growth. The competition’s grand prize is a repayable loan of $100,000, with no payments in the first year and no interest for the first three years (Community Futures Peterborough will pay the interest for the first 36 months).
The three finalists will make a private and formal presentation on their projects to the Board of Directors at Community Futures Peterborough on Tuesday, June 18th, and the winner will be announced at the organization’s annual general meeting and community barbeque on Wednesday, June 26th.
Winners announced for the Bobcaygeon, Trent Hills, and Port Hope Chambers’ business excellence awards
The Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce, Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce, and Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce each held a business excellence awards ceremony on April 27, 2019. At the Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce Celebration of Business Excellence, Campbellford’s Dooher’s Bakery received the Community Impact Award. Accepting the award from sponsor Marc Trudeau of RBC Royal Bank are Kathy Mukanik, Cory Dooher, and Vicky Foster. (Photo: Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce / Facebook)
On Saturday, April 27th, three Chambers of Commerce in the Kawarthas (Bobcaygeon, Trent Hills, and Port Hope) each held their own annual business excellence awards and announced winners in various categories.
The winners for each chamber’s awards are listed below.
Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce
Employee Achievement Award: Maureen Lytle, Kawartha Settlers Village
Business Achievement: Douglas and Son
New Business Achievement: Kawartha Mediums / Zen Den
Not For Profit Achievement: Bobcaygeon Curling Club
Tourism Achievement: Kawartha Settlers’ Village
Creative Arts Achievement: Shawna Love Leigh, Studio 358
Citizen of the Year Award: Shaukat Mohamad
Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce
Emerging Entrepreneur Award: Rustic Mama Retreats Inc.
Excellence In Business (Retail): The Bakery Warkworth
Excellence In Business (Business): Kenetic Energy Ltd.
Pride And Progress: Trent Valley Lanes
Customer Experience Award (Service): Campbellford Paddle and Barefoot Paddle
Customer Experience Award (Retail): Dizzy Goose Toys Games and Curiosities
Community Impact Award: Dooher’s Bakery Ltd.
Non-Profit Organization: Trent Hills Therapy Dogs
Inclusive Community Employer Award: MacLaren IDA Pharmacy
Business of The Year: Centre & Main Chocolate Co.
Chair’s Award: Michael Metcalf
Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce
Young Professional: John O’Keefe
Next Big Thing / Innovation: Olympus Burger
Small Business: R. Brooking Tree Service
Customer First: Wellington Suites
Manufacturing & Skilled Trades: Arcadis Canada Inc.
Hospitality & Tourism: Haute Goat
Not for Profit / Service Club: Capitol Theatre
People’s Choice: Primitive Designs
President’s Award: Elliott Insurance
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Winners announced for 2019 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition
Dylan Trepanier of Alexander Optical and Cheryl Gould of Electric Juice Factory have won the 2019 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition, with each taking home a cash prize of $8,350. The final pitch event was held on April 30, 2019 at The Venue in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Bianca Nucaro / kawarthaNOW.com)
Dylan Trepanier of Alexander Optical and Cheryl Gould of Electric Juice Factory were the winners of the 2019 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition.
The two entrepreneurs, who each take home a cash prize of $8,350, came out on top after six finalist pitched their businesses to a panel of judges before a live audience last Tuesday night (April 30) at The Venue in downtown Peterborough.
Trepanier won in the Innovation category for his business Alexander Optical, which organizes pop-up clinics with eye care professionals on site to perform comprehensive eye exams, to find eye wear solutions, and to provide an option for people to finance their eye care.
Gould won in the Goods and Services category for Electric Juice Factory, the business she founded with Will Harvey. Based in Port Hope with a retail location in downtown Peterborough, Electric Juice Factory manufactures organic, raw, cold-pressed juices and superfood smoothies.
The four runners-up — Husayn Dharshi of Transit One and Jeremy Brooks of AVROD in the Innovation category, and Jen Wight of Emily Mae’s Cookies & Sweets and Hillary Flood and Pete Rellinger of PedalBoro in the Goods and Services category — each received a cash prize of $1,000.
Jen Wight of Emily Mae’s Cookies & Sweets also won the People’s Choice Award, as well as a free 2019/20 membership to the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough.
Green Party’s Nature Care Earth Day Awards recognizes local eco-friendly businesses
The second annual Nature Care Earth Day Awards were held on May 1, 2019 at Camp Kawartha Environment Centre. (Photo: Green Party of Peterborough-Kawarthas / Facebook)
The Green Party honoured several eco-friendly businesses at its second annual Nature Care Earth Day Awards at the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre last Wednesday night (May 1).
Generation Solar was given in the Clean Economy award. The Peterborough business provides turn-key renewable energy systems for a variety of commercial, residential, and institutional applications, primarily in solar-electric and solar water heating technologies. The company was recognized for enabling the generation of millions of kilowatt hours of clean green solar energy and for helping hundreds of people and businesses reduce their carbon emissions.
Peterborough Certified Home Inspection, operated by Curtis Elliot, was recognized with an award for helping home-owners make their houses more energy efficient, and Pinchin Ltd was recognized with an award for its technical expertise in the renovation and construction of buildings to meet energy efficiency and environmental health standards.
Three local restaurants were recognized for minimizing their use of plastic or Styrofoam and focusing on using local or organic produce: La Hacienda, Dreams of Beans, and By the Bridge. By the Bridge’s co-operation with a local farmer who feeds their compost to her chickens was highlighted.
McLean’s Berry Farm was recognized for using and developing best practices for sustainable food production.
Along with these businesses, other awards recognized:
Brianna Salmon for her leadership at Peterborough GreenUP
Cathy Dueck, Glen Caradus, and Craig Brant for their nature awareness work through programs such as Pathways to Stewardship and Kinship, Adventures in Understanding, and the Forest Kindergarten
Dylan Radcliffe for his naturalist website and social media accounts Steward’s Notes
Transition Town’s Greenzine and Random Acts of Green for getting more people involved in actions that reduce and prevent waste, increase water and energy efficiency, alter transportation patterns, minimize the use of natural resources, or reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
Jazlyn Burrell for writing a Species at Risk Report for Old Growth Forests in Peterborough and the Kawarthas for Ancient Forest Exploration and Outreach
The staff and volunteers of Kawartha Land Trust for are caring for 4,101 acres of important diverse types of land
Tia Bankosky for volunteering with Sustainable Trent and the Trent Green Party Club as well as three other organizations.
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Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. is one step closer to opening
On May 7, 2019, Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. is scheduled to receive a brewhouse and cellar custom-made from Canadian company Criveller Group that will be delivered from Niagara Falls. Pictured in a sample of the type of equipment Criveller Group supplies for the brewing industry. (Photo: Criveller Group)
Fenelon Falls Brewing Co., Kawartha Lakes’ newest craft brewery, is one step closer to opening.
On Tuesday (May 7), an 18-wheel trailer from Niagara Falls will roll into Fenelon Falls to deliver a brewhouse and cellar to the historic building at 4 May Street.
The custom-made brewhouse was designed by Canadian company Criveller Group, and includes a 15-barrel system, fermenters, and brite tank (a vessel in which beer is placed after primary fermentation and filtering).
Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. has hired Russell Gibson as its head brewer. (Photo: Fenelon Falls Brewing Co.)
Founded by husband and wife Vinh and Agatha Mac, Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. has been busy transforming the building (which was once a livery stable and then a blacksmith shop) into a 5,000-square-foot brewery.
It includes a taproom (offering Fenelon Falls Brewing Co.’s two flagship beers, Fenelon Vienna Lager and Fenelon Red Ale, and seasonal exclusive brews), a retail bottle shop, and a unique event space that will feature local musicians.
The brewery has also announced the hiring of its head brewer, Russell Gibson. The Fenelon Falls native has a Bachelor of Science degree, completed the Niagara College Brewmaster program, and has worked in one of Ontario’s largest craft breweries.
Peterborough DBIA’s “Digital Main Street” program is underway
Yllka Bojku and Kate Storen make up the “Digital Service Squad” of the Peterborough DBIA’s Digital Main Street program to help downtown businesses improve their online presence. (Photo: Peterborough DBIA)
The “Digital Main Street” program offered through the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is now underway.
The DBIA received a $10,000 grant from Digital Main Street, an initiative of the Ontario Business Improvement Area (BIA) Association funded by the Ontario government that helps small businesses adopt digital tools such as e-commerce platforms and social media.
Along with from Community Futures Peterborough and the DBIA’s own resources, the DBIA has used the grant to establish a “Digital Service Squad” consisting of Yllka Bojku and Kate Storen, who will visit and assist downtown businesses at no cost to help them set up Google Business, conduct a digital-readiness assessment, and apply for a $2,500 grant from Digital Main Street.
Participation is open to all businesses in the downtown area, not just DBIA members. To be part of the program, contact Joel Wiebe at the DBIA at joel@downtownptbo.ca or 705-748-4774.
Peterborough Currents nominated for Best Podcast at 2019 Digital Publishing Awards
A Peterborough podcast has been nominated for the fourth annual 2019 Digital Publishing Awards.
Peterborough Currents, created by Ayesha Barmania and Will Pearson, is nominated in the Best Podcast category for its Food, Housing, and Transitions episodes.
They are up against Love Me (CBC Podcasts), CBC Mic Drop, Missing and Murdered: Finding Cleo (CBC News), Rap carcéral (Radio-Canada for VICE), Front Burner (CBC News), En 5 minutes (QUB Radio), and Uncover: Escaping NXIVM (CBC Podcasts).
The Digital Publishing Awards are presented by the National Media Awards Foundation to recognize and promote excellence from Canadian digital publications and creators.
This year, 127 Canadian digital publications participated in the Digital Publishing Awards, submitting the best of their digital content, design, and innovation from the past year for consideration in 23 awards categories. The judges selected 118 nominations from 50 different digital publications for this year’s awards.
Peterborough tech startup Wakhal launches Community4E digital community-building platform
Peterborough tech startup Wakhal has officially launched its digital community-building platform called Community4E. (Graphic courtesy of Innovation Cluster)
Peterborough tech startup Wakhal has officially launched its digital community-building platform called Community4E (the four Es are Engagement, Empowerment, Education, and Entertainment).
Community4E is a collaboration platform for organizations and their stakeholders that offers the functionality of an intranet and an extranet, and includes tools to improve productivity and aid problem-solving.
“Using a white-label approach, the platform enhances organizational engagement by creating a community-branded social media site,” says Wakhal founder and CEO Rojit Sorokhaibam.
Community4E is currently being used by the Innovation Cluster in partnership with the City of Kawartha Lakes Economic Development, Spark Commercialization and Innovation Centre in the Durham Region, Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network, and more. More than 40,000 users in all participating communities have registered for the platform.
Community4E is currently available as a web browser application, with plans to develop mobile apps for Android and iOS.
Peterborough DBIA seeking sponsors for downtown trolley and Hootenanny on Hunter Street this summer
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is seeking sponsors for the downtown trolley and Hootenanny on Hunter Street this summer.
The DBIA is bringing back the downtown trolley, first launched last summer, to transport people between downtown Peterborough and Peterborough Musicfest at Del Crary Park throughout the summer on Musicfest evenings (Wednesdays and Saturdays).
To fund the operation of the trolley, which is owned by Michael Bryant and Pauline Kiely of Little Britain, the DBIA needs the financial support of more sponsors.
The DBIA is also looking for sponsors for this year’s Hootenanny on Hunter Street music festival, which takes place on August 10th. Last year’s festival was attended by 10,000 people. The DBIA is also seeking members and associate members who want a booth on the street during the festival.
If you are interested, or for more information, contact Terry Guiel at the DBIA at terry@downtownptbo.ca or 705-748-4774.
Trent University and Noblegen receive $797,104 in federal funding to advance clean-water technology in mining industry
Trent University researchers and Peterborough bio-tech company Noblegen have received $797,104 over three years from the federal Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council to develop green bio-filtration technology to make the mining industry more sustainable.
Dr. Neil Emery, vice president research and innovation and biology professor at Trent University, and forensic science associate professor Dr. Barry Saville are partners with former Trent Chemistry professor Dr. Celine Guegen in the research, which is support by Noblegen.
Using state-of-the-art molecular techniques including genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, the research will investigate the abilities of the protist organism Euglena to sequester metals in diluted mine waters and to facilitate their extraction. The Euglena-based filtration technology will allow extraction of economically valuable metals and it will reduce the environmental footprint of the tailing ponds.
The funding is part of a broader announcement by federal minister of Science and Sport Kirsty Duncan of more than $44 million to recipients of strategic partnership grants. The funding, which focuses on collaborations between academia, businesses, government and other organization, will go to 75 projects across the country.
The Canadian mining industry accounted for 16 per cent of Canada’s gross domestic product and 1.74 million jobs in Canada in 2016.
Haliburton Highlands Chamber hosts Breakfast Club featuring County Warden Liz Danielsen on May 7
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting The Breakfast Club from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7th at Sandy Lane Resort (17592 Highway 35, Algonquin Highlands).
Liz Danielsen, Haliburton County Warden and Deputy Mayor of Algonquin Highlands, is the guest speaker.
Tickets are $30 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members.
Peterborough Chamber PBX at Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre in Peterborough on May 7
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is holding its next Peterborough Business Exchange (PBX) from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7th at Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre (840 Armour Rd, Peterborough).
All are invited to attend the free networking event.
Sold out – Inclusive Advisory hosts “Conscious Shift” workshops on May 10 in Peterborough
Inclusive Advisory, a multidisciplinary firm practising accounting, law, and wealth management with offices in Peterborough and Port Perry, is hosting a series of workshops called “Conscious Shift” from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 10th at The Mount Community Centre (1545 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough).
With the tagline “leadership and management uncensored”, the workshops will feature four speakers sharing their experiences on leadership. Each speaker will give an original 20-minute presentation followed by a 20-minute question-and-answer session.
The speakers are: Paul Bennett, owner of Ashburnham Realty; Mike Skinner, president and CEO of the Innovation Cluster; Chief Kelly LaRocca of the Mississaugas of Scucog Island First Nation; and Sacha Lai-Svirk, director of digital health at Outpost379.
The workshops, which promise to “challenge the participants to step outside of their comfort zone” by introducing them “to alternative insights that challenge the status quo in management”, are designed for business owners, executives, managers, and community leaders.
Tickets are $200 each, with $150 from each ticket donated to The Mount Community Centre, Peterborough’s sustainable and inclusive urban village (charitable receipts will be provided).
Kawarthas Northumberland hosting regional ambassador training on May 13 in Peterborough
Kawarthas Northumberland (Regional Tourism Organization 8) is hosting a training session for regional ambassadors from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, May 13th in the boardroom at the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce (175 George St. N., Peterborough).
The half-day course is free to attend and open to all Kawarthas Northumberland tourism operators and tourism businesses.
Space is limited. Register by Wednesday, May 1st by contacting Julie at partner@rto8.com or 705-874-8505 ext. 102.
Next Peterborough Chamber breakfast meeting at VentureNorth in Peterborough on May 14
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting its next “ChamberAM” breakfast meeting from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 14th at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
This is the first breakfast meeting held at a new location, following the announcement that long-time location (the Carousel Restaurant) is closing.
Networking begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by a “mystery guest speaker” at 8 a.m.
Admission is free; just pay for what you order for breakfast. Mega Experience will be sponsoring complimentary filtered coffee.
FastStart Peterborough hosts “E-Connect: Spring into Entrepreneurship” in Peterborough on May 14
FastStart Peterborough is hosting its next E-Connect seminar from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough)
“E-Connect: Spring into Entrepreneurship” features speakers Brett Proud (co-founder of GuestLogix Inc. and Peterborough Region Angel Network Member) and Andrew Pyle (economist, branch manager, and portfolio manager at ScotiaMcleod).
Peterborough DBIA breakfast network with Michael Gallant and Dawn Pond in Peterborough on May 15
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is hosting its next breakfast network meeting from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15th at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
Guest speakers architect Michael Gallant and Downtown Vibrancy Coordinator Dawn Pond will be talking about a new public art project.
Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with guest speakers at 8 a.m.
The event is open to everyone. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Kawartha Chamber presents B.O.S.S. cyber security seminar on May 15 in Lakefield
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is hosting its next Business Owners Sharing Solutions (B.O.S.S.) seminar from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15th at Beachwood Resort (3043 Beachwood Dr., Lakefield).
A panel discussion will focus on concerns specific to small business, including as website security, email and telephone scams, and online banking security. Panellists include Detective Sargent Vern Crowley of the OPP Cybercrime Investigations Team, Brendan Quigley of acorn30, and Graeme Barrie of Netmechanics. The panel discussion will be moderated by David Wilson of Let’s Get Digital.
Venture13 celebrates one-year anniversary on May 21 in Cobourg
The VentureZone includes 24-hour secured access, fibre connection and public wifi, as well as web-based booking. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre is celebrating its one-year anniversary from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21st at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
The agenda will include a review of the past year’s accomplishments, the economic impact to date, and Venture13’s future strategy, as well as announcements regarding funding, community partnerships, and innovation in action.
Tech expert and entrepreneur Takara Small will deliver a keynote address about creating and encouraging rural and urban linkages, driving innovation and growth, and creating the exchange and flow of people, investment, and resources.
Following the keynote address, there will be a self-guided tour of the VentureZone where booths and demos will be set up to showcase Venture13’s entrepreneurs and community partners. A community BBQ hosted by the Cobourg Police Service will be taking place just outside of the building, with all proceeds going towards Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre and Rebound Child & Youth Services Northumberland. P
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.
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.
Eighteen artists and art advocates have been nominated for six Peterborough Arts Awards, including musician Washboard Hank, one of three nominees for Outstanding Senior Artist, and The Theatre on King and Fleshy Thud founder Ryan Kerr, one of three nominees for Arts Catalyst. (Photos courtesy of Washboard Hank and Andy Carroll for Public Energy)
The Electric City Culture Council has announced the shortlist for the second annual Peterborough Arts Awards.
Six awards of $2,000 each will be presented for outstanding achievement in the arts in Peterborough, as well as two Bierk Art Fund bursaries (from the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, established to honour the memory and celebrate the life of Peterborough resident Liz Bierk, wife of renowned artist David Bierk).
Nominations for each award were accepted until April 9th, and the shortlist was revealed on Friday (May 3).
The nominees in each category are:
Outstanding Emerging Artist
Sponsored by Tim and Shelley Barrie of Merit II Realty Limited
Bennett Bedoukian
Nimkii Osawamick
Niambi Tree
Outstanding Achievement By An Indigenous Artist
Sponsored by LLF Lawyers
Drew Hayden Taylor
Hilary Wear
Outstanding Mid-Career Artist
Sponsored by Betty and Bill Morris
Lester Alfonso
Beau Dixon
Justin Million
Patti Shaughnessy
Arts Catalyst
Sponsored by Kate and Alex Ramsay
Geoff Bemrose
Ryan Kerr
James McKenty
Outstanding Senior Artist
Sponsored by Outpost379
Ursula Pflug
Washboard Hank
Alice Williams
Arts Champion
Sponsored by Paul Bennett/Ashburnham Realty
Peer and Lori Christensen
David Goyette
Charlie Werger
The winners of each award will be announced on Friday, May 24th at the Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts, which takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the McDonnel St. Activity Centre (577 McDonnel St., Peterborough).
Award-winning author Charlie Foran is the guest speaker at the Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts. (Photo: James Lahey)
As well as the awards presentation, the luncheon will feature guest speaker Charlie Foran, author of Mordecai: The Life & Times, which won both the Governor General’s Literary Award for nonfiction and the Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction in 2011.
There will also be performances by Dreda Blow, Justin Millon, Curtis Driedger, and more, as well a three-course meal provided by BE Catering.
Officials at the grand opening of Bond by the River on May 1, 2019. The affordable housing project in Lindsay features 12 three-bedroom townhouse units at a cost of $997 a month, 20 per cent less than the average market price. From left to right: Erika Robson for MPP Laurie Scott, KLH Housing vice chair Pat Dunn, KLH Housing CEO Hope Lee, affordable housing consultant Nadia Venafro, City of Kawartha Lakes mayor Andy Letham, and Dylan Robichaud for MP Jamie Schmale. (Photo courtesy of City of Kawartha Lakes)
Bond by the River, an affordable housing project in Lindsay, held its grand opening on Wednesday (May 1).
Developed by the non-profit Kawartha Lakes Haliburton Housing Corporation (KLH Housing), the housing development features 12 three-bedroom townhouse units at a cost of $997 a month. The rental cost is 20 per cent less than the average market price and nine of the units have a rent geared-to-income subsidy available.
According to the City of Kawartha Lakes, more than 1,700 households in Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton are on a waiting list for affordable housing. Almost a quarter of those are family households, and many on the list will wait more than three and a half years for housing.
Bond by the River provides affordable housing for 12 families in Lindsay. More than 1,700 households in Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton, including almost 400 family households, are on a waiting list for affordable housing. (Photo courtesy of City of Kawartha Lakes)
Attendees at the grand opening included KLH Housing CEO Hope Lee, vice chair Patt Dunn, Dylan Robichaud on behalf of Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock MP Jamie Schmale, Erika Robson on behalf of Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock MPP Laurie Scott, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation affordable housing consultant Nadia Venafro, and City of Kawartha Lakes Mayor Andy Letham.
“I’m very pleased we have provided homes for 12 families through this project,” Mayor Letham said. “We know there are many other families on the waiting list, to find a safe, affordable home. We will continue moving forward with projects such as this to create more opportunities for affordable housing.”
Attendees toured a unit and met some of the current tenants of the development
“I have mobility issues, so I really appreciated the layout of the units and that the showers have accessibility features,” said one tenant. “We appreciate everything that has been done for us, including the thought that went into the many decisions about the units.”
The cost of the Bond by the River project was $3.5 million, funded in part by $1.8 million in revenue from the sale of older homes. To reduce the costs of the project, the City of Kawartha Lakes waived development charges, planning application fees. and building permit fees. Some funding was also provided through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
The housing project development was assisted by John O’Reilly Real Estate, Tim Welch Consulting, Wilcox Architects, MVW Construction, and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
Allan Seabrooke, the commissioner of community services with the City of Peterborough, has resigned from his position to become city manager of Red Deer in Alberta on May 13, 2019 (Photo: City of Peterborough / YouTube)
Alan Seabrooke is leaving the City of Peterborough, after a year in the position of commissioner of community services following three years as chief administrative officer.
Seabrooke has resigned from his position to move to Red Deer in Alberta, where he has accepted the position of city manager (equivalent to chief administrative officer).
He and his wife Teresa will move to Red Deer, where he starts his new job on May 13th.
Before working for the City of Peterborough, Seabrooke held positions with the City of Waterloo, Otonabee Region Conservation Authority, the City of Markham, the Town of Aurora, the City of Mississauga, the City of Elliot Lake, and the Ministry of Natural Resources.
In 2015, Seabrooke was appointed chief administrative officer of the City of Peterborough. In 2018, he led a restructuring of the city’s senior management following the retirement of the city’s director of community services Ken Doherty.
The previous five director positions were restructured into three commissioner roles. Seabrooke moved into the community services commissioner position and Sandra Clancy, the previous director of corporate services, became the chief administrative officer.
“Allan has been a valued contributor to the city,” Clancy says. “We’ll miss his voice as part of our senior management team, but we wish him well as he continues his career in Western Canada.”
In the interim, Clancy will serve as acting commissioner of community services in addition to her duties as chief administrative officer.
“I have enjoyed working with council and the talented employees of our city,” Seabrooke says. “It’s a time I will always cherish. Having worked my entire career in Ontario, the opportunity to experience life in Western Canada, working with a growing and progressive community like Red Deer, was appealing.”
Red Deer has a population of 103,588 compared to Peterborough’s 84,230. Seabrooke was hired as city manager in Red Deer following a nation-wide search, and his appointment was unanimously approved by Red Deer city council.
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