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businessNOW – March 25, 2019

By Bruce Head -
The semi-finalist showcase for the 2018 Bears' Lair Entrepreneurial Competition at The Venue in downtown Peterborough. This year's showcase, where 24 semi-finalists will be displaying information about their businesses and how they operate, takes place on March 26, 2019. Six finalists for the final pitch event on April 30th will be announced at the end of the showcase event. (Photo: Bears' Lair)

This week’s round-up of regional business news includes the upcoming semi-finalist showcase for the Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition, the Ontario government’s announcement of $3.8 million in one-time funding for rural municipalities in Peterborough-Kawartha, the Innovation Cluster launching the H2O Makerspace to support clean technology research, and Rustically Signed opening a new store and workshop space at Pie Eyed Monk Brewery in Lindsay this May.

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 is the Peterborough DBIA and GreenUP being nominated for an award for the Vibrancy Depave Project, Sarah Lazure leaving the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra as its general manager, Trent University raising $114,300 for United Way Peterborough, and the opening of nominations for the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s 2019 Business Awards of Excellence.

New regional events added this week include the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s Business & Community Achievement Awards Gala on March 30th in Haliburton, the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough’s Women in Business Award and the Judy Heffernan Award Dinner on April 9th in Peterborough, the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council’s community celebration and annual general meeting on April 17th in Omemee, the Haliburton Highlands Chamber’s breakfast meeting with MPP Laurie Scott on April 23rd in Haliburton, and the Trent Hills Chamber’s Celebration of Business Excellence Awards Ceremony on April 27th in Hastings.

Bears’ Lair finalists to be announced at semi-finalist showcase on March 26 in Peterborough

Members of the Bears' Lair committee preparing final details for the semi-finalist showcase on March 26, 2019 at The Venue in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Bears' Lair)
Members of the Bears’ Lair committee preparing final details for the semi-finalist showcase on March 26, 2019 at The Venue in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Bears’ Lair)

The Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition is hosting its semi-finalist showcase from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26 at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough), where the six finalists will be announced.

Bears’ Lair is an annual competition for up-and-coming entrepreneurs in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

During the showcase event, 24 semi-finalists in two categories (Goods and Services and Innovation) will be displaying information about their businesses and how they operate.

The Goods and Services semi-finalists are Uff Eats, Zumbini with Amber, PtboDTS, Farmhill Wedding and Events, Electric Juice Factory, KEG for KCBF, Three Sisters, Direct Visual Care, You’re Welcome, Mink Magic Beauty Bar, PedalBoro, Solid Leather, Refreshingly New, Tiny Greens, Rasa Ayurveda, and Emily Mae’s Cookies & Sweets.

The Innovation semi-finalists are Netmechanics, AVROD, Alexander Optical, Biosphere GPS, Devout Fitness, Transit One, GWF, and Foreign Language 4 Life.

Attendees at the showcase event will have the chance to ask the semi-finalists entrepreneurship-related questions in a one-on-one Q&A session.

The Bears’ Lair committee judges, along with judges from the local business community, will select six finalists (three in each category) during the showcase and will announce the finalists at the end of the event.

The finalists will move on to the final pitch event on Tuesday, April 30th at The Venue, where they will compete for thousands of dollars in cash and business support services.

Register for the free showcase event at www.eventbrite.ca/e/bears-lair-semi-finalist-showcase-tickets-58268112493.

 

Ontario government announces $3.8 million in one-time funding for rural municipalities in Peterborough-Kawartha

Rural municipalities in the provincial riding of Peterborough-Kawartha will be receiving $3,783,351 from the Ontario government.

Last Wednesday (March 20), Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced $200 million in one-time funding for 405 small and rural municipalities, including $3,783,351 for municipalities in the provincial riding of Peterborough-Kawartha.

Funding is allocated based on the number of households in a municipality and whether the municipality is urban or rural. The breakdown of funding for Peterborough-Kawartha is as follows:

  • $725,000 for Peterborough County
  • $627,696 for Trent Lakes Municipality
  • $627,696 for Selwyn Township
  • $600,086 for North Kawartha Township
  • $611,047 for Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township
  • $591,826 for Douro-Dummer Township

The funding is intended for municipalities to modernize and improve the delivery of services. Municipalities will decide how to best target funding to benefit their local communities, but some examples could include service delivery reviews, development of shared services agreements, IT solutions, capital investments, or other projects.

 

Innovation Cluster launches H2O Makerspace to support clean technology research

The Innovation Cluster launched "H2O Makerspace: Powered by Franklin Empire Inc." on March 21, 2019. The makerspace will offer cleantech startup clients equipment to aid in the research and development of cleantech in water testing and more. (Photo: Innovation Cluster)
The Innovation Cluster launched “H2O Makerspace: Powered by Franklin Empire Inc.” on March 21, 2019. The makerspace will offer cleantech startup clients equipment to aid in the research and development of cleantech in water testing and more. (Photo: Innovation Cluster)

Last Thursday (March 21), the day before World Water Day, the Innovation Cluster Peterborough & the Kawarthas launched “H2O Makerspace: Powered by Franklin Empire Inc.” at the organization’s business incubator in the VentureNorth building in downtown Peterborough.

At the H2O Makerspace, startups specializing in clean technology (“cleantech”) will have access to more than 30 pieces of equipment to aid in the research and development of cleantech in water testing and more. The equipment includes culture incubators, a sample transport kit, a plan achromatic microscope, membrane filters, petri dishes, sterile glass pipets, and more.

The October 2018 issue of Water Canada named Peterborough as the first best place to launch a watertech startup in Ontario and the second-best in Canada.

“As Peterborough is ranked the best place in Ontario to launch a watertech startup, we couldn’t think of a better way to further the region’s innovative developments than by launching a makerspace for research and testing,” says Innovation Cluster CEO and president Michael Skinner. “The Innovation Cluster is always looking for new ways to help cleantech companies in Peterborough and the Kawarthas reach a global marketplace.”

Geographer and entrepreneur Jennifer Pate, known for her passion towards environmental sustainability and social accessibility to global waterways, was the keynote speaker at the H2O Makerspace event. She spoke about the affects of pollution on our bodies of water.

Following the launch, a showcase was held featuring cleantech clients supported by the Innovation Cluster (including Aclarus Ozone Water Systems, SGS, and Simbi H2O) as well as representatives from Trent University, Fleming CAWT, Noblegen, and Cleantech Commons.

Headquartered in Montreal with offices in Quebec and Ontario including in Peterborough, Franklin Empire Inc. is the largest independent electrical distributor in Canada. Founded in 1942, the company supply electrical components for new construction, renovation and the maintenance of industrial plants, residential and commercial buildings, and also specialize in automation systems for manufacturing processes.

 

Rustically Signed opening new store and workshop space at Pie Eyed Monk Brewery in Lindsay this May

Stephanie Buckley and Holly Suddick are the owners and operators of home décor business Rustically Signed, which will be opening a new store and workshop space on the third floor of Pie Eyed Monk Brewery in Lindsay on May 4, 2019. (Supplied photo)
Stephanie Buckley and Holly Suddick are the owners and operators of home décor business Rustically Signed, which will be opening a new store and workshop space on the third floor of Pie Eyed Monk Brewery in Lindsay on May 4, 2019. (Supplied photo)

Rustically Signed will be opening a marketplace and workshop space on the third floor of Pie Eyed Monk Brewery (8 Cambridge St. N., Lindsay) on May 4, 2019.

Holly Suddick of Little Britain and Stephanie Buckley from Lindsay started their home décor business in 2016 as a “side gig” three years ago, creating custom hand-crafted items, and it has since grown into a booming business.

They will be offering sign-making and woodworking DIY workshops in the new space, and are also looking for around 20 vendors selling unique handmade items to join the marketplace.

For more information on Rustically Signed and to become a vendor, visit rusticallysigned.com.

 

Peterborough DBIA and GreenUP nominated for award for Vibrancy Depave Project

Volunteers work in the fall of 2018 to remove 782 square metres of asphalt from Water Street in downtown Peterborough, as part of the Downtown Vibrancy project led by the Peterborough DBIA. The initiative has been nominated for an award from the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association. (Photo: Peterborough DBIA)
Volunteers work in the fall of 2018 to remove 782 square metres of asphalt from Water Street in downtown Peterborough, as part of the Downtown Vibrancy project led by the Peterborough DBIA. The initiative has been nominated for an award from the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association. (Photo: Peterborough DBIA)

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and Peterborough GreenUP have been nominated for an “Streetscaping and Public Realm Improvements – Large” award from the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) for the Vibrancy Depave Project.

GreenUP partnered with the Peterborough DBIA and the City of Peterborough in 2018 to bring the Depave Paradise project to downtown Peterborough, as part of the Downtown Vibrancy project led by the Peterborough DBIA. The first phase of the project saw 782 square metres of asphalt removed from an unused loop of road at the southern end of Water Street next to Millennium Park in downtown Peterborough.

The next phase of the project, to be completed in late spring, will see the creation of a rain garden on the site. More than 1,000 plants will be added to the garden, providing water management to help protect the water quality of the Otonabee River and to mitigate flooding in the downtown area.

The winner of the award will be announced on April 1, 2019 at the OBIAA Gala Awards Night in Ottawa.

 

Sarah Lazure is leaving the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra as general manager

Sarah Lazure is leaving the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra to pursue another career opportunity. (Supplied photo)
Sarah Lazure is leaving the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra to pursue another career opportunity. (Supplied photo)

The board of directors of the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has announced that Sarah Lazure is leaving the organization in April to pursue another career opportunity.

Lazure has been the PSO’s artistic director since August 2015 and also held the role of general manager during the current season.

“Since joining us, Sarah has been on the ground floor of the PSO’s artistic and logistical planning,” says the PSO’s music director and conductor Michael Newnham.

“Her energy and commitment to excellence in everything she does has been a very large reason for the success that the orchestra has been experiencing in audience growth and expanding its profile in our community.”

The PSO is currently recruiting a new general manager. Until a new general manager is hired, the board of the PSO will guide the organization with the assistance of Newnham.

 

Trent University raises $114,300 for United Way Peterborough

Representatives from Trent University present a cheque for $114,328 to the United Way Peterborough. (Supplied photo)
Representatives from Trent University present a cheque for $114,328 to the United Way Peterborough. (Supplied photo)

Trent University faculty, staff, and retirees have raised $114,328 for United Way Peterborough & District’s 2018-19 campaign.

“We really challenged our faculty, staff and retiree’s by setting a $100,000 goal for the 2018 campaign, our highest ever,” says external relations and advancement vice-president Julie Davis “Trent University’s annual campaign is the largest corporate campaign in the community and it’s an important way for us to give back and support the Peterborough region.”

The funds were raised through payroll pledges and donations as well as many employee-led special events, including a chili cook-off, white elephant tables, and a gift basket raffle before the holidays.

Trent University has supported the United Way since 1965 and has raised more than $2 million for the organization.

 

Nominations now open for Kawartha Chamber 2019 Business Awards of Excellence

Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

Nominations are now open for the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s 20th annual Business Awards of Excellence.

Any business, individual, or organization within Peterborough County or the City of Peterborough can be nominated in one of 10 categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Professional, Outstanding Business Achievement, Commercial Development or Renovation, Customer Service Excellence, Entrepreneur Innovation, Not-For-Profit Excellence, Retailer of the Year, Service Sector Excellence, and Tourism/Hospitality.

The deadline to submit a nomination at kawarthachamber.ca/nominations is April 30, 2019.

The awards will be presented at a gala event on October 10, 2019.

 

Peterborough Chamber hosts annual general meeting on March 26 in Peterborough

The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 130th annual general meeting from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough)

Guest speakers include Ashley Challinor, vice-president of policy with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and Trevin Stratton, chief economist with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber members will be asked to approve the chamber’s audited financial statements and the actions of the chamber’s board for 2018.

The cost for the event, which includes lunch, is $30+HST for members and $40+HST for non-members. For mroe information and to register by March 19th, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.

 

Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition hosts semi-finalist showcase on March 26 in Peterborough

Bears' Lair showcase

The Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition is hosting its semi-finalist showcase from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26 at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).

Bears’ Lair is an annual competition for up-and-coming entrepreneurs in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Six finalists in two categories (Goods and Services and Innovation) will be selected to pitch their business to a panel of judges and the local community for a chance to win a cash prize.

The competition’s semi-finalists will showcase their businesses in hopes of competing in the top six at the final pitch event on April 30th.

Register for the free event at www.eventbrite.ca/e/bears-lair-semi-finalist-showcase-tickets-58268112493.

 

Kawartha Chamber hosts Business After Hours in Peterborough on March 26

Business After Hours March 26 2019

The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is hosting its first Business After Hours of 2019 from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26th at The Canadian Canoe Museum (910 Monaghan Rd, Peterborough).

The evening features networking, learning about some of the non-profit organizations in the area, and exploring The Canadian Canoe Museum. Non-profits with small displays at the event will include Abbeyfield House Society of Lakefield, Camp Kawartha, Community Care, Cuddles for Cancer, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region, Indian River Reptile Zoo, Peterborough Humane Society, and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation.

To register for the free event, visit a href=”http://business.kawarthachamber.ca/events/register/10128″ rel=”noopener” title=”Business After Hours Registration – kawarthachamber.ca” target=”_blank”>business.kawarthachamber.ca/events/register/10128.

 

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts inaugural Business & Entrepreneurship Conference in Peterborough on March 28

Business &amp, Entrepreneurship Conference in Peterborough

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is bringing together business owners from across Peterborough & the Kawarthas for the inaugural Business & Entrepreneurship Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 28th at the Peterborough Golf & Country Club (1030 Armour Rd., Peterborough).

This is a must-attend event for entrepreneurs looking to learn from industry thought leaders, network with like-minded professionals to develop partnerships and collaboration, and grow and improve their business. Keynote speakers are Nikki Pett on the topic “Relationship Marketing” and Darrell Keezer on the topic “Digital Disruption”, wiht special guest speaker George Anastasopoulos.

There will be an afternoon panel on customer service in the digital age features local business people include Katie Dempsey of Blind Ambition, Bob Gauvreau of Gauvreau & Associates, Mike Watt of Providence/S.O.S./Flavour Fashion, Scott Murison of Wild Rock, and Nicole Truman of Fox Law.

The conference registration also includes the opportunity to participate in the “Headshot Photo Booth”, where business owners can get a professional photo taken.

Tickets are $55+HST ($40+HST for members of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce) and include breakfast and lunch.

For the complete program and to register, visit www.eventbrite.ca/e/2019-business-entrepreneurship-conference-tickets-54945307895.

This event is being presented with the support of Kawarthas Northumberland, Canada Business Ontario, and the Peterborough Region Angel Network.

 

Northumberland Chamber hosts 2018 Business Achievement Awards in Cobourg on March 29

The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Business Achievement Awards from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, March 29th at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn and Convention Centre (930 Burnham St., Cobourg).

The annual awards recognize excellence and honour high achievers in the local business community.

Tickets for the gala, which includes a multi-course dinner, are $90+HST. Purchase tickets by March 25th by phone at 905-372-5831 or online at nccofc.ca/events/register/1364

 

Haliburton Highlands Chamber hosts Business & Community Achievement Awards Gala on March 30 in Haliburton

The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 13th Annual Business & Community Achievement Awards Gala at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 30th at Pinestone Resort & Conference Centre (4252 Haliburton County Rd. 21, Haliburton).

Awards will be presented in the following categories: Business Achievement, Customer First – Business, Customer First – Employee, Entrepreneur of the Year, Highlander of the Year, Innovation & Creativity, New Business, Not-for-Profit of the Year, Skilled Trades & Industry, Tourism & Hospitality, and Young Professional of the Year.

The event will feature a reception with live entertainment and cash bar along with a dinner and awards ceremony emceed by Mike Jaycock.

 

Peterborough Emergency Management and Safety Forum on April 4 and 5

Peterborough Emergency Management and Safety Forum

The Peterborough Emergency Management and Safety Forum is taking place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 4th and Friday, April 5th at Stonehouse Hall (2195 Lansdowne St. Peterborough).

This two-day event is an opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field of emergency management and safety planning and execution. The forum will cover incident management and mitigation, emergency planning and responses, public safety, business continuity planning, interoperability in times of crisis or serious event, and coordinated collaborative response.

There will be guest speakers from Orlando, Florida speaking on lessons learned from the Pulse Night Club shooting, Peterborough Police Chief Scott Gilbert speaking on the 2018 Toronto van incident, Sgt. Kerry Schmidt of the O.P.P. speaking on communications and the media in a crisis, Tom McKay (President of the International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners), and an expert panel on cyber security.

Early bird tickets are $75 until Friday, February 15th and $100 thereafter. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.ca/e/peterborough-emergency-management-and-safety-forum-2019-tickets-53587643083.

 

Women’s Business Network of Peterborough presents Women in Business Award and the Judy Heffernan Award Dinner on April 9 in Peterborough

Gwyneth James of Cody & James Chartered Professional Accountants (middle) was named the Business Woman of the Year at the 2016 Peterborough Examiner Women in Business Awards, with Bridget Leslie of My Left Breast (left) and Betty Halman-Plumley of Investors Group (right) as finalists. Now known as the Women in Business Award, the award is being presented in 2019, along with the Judy Heffernan Award, by the Women's Business Network of Peterborough. (Supplied photo)
Gwyneth James of Cody & James Chartered Professional Accountants (middle) was named the Business Woman of the Year at the 2016 Peterborough Examiner Women in Business Awards, with Bridget Leslie of My Left Breast (left) and Betty Halman-Plumley of Investors Group (right) as finalists. Now known as the Women in Business Award, the award is being presented in 2019, along with the Judy Heffernan Award, by the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough. (Supplied photo)

The Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) is presenting the Women in Business Award and the Judy Heffernan Award at an awards dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m on Tuesday, April 9th at Personal Touch Banquet Hall (1135 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough).

The Women in Business Award will be awarded to a women showing exceptional business leadership. The Judy Heffernan Award will be awarded to a women who demonstrates the empowerment of other women. Enjoy cocktails at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., speaker at 7:30 p.m. and the awards celebration at 8 p.m.

Rhonda Barnet, Chief Operating Officer of Steelworks Design and past chair of the National Board of the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, will be the keynote speaker.

Cocktails and networking begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6:30 p.m., the keynote speaker at 7:30 p.m. and the awards celebration at 8 p.m.

Tickets for the awards dinner are available at a cost of $65 for WBN members or $75 for non-members (tables are also available). For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit www.womensbusinessnetwork.net/awards-event/.

 

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism hosts second annual Rural Tourism Symposium on April 11 in Keene

Rural Tourism Symposium

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism is hosting the second annual Rural Tourism Symposium from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 11th in the Agriculture Heritage Building at Lang Pioneer Village Museum (104 Lang Rd., Keene).

This symposium for tourism industry professionals will include a keynote presentation from Lisa LaVecchia, president and CEO of Destination Ontario, as well as presentations by: Beth Potter, president and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario; Trevor Benson, director of food tourism innovation with Culinary Tourism Alliance; Jewel Cunningham, director of Ontario Waterways with Parks Canada; and David Robinson of Destination Canada.

There will also be a tourism town hall by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, one of a series presented by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, Destination Canada, and local industry partners.

The cost of $125, which includes a continental breakfast and a market-style lunch. For more information and to register, visit ruraltourism.biz.

 

Kawartha Lakes Arts Council hosts community celebration and annual general meeting on April 17 in Omemee

The Kawartha Lakes Arts Council is hosting its 4th annual community celebration and annual general meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17th at Coronation Hall (1 King St. W. Omemee).

The annual general meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed at 7 p.m. by a tribute to artist Michael Poulton, a live auction of original artworks and creative experiences, a Neil Young tribute by Gerald Van Halteren, and more.

The Kawartha Lakes Arts Council is a not-for-profit volunteer organization of volunteers dedicated to serving the arts community in Kawartha Lakes by advocating for artists and the arts, promoting a vibrant arts community, fostering professional development and educational training, and cultivating investment and support of the arts in the community.

 

Haliburton Highlands Chamber hosts a breakfast meeting with MPP Laurie Scott on April 23 in Haliburton

The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting The Breakfast Club with MPP Laurie Scott from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23rd at Mckeck’s Tap & Grill (207 Highland St., Haliburton)

Scott, who is MPP for Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, will talk about her role as Ontario Minister of Labour and what she is planning on for 2019.

The cost is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members. Register at events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eg76zk9ob91259d5

 

Trent Hills Chamber hosts Celebration of Business Excellence Awards Ceremony on April 27 in Hastings

Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce 2019 Business Excellence Awards

The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its Celebration of Business Excellence Awards Ceremony from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 27th at The Grand Maple (19 Abert St. E., Hastings).

Awards will be presented in the following categories: Excellence In Business (Retail-Based Business), Excellence In Business (Service-Based Business), Pride And Progress, Customer Experience Award (Service Business), Customer Experience Award (Retail Business), Community Impact, Non-Profit Organization, and the Chair’s Award.

A reception takes place at 6:30 p.m. followed by the awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m., and are available at business.trenthillschamber.ca/events/details/celebration-of-business-excellence-awards-ceremony-3316.

 

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

Peterborough musician and mentor Joe Hall dies after lengthy illness

By Paul Rellinger -
A fixture of the Queen Street scene in Toronto in the 1970s with his band The Continental Drift, Joe Hall's music was compared to that of Frank Zappa and Tom Waits. Hall, who lived in Peterborough for the last 30 years, died on March 22, 2019 after a lengthy illness. (Photo: Joe Hall / Facebook)

Already reeling from the news of the sudden passing of club owner, DJ, and Hootenanny On Hunter founder Jonathan Hall, the Peterborough music community is now coming to grips with the loss of revered musician and highly respected mentor Joe Hall (no relation).

Longtime Toronto-based musician and 1998 Juno Award recipient Tony Quarrington posted news of Hall’s passing on Facebook.

“It is with profound sadness that I have to announce the death on Friday (March 22) of my dear old friend and collaborator Joe Hall,” wrote Quarrington.

“We just brought out a new recording in December; in his opinion and mine, the best ever. He will be missed. He was unique. He was the only Canadian songwriter I would seriously compare to Leonard Cohen.”

Joe Hall (left) on the cover of his 1972 album "Joe Hall and the Eyeball Wine Company".
Joe Hall (left) on the cover of his 1972 album “Joe Hall and the Eyeball Wine Company”.

A fixture on the Toronto music scene for years with his band The Continental Drift, Hall called Peterborough home for the last 30 years. As highly regarded for his encouragement of, and inspiration to, young musicians as he was for his own talent, Hall worked with a number of local acts, including The Silver Hearts.

Hall recorded three albums with The Continental Drift — whose members included Tony Quarrington and his brother, the late Paul Quarrington — the first being 1976’s HJ Boenke recorded by brothers Bob and Daniel Lanois. The follow-up, On The Avenue, was recorded at the brothers’ Grant Avenue Studio in Hamilton.

Later, Hall turned more frequently to recording and producing other musicians’ work.

The cover of Joe Hall and The Continental Drift's 1976 album "HJ Boenke", recorded by brothers Bob and Daniel Lanois.
The cover of Joe Hall and The Continental Drift’s 1976 album “HJ Boenke”, recorded by brothers Bob and Daniel Lanois.

Reached at his home on Sunday, bassist and Tonemasters member JP Hovercraft termed Hall’s passing “an incredible loss personally … he’s been family for years and years.”

“He wasn’t just a lyricist — he was a poet cutting right to the essence, whether it was deadly serious or insanely funny. He was not afraid to put anything into words. No social pressures kept Joe from saying what he intended to say. Absolutely one of the highlights of my career in music has been the work I was able to do with Joe.”

“He enriched the Peterborough music scene incredibly. He just loved that there was music everywhere. He wanted a life full of music, not just necessarily a life full of making music. That really was a bit of humbleness on his part because he was frigging giant.”

Joe Hall (centre) performing with Tony Quarrington and JP Hovercraft at JP's 60th birthday celebration at the Gordon Best in Peterborough in 2012. (Photo: SLAB Productions)
Joe Hall (centre) performing with Tony Quarrington and JP Hovercraft at JP’s 60th birthday celebration at the Gordon Best in Peterborough in 2012. (Photo: SLAB Productions)

Hovercraft learned of Hall’s passing on Friday (March 22nd) from Hall’s son. According to Hovercraft, he had been ill for quite some time.

“We were expecting it but it wasn’t supposed to be so soon. I wanted more time or even one more gig or something. We always think there’s going to be more time but that’s not necessarily so.”

“He put an awful lot of miles on his liver. He got into AA and got dry and had been that way for 20 years but it still caught up with him.”

“There’s this video that was made in Lee Morgan’s backyard. It was a party and some of the locals came and played music. There was Buzz Thompson playing Stand By Me with Lee on drums and Joe playing guitar and me on bass and Phil Marshall too was there. Here I am, the only one left from that. That’s spooky.”

Joe Hall with musician David Essig in Peterborough in 2013. (Photo: David Essig / Facebook)
Joe Hall with musician David Essig in Peterborough in 2013. (Photo: David Essig / Facebook)

To this day, Hovercraft clearly remembers the first time he heard Hall play.

JP Hovercraft with Joe Hall in an undated photo.
JP Hovercraft with Joe Hall in an undated photo.

“In a musician’s life, you get these experiences where somebody says ‘Go see this band,’ so you take their word for it and you go,” he says.

“Sometimes you walk in and there’s something going on that’s just so incredible that you’re left dumbfounded, thinking ‘Holy shit, I wish I was in that band.’

“That was my experience the first time I saw Joe Hall and the Continental Drift somewhere on Queen Street (in Toronto).

“I was like ‘What the hell is this and why aren’t I part of it?’ The crowning moment in my career was when I got to join that band (The Continental Drift). I was excited and I was nervous. I got to keep doing it and it was wonderful every time. It was absolute magic.

“That’s what I’m really going to miss. I’m awfully blessed to have had that happen but it’s not going to happen again.”

VIDEO: Nos Hablos Telephones – Joe Hall & The Continental Drift

According to Hovercraft, a private family service will be held for Hall, although he suggests the local music community may come together at some point to honour him in some way.

“Joe would walk down the street and there would be somebody there with their hand out. He would go out of his way to give as much as he could. It was suggested to me that if anybody asks what can they give (in Hall’s memory), just walk down George Street and give to the first person that’s looking for a helping hand.”

kawarthaNOW also reached out to Hall’s long-time friend, local artist Joe Stable, but was unable to connect with him in time for this story.

VIDEO: Joe Hall at The Joe Show at Acme Art & Sailboat Company on November 2, 2018

Looking back at First Friday in November. Will the Xmas Frist Friday be as musical? Only way to know is by going out.

Posted by Bill Kimball on Friday, December 7, 2018

At the First Friday Art Crawl in November 2018, Stable held an exhibit called “The Joe Show”, featuring Stable’s artwork based on photographic portaits of Hall, with half of the proceeds going to help produce Hall’s final album.

Hall also performed at the exhibit, along with Tony Quarrington and Hovercraft.

Earlier today (March 24), Stable posted a simple message on his Facebook page, accompanied by one of his portraits of Hall:

“Mr. Joe Hall, we love you and will miss you so much.”

A portrait of Joe Hall by his long-time friend, local artist Joe Stable. (Photo: Joe Stable)
A portrait of Joe Hall by his long-time friend, local artist Joe Stable. (Photo: Joe Stable)

Others shared similar sentiments on Facebook upon learning of Hall’s death.

“Such a great artist,” wrote singer-songwriter and visual artist Kurt Swinghammer. “Wish I could see him play again.”

“Whenever I bumped into him, he never failed to say something memorable, meaningful, and hilarious,” wrote local musician and artist Robert Atyeo. “He was a mentor to me, introduced me to his friend Willie P. (Bennett) one day which changed my life.”

You can listen to Joe Hall’s final album, released in 2018, on the Trent Radio / Radio Free Peterborough Local Music Archive Project website (Adobe Flash required).

VIDEO: Joe Hall in conversation with Paul Quarrington (Market Hall in Peterborough, 2009)

VIDEO: Brain Damage Blues – Joe Hall & The Continental Drift

VIDEO: We Met at The Lumsden Street Beanery – Joe Hall & The Continental Drift

VIDEO: Eva B – Joe Hall & The Continental Drift

Jonathan Hall, owner of The Twisted Wheel, has died

By kawarthaNOW -
Jonathan "Jonny Trash" Hall DJing at The Twisted Wheel in October 2018. (Photo: Jack Martin)

kawarthaNOW has learned that Jonathan Hall has died.

A celebration of the life of Jonathan Hall will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2019 at The Twisted Wheel (377 Water St., Peterborough). Please bring your photos, music, art and memories and join Jonathan's family as we honour our friend.
A celebration of the life of Jonathan Hall will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at The Twisted Wheel (377 Water St., Peterborough). Please bring your photos, music, art and memories and join Jonathan’s family as we honour our friend.

Reports began spreading on social media on Saturday morning (March 23) that the popular local business owner and DJ had passed away.

Hall’s partner Kayley Duggan has confirmed that he died at home with her while being attended by paramedics early on Friday night (March 22).

Hall suffered a heart attack. He had just celebrated his 44th birthday on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17).

In 2018, he opened The Twisted Wheel in downtown Peterborough bar with co-owner Mike Judson.

Hall was also the former owner of Spanky’s, Splice, and Trasheteria and was the founder of the annual Hootenanny on Hunter Street music festival. As a DJ, he was known as “Jonny Trash”.

He and Duggan had just purchased Nostalgic Journey this month, an antique and collectibles store on Highway 7 at Drummond Line.

Duggan says information about funeral and service details will be made public once they are arranged.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a donation be made to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation at support.heartandstroke.ca/goto/JonHall.

nightlifeNOW – March 21 to 27

By kawarthaNOW -
Cape Breton indie folk band Villages (Matt Ellis, Travis Ellis, Jon Pearo, and Archie Rankin) have just released a new record and will be performing at The Garnet in downtown Peterborough on Wednesday, March 27th with country and western musician Nathan Truax. (Publicity photo)

Every Thursday, we publish live music and performance events at pubs and clubs in Peterborough and The Kawarthas based on information that venues provide to us directly or post on their website or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, March 21 to Wednesday, March 27.

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

ARIA
Arlington Pub
Arthur's Pub
Black Horse Pub
Boiling Over's Coffee Vault
The Cat & The Fiddle Cobourg
The Ceilie (Trent University student pub)
Champs Sports Bar
Chemong Lodge
The Church-key Pub & Grindhouse
Coach & Horses Pub
Dominion Hotel
Dr. J's BBQ & Brews
Dreams of Beans
Frank's Pasta and Grill
Ganarascals Restaurant
Ganaraska Hotel
The Garnet
Golden Wheel Restaurant
Gordon Best Theatre
Hot Belly Mama's
Junction Nightclub
Kawartha Coffee Co.
Mckecks Tap & Grill
McThirsty's Pint
The Mill Restaurant and Pub
Moody's Bar & Grill
Oasis Bar & Grill
Pappas Billiards
Pastry Peddler
Publican House Brewery
Puck' N Pint Sports Pub
Red Dog Tavern
Riley's
Sapphire Room
Simcoe Ptbo
The Social
Southside Pizzeria
Sticks Sports Pub
The Thirsty Goose
Turtle John's Pub & Restaurant
The Twisted Wheel
The Venue

ARIA

331 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 743-0333

Coming Soon

Saturday, March 30
10pm - Megahits hosted by 88glam ($15, available at https://clubaria.ca)

Arlington Pub

32990 Highway 62, Maynooth
(613) 338-2080

Saturday, March 23

9pm - Mayhemingways ($10)

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 13
8pm - Russell deCarle ($25 in advance in Maynooth at the Maynooth General Store and at Sunrun Café and in Bancroft at Harvest Moon Whole Foods and Guitar Nuts Music Shop, $20 at door)

Arthur's Pub

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

Thursday, March 21

8pm - Karaoke w/ The Travelling Wilburs

Friday, March 22

9pm - Two For The Show

Saturday, March 23

9pm - Bruce Longman

Monday, March 25

7-9pm - Local talent

Tuesday, March 26

7:30pm - Beatles Tribute w/ Don Owen & Bruce Longman

Wednesday, March 27

8pm - Open mic

Coming Soon

Thursday, March 28
8pm - Karaoke w/ The Travelling Wilburs

Friday, March 29
9pm - Shawn Wilson

Saturday, March 30
9pm - Shawn Wilson

Sunday, March 31
4:30-8pm - Celtic music

Black Horse Pub

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

Thursday, March 21

7:30-11:30pm - Jazz and Blues ft Rob Phillips Trio w/ Marsala Lukianchuk

Friday, March 22

5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - MJ & The Beetus

Saturday, March 23

5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - 4 Lanes Wide

Sunday, March 24

3-6pm - Washboard O'Hank & The Shenanigans; 6:30pm-9:30pm - Joe Bulger

Monday, March 25

7pm - Rick & Gailie's Crash & Burn

Tuesday, March 26

7pm - Randy Hill Band w/ Marc Roy

Wednesday, March 27

9-11pm - Lazy Devils

Coming Soon

Thursday, March 28
7:30-11:30pm - Jazz and Blues ft Rob Phillips Trio w/ Marsala Lukianchuk

Friday, March 28
5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Jake Norris & The Side Street Band

Saturday, March 30
5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Josh Gordon Band

Sunday, March 31
3-6pm - Tom Eastland Triage; 6:30pm-9:30pm - Morgan Rider

Boiling Over's Coffee Vault

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

Friday, March 22

7-9pm - Jitensha

Coming Soon

Friday, March 29
7-9pm - Keith Kirkpatrick

The Cat & The Fiddle Cobourg

38 Covert St., Cobourg
(905) 377-9029

Friday, March 22

7pm - Shaun Savoy

The Ceilie (Trent University student pub)

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

Friday, March 22

8-10pm - Extremely Amateur Comedy Open Mic

Champs Sports Bar

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

Thursdays

7pm - Open mic

Chemong Lodge

764 Hunter St., Bridgenorth
(705) 292-8435

Thursdays

5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)

Fridays

5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)

Wednesdays

5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)

The Church-key Pub & Grindhouse

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

Thursday, March 21

8pm - Tuborg

Wednesday, March 27

8pm - Whiskey Wednesday w/ Ken Tizzard

Coach & Horses Pub

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

Thursdays

10pm - Open Mic w/ Gerald Vanhalteren

Fridays

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

Wednesdays

7-11pm - Live music

Dominion Hotel

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

Coming Soon

Friday, May 3
8pm - Valdy w/ Doris Mason ($30, in advance at www.eventbrite.ca/e/valdy-in-concert-with-doris-mason-tickets-56596015205)

Saturday, May 11
8pm - Canadian Blues Legend Series ft Chris Antonik Band ($30, in advance at www.eventbrite.ca/e/chris-antonik-band-canadian-blues-legend-series-tickets-57945124427)

Dr. J's BBQ & Brews

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

Coming Soon

Saturday, May 11
8pm - Doc Yates w/ Greg Williams & Kansas Stone (tickets available soon at www.docyates.com)

Dreams of Beans

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

Thursday, March 21

8pm - Open mic hosted by Jacques Graveline

Coming Soon

Friday, March 29
9:30-11pm - Graham Show (no cover)

Frank's Pasta and Grill

426 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-2727

Friday, March 22

9pm-12am - Karaoke; 12am - DJ

Saturday, March 23

8pm - High Waters Band; 11:30pm - DJ

Wednesday, March 27

8-11pm - Open Mic

Coming Soon

Saturday, March 30
8pm - Mardi Gras ft. Johnny Sweet & The Project; 11pm - DJ

Ganarascals Restaurant

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

Coming Soon

Saturday, March 30
2pm - Payadora Tango Ensemble ($20, email for tickets)

Ganaraska Hotel

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

Friday, March 22

8pm - Ontario Street Theatre presents Let's Rock N Roll! ft. Dimestore Playboys w/ Marsala Luckianchuk & Clayton Yates ($20)

Saturday, March 23

2pm & 10pm - Recovery Mode

Wednesday, March 27

8-11pm - Open Mic Night w/ Clayton Yates & Rob Foreman

Coming Soon

Friday, March 29
8pm - Ontario Street Theatre presents The Mighty Led Zepplin Experience ($20)

Saturday, March 30
2pm & 10pm - Bone Yard

The Garnet

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

Thursday, March 21

7-9pm - Chiaroscuro Reading Series presents Kate Heartfield, Derek Junksken, Matt Moore (donations accepted); 9pm - Harea Band w/ Maple Grove ($10)

Friday, March 22

5-7pm - Forselli Friday; 8pm - Stillness and Stars w/ garbageface, Olias, & more

Saturday, March 23

9pm - Billard Blossom ($10 or PWYC)

Sunday, March 24

2pm - Corin Raymond and Mike T. Kerr ($20); 8pm - "The Musical Saw Playlist" ft Charlie Petch ($10 or PWYC)

Wednesday, March 27

8pm - Villages w/ Nathan Truax ($10)

VIDEO: "Maggie of the Cove" - Villages

Coming Soon

Thursday, March 28
9pm - Bring The War Home & garbageface ($8)

Friday, March 29
8pm - Lauryn Macfarlane w/ Kane Miller ($10)

Saturday, March 30
6-8pm - Author talk ft. Devon Code and Ursula Pflug

Sunday, March 31
7-9pm - Show and Tell Poetry Series ft. Esther Vincent, Myanna Hansen, Nic Taylor

Golden Wheel Restaurant

6725 Highway 7, Peterborough
(705) 749-6838

Wednesday, March 27

6:30-8:30pm - Line Dancing w/ Marlene Maskell ($7)

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 13
7pm - Dinner and dance patry ft Rye Street ($20 includes dinner, $5 music only at 8pm)

Gordon Best Theatre

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

Saturday, March 23

7:30pm - Borderless Spring ft. Pantayo, SHIRAZI, The Watched Pots ($10); 11pm - Dj Federico & HOLA after party

Coming Soon

Saturday, March 30
8:30pm - 90s Night Dance Party and Drag Queen Show fundraiser to send photographer Samantha Moss to Zambia ($5 in advance at ww.eventbrite.com/e/90s-night-at-the-best-tickets-58861420092)

Hot Belly Mama's

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

Thursday, March 21

8pm - The Quickshifters (no cover)

Junction Nightclub

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

Friday, March 22

10pm - Y2K Flashback w/ DJ Bill Porter (no cover)

Coming Soon

Saturday, March 30
10pm - DJ Cale Granton w/ DJ Justin Anderson

Kawartha Coffee Co.

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

Coming Soon

Saturday, March 30
7-11pm - Mayfield ft. Bill Douglas of Douglas + Son (no cover)

Mckecks Tap & Grill

207 Highland St., Haliburton
(705) 457-3443

Coming Soon

Friday, March 29
6pm - Sheri Hawkins and The Rockin Eighty Eights (no cover)

McThirsty's Pint

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

Thursdays

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

Fridays

10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey

Saturdays

10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey

Sundays

8pm - Open stage hosted by Ryan Van Loon

Mondays

9:30pm - Trivia Night hosted by Cam Green

Wednesdays

9pm - Live music hosted by Kevin Foster

The Mill Restaurant and Pub

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

Thursday, March 21

6:30pm - Wendy Meadows Trio (no cover)

Moody's Bar & Grill

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

Saturday, March 23

2-5pm - Kim Doolittle W/ Emily Burgess

Wednesday, March 27

9pm - Kerry Jayne & Hillary Dumoulin

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 20
2-5pm - Max Mouse & The Gorillas

Oasis Bar & Grill

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

Sundays

5:30pm - PHLO

Pappas Billiards

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

Thursday, March 21

7-10pm - Open Mic

Friday, March 22

9pm - Jacques Graveline

Saturday, March 23

1-3pm - Shipwrecked Saturdays w/ Jacques Graveline

Pastry Peddler

17 King St., Millbrook
(705) 932-7333

Coming Soon

Saturday, March 30
7pm - Rick Fines w/ Matthew MacCleod ($25)

Publican House Brewery

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

Friday, March 22

7-9pm - Ace and the Kid

Saturday, March 23

7-9pm - Cale Crowe

Coming Soon

Friday, March 29
7-9pm - Reg Corey

Saturday, March 30
7-9pm - Mike Graham Duo

Puck' N Pint Sports Pub

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

Coming Soon

Saturday, March 30
9pm - The Acoustically Hip (Craig McEarchern, Rod MacDonald, Dave Clarke)

Red Dog Tavern

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

Friday, March 22

8pm - Officially Canadian Party to celebrate Nicole Spencley's Canadian citizenship ft live music with Noel Savage, Diamond Dave Russell, Sean Daniels, Joe Stats, and Jeremy Spencley

Saturday, March 23

9pm - Rainbow Romp ft DJ Mike Lee ($5 at door, all proceeds to Rainbow Service Organization)

Tuesday, March 26

9pm - Open mic hosted by Davey Mac

Coming Soon

Friday, March 29
10pm - The Sadies ($15, in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/23470/)

Saturday, April 6
Amanda Robb

Friday, April 19
10pm - Tokyo Police Club w/ special guests TBA ($25, in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/22684/)

Friday, April 26
8pm - Death by Art School album release w/ St. Homer and Bellyflop ($10 or PWYC)

Riley's

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

Thursdays

Travis Berlinbach

Fridays

Travis Berlinbach

Saturdays

Josh Gontier

Sundays

Josh Gontier

Mondays

Josh Gontier

Tuesdays

Josh Gontier & Cale Gontier

Wednesdays

Guest performers

Sapphire Room

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

Friday, March 22

9-11pm - Poet Niambi Tree w/ music by Azalyne ($10 or PWYC)

Wednesday, March 27

8-11pm - Peterborough Poetry Slam presents March Slam ft Mona Mousa ($5-10 or PWYC)

Simcoe Ptbo

172 Simcoe St., Peterborough
705-874-3825

Friday, March 22

9pm - Local Open Stage

Saturday, March 23

9pm - Local Open Stage

Wednesday, March 27

8pm - Jesse Stewart w/ Johnny No Cash & The Celtic Outlaws, Wayne Kennedy ($10)

Coming Soon

Saturday, March 30
9pm - Gutter Demons w/ Gunt ($10 in advance or at the door)

Friday, April 5
8pm - Heart Attack Kids w/ No Big Deal ($10)

Wednesday, April 10
9pm - West of Hell and Expain w/ Titan Arum & After Sin ($10)

The Social

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

Friday, March 22

9-11pm - Punch Douglas

Saturday, March 23

9-11pm - The Spirits

Wednesday, March 27

10pm - Cale Crowe

Coming Soon

Friday, March 29
9-11pm - Robyn Ottolini

Saturday, March 30
10pm - Man On The Wall

Southside Pizzeria

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

Coming Soon

Friday, March 29
9pm - Punks On Pizza: Cowapunka Duuude ft Heir To The Throne, The Watched Pots, Basement Dweller, The Space Wizards, Critical Hit, Dream Sculptor ($5)

Sticks Sports Pub

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

Saturday, March 23

7-10pm - Maxwell Williams (no cover)

The Thirsty Goose

63 Walton St., Port Hope

Thursday, March 21

7pm - Kevin Foster

Friday, March 22

8pm - Bruce Longman

Saturday, March 23

8pm - Brian Bracken

Turtle John's Pub & Restaurant

64 John St., Port Hope
(905) 885-7200

Saturday, March 23

10pm - Daniel Greer

The Twisted Wheel

379 Water St., Peterborough

Friday, March 22

CANCELLED - 10pm - Enchanters (no cover)

Saturday, March 23

10pm - Lipstick Drag Show ft Miss Divalicious w/ Violet Seductions ($5)

Coming Soon

Wednesday, April 3
8pm - Basement Dweller farewell show w/ St. Homer & Seyton

The Venue

286 George Street North, Peterborough
(705) 876-0008

Coming Soon

Tuesday, April 16
7pm - The Tea Party ($45, available at www.ticketmaster.com)

Sunday, May 18
7pm - The Beaches ($25+fees, available Mar 1 at https://www1.ticketmaster.ca/the-beaches-peterborough-ontario-05-18-2019/event/10005659DDEE3F62)

100 Women Peterborough raises $10,200 for Brock Mission’s Cameron House

By Jeannine Taylor -
rock Mission executive director Bill McNabb (centre) celebrates the collective donation of more than $10,200 from members of the 100 Women Peterborough group at The Venue in downtown Peterborough on March 19, 2019. Brock Mission is the fifth local organization to receive a donation of at least $10,000 from group since its formation in early 2018. (Photo: Rosalea Terry)

100 Women Peterborough has done it again.

At their first meeting of the year on Tuesday night (March 19) at The Venue in downtown Peterborough, the collective philanthropy group raised over $10,200 in under one hour for Brock Mission’s Cameron House.

The concept of 100 Women Peterborough is simple but very effective: four times a year, members of the group gather to hear presentations from three selected non-profits or charities in the region about projects for which they are seeking funds. Well before each meeting, the three organizations are randomly drawn from a larger list of organizations nominated by members.

Some of the members of 100 Women Peterborough at their first meeting of the year on Tuesday night (March 19) at The Venue in downtown Peterborough, where they raised over $10,200 in under one hour for Brock Mission's Cameron House. (Photo: Rosalea Terry)
Some of the members of 100 Women Peterborough at their first meeting of the year on Tuesday night (March 19) at The Venue in downtown Peterborough, where they raised over $10,200 in under one hour for Brock Mission’s Cameron House. (Photo: Rosalea Terry)

After listening to the presentations, each woman places a blank $100 cheque into a box representing one of the three organizations. The organization with the most votes receives all the donations (including later donations from members who are unable to attend the meeting).

At the March 19th meeting, the three selected organizations — Brock Mission, YWCA Peterborough-Haliburton, and the Peterborough Public Library Foundation — made their presentations to the group. When all the votes were counted, Brock Mission came out on top.

“What an incredible experience to see 100 Women Peterborough at work,” said Brock Mission executive director Bill McNabb, who made the presentation to the group. “We are encouraged, inspired, and grateful for their generous support in getting some much needed repairs and improvements for our shelter facility.”

Cameron House, which opened in October 1996, is a short-term emergency shelter for women with 12 beds that supports 250 women annually. In 2011, Brock Mission added eight bachelor units to the site to create Cameron House, Too!, which supports women who have difficulty retaining stable housing.

Women staying in these units pay a modest rent, have the support of their familiar shelter, and also receive assistance with a Life Skills program. The program is customized to suit the individual, and provides education and training for independent living.

The donation from 100 Women Peterborough will help Cameron House fund a new laundry room, as well as much-needed upgrades to their current facilities.

Brock Mission executive director Bill McNabb with (from left to right) Catia Skinner, Alyssa Stewart, and Wendy Hill who, along with Rosalea Terry (not pictured), co-founded 100 Women Peterborough in 2018. Members of 100 Women Peterborough raised more than $10,200, which Brock Mission will use for improvements at Cameron House, a short-term emergency shelter for women. (Photo: Rosalea Terry)
Brock Mission executive director Bill McNabb with (from left to right) Catia Skinner, Alyssa Stewart, and Wendy Hill who, along with Rosalea Terry (not pictured), co-founded 100 Women Peterborough in 2018. Members of 100 Women Peterborough raised more than $10,200, which Brock Mission will use for improvements at Cameron House, a short-term emergency shelter for women. (Photo: Rosalea Terry)

100 Women Peterborough was founded in February 2018 by Wendy Hill, Alyssa Stewart, Catia Skinner, and Rosalea Terry, who were inspired by similar groups in other communities.

The collective philanthropy movement began in November 2006 when Karen Dunigan of Michigan formed the “100 Women who Care” group. After that group’s first meeting, the women raised over $10,000 for the purchase of 300 new baby cribs for a local organization.

The movement has grown over the past 13 years to include almost 100 chapters in North America, including at least 15 in Canada.

100 Women Peterborough logo

Since it was founded, 100 Women Peterborough has increased its membership to well over the original goal of 100 members, allowing the group to exceed $10,000 in collective donations. Last year, 100 Women Peterborough raised almost $50,000 in donations for four local organizations: Hospice Peterborough, Peterborough Youth Unlimited, One Roof Warming Room, and New Canadians Centre.

“We are excited to see the group continuing to make a collective impact in its second year,” Terry says. “We can’t wait to see how this donation serves Brock Mission Cameron House and the women that they support.”

Women who interested in joining the group should visit www.100womenptbo.ca for more information.

Our top nine Instagram photographers for February 2019

By Jeannine Taylor -
This shot of a sunrise over Eels Creek in North Kawartha taken by Paul Hartley was the top post on our Instagram for February 2019. (Photo: Paul Hartley @paul_hartley_photo / Instagram)

Well, what can we say? Spring has sprung and we’re still posting snow pictures on Instagram! Who would have thought that there would be multiple phases of the never-ending winter?

Now that spring is here, what we can promise is that we’ll try to post pictures of melting snow and running creeks and rapids. Luckily, the bright pink sunrises are also returning.

But as I always say, there’s astonishing beauty in the Kawarthas in every season and our top photos from February prove it once again.

Do you want to get on our photographer list? All you need is an Insta account and to tag us using our hashtag #kawarthanow when posting your photo.

We share photos from across our readership area, which is the five-county area surrounding Peterborough which includes Peterborough, Northumberland, City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Hastings (we sneak in the occasional Algonquin Park picture as well, particularly if it’s by a Kawartha photographer).

To see our daily shares of photos, follow us on Instagram @kawarthanow and check out our feed’s monthly highlight reels for recaps of every month in 2019.

#1. Eels Creek sunrise by Paul Hartley @paul_hartley_photo

Posted February 24, 2019. 7,837 impressions, 521 likes

 

#2. Super snow moon over Chemong Lake by Catherine Staples @terrabryn

Posted February 20, 2019. 7,675 impressions, 776 likes

 

#3. Snowy Saturday at Burleigh Falls by Russ Higgins

Posted February 23, 2019. 6,800 impressions, 554 likes

This photo has been removed at the request of the photographer.

 

#4. Snow storm at Cedarbank Farm by Escape Maze @escapemaze

Posted February 12, 2019. 6,648 impressions, 540 likes

 

#5. Winter white pines on Big Bald Lake by Joe Yusiw @kawartha_joe

Posted February 21, 2019. 6,623 impressions, 567 likes

 

#6. Saturday morning at Roger’s Cove in Peterborough’s East City by Dan B. @backyardptbo

Posted February 2, 2019. 6,574 impressions, 446 likes

 

#7. Super snow moon over North Kawartha by Brett Somerville @brett_somerville

Posted February 24, 2019. 6,396 impressions, 511 likes

 

#8. Beautiful Big Bald Lake skies by Joe Yusiw @kawartha_joe

Posted February 21, 2019. 6,309 impressions, 489 likes

 

#9. A dark and stormy day on the North Kawartha highway by Jeff Teräväinen @jeffteravainen

Posted February 20, 2019. 5,936 impressions, 468 likes

On World Water Day this Friday, show your gratitude to water

By GreenUP -
Children at the 2018 Curve Lake Summer Day Camp, while participating in the GreenUP Wonders of Water Program, created this poster featuring their love notes to water. The theme of World Water Day 2019 on Friday, March 22nd is "Leaving no one behind": whoever you are, wherever you are, water is your human right. More than two billion people live without safe water at home, and those of us who have easy access to potable water should take the time on Friday to show our gratitude. Children at the 2018 Curve Lake Summer Day Camp created a poster featuring their love notes to water, while participating in the GreenUP Wonders of Water Program. (Photo: Karen O'Krafka)

This Friday (March 22) is World Water Day, a day aimed at advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6: ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Heather Ray, GreenUP Water Programs Manager.

The theme for World Water Day 2019 is “Leaving no one behind”.

Many people around the world and in Canada, especially those in First Nation communities, do not have access to safe and clean drinking water.

“Not only is clean water seen as sacred to indigenous cultures but water must be kept to a certain standard to be safe to drink — a level of purity which is currently not being maintained in many rural and first Nation communities across the country,” says Madison Laurin, Operations Coordinator at the Trent Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge and Science (TRACKS) program.

TRACKS and the GreenUP Wonders of Water (WOW) program are bringing awareness to the messages behind World Water Day by hosting a contest. The #PtboStudents4water4all contest encourages teachers and students to show their gratitude for Nibi (the Anishinaabemowin word for water) by tweeting a photo or video of how they say thank you to water.

How you say thank you to water is really up to you, but here are some ideas that GreenUP has encouraged at the Peterborough Children’s Water Festival and in WOW programs:

As part of the GreenUP Wonders of Water program, Agnieszka, a grade five student at Monsignor O'Donoghue in Peterborough presents her favourite water memory with her class and shares why she's grateful for water. (Photo: Karen O'Krafka)
As part of the GreenUP Wonders of Water program, Agnieszka, a grade five student at Monsignor O’Donoghue in Peterborough presents her favourite water memory with her class and shares why she’s grateful for water. (Photo: Karen O’Krafka)

Why show gratitude for Nibi? We all connect with water multiple times a day, but it is usually when we are without water that we appreciate it the most. Indigenous peoples all over the world have said that Nibi is the lifeblood of Mother Earth, which is needed to sustain not only us, but also all life. By saying Miigwetch (thank you) to water, you are helping to connect with and protect water for all.

“It is especially important to us to raise awareness about the fundamental sacredness of water for all,” Laurin says. “We are aiming to educate young people about the importance of both indigenous and western sciences to be able to address increasingly complex environmental issues that will face our world in the future.”

Last year, the WOW program, along with Nourish, attended the Peterborough Children’s Water Festival to ask students about their relationship with water. At the festival each year, students interact with water and learn with amazement, but each year we see that we all have more to learn and appreciate about our connection with water. Many of us, including myself, are often not aware of our daily interactions with water, from our morning shower to the water that cooks our evening meal.

World Water Day Facts

  • 2.1 billion people live without safe water at home.
  • One in four primary schools have no drinking water service, with pupils using unprotected sources or going thirsty.
  • More than 700 children under 5 years of age die every day from diarrhoea linked to unsafe water and poor sanitation.
  • Globally, 80% of the people who have to use unsafe and unprotected water sources live in rural areas.
  • Women and girls are responsible for water collection in 8 out of 10 households with water off-premises.
  • Around 159 million people collect their drinking water from surface water, such as ponds and streams.
  • Around 4 billion people (nearly two-thirds of the world’s population) experience severe water scarcity during at least one month of the year.
  • 700 million people worldwide could be displaced by intense water scarcity by 2030.

Have you ever said thank you to water? On World Water Day and every day, you can connect with and help protect water for all by showing your gratitude for water.

The sky is the limit when it comes to sharing your gratitude to water in your own way. This World Water Day, take notice of what water does for you each day. Let’s ensure no one is left behind, by protecting both water and people’s right to access safe drinking water.

Laurin reminds us, “By combining indigenous and western ways of understanding the water, we can ensure that no one is left behind”.

You can find out more about the WOW and TRACKS World Water Day 2019 contest and more about TRACKS youth program by visiting www.tracksprogram.ca and be sure to follow the hash tags #worldwaterdayptbo and #ptbostudents4water4all on Twitter.

To learn out more about World Water Day, visit www.worldwaterday.org.

You can download the Nibi Giinwiindawan (We Are Water) curriculum from Nourish at nourishproject.ca.

The GreenUP WOW program brings the magic and wonder of the Peterborough Children’s Water Program into the classroom and community. To find out more about WOW please visit www.greenup.on.ca/wow.

Bobcaygeon family with special needs child is getting a Habitat home

By kawarthaNOW -
Buffy Molleson with her children Ocean, 8, and Ashton, 9. The Molleson family has been selected as the first family to own one of two homes that Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region is building in Bobcaygeon this spring. (Supplied photo)

The Molleson family of Bobcaygeon will be moving into a brand new home later this year, thanks to Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region.

Buffy Molleson, along with her nine-year-old son Ashton and eight-year-old daughter Ocean, has been selected to own one of two homes Habitat for Humanity is building in Bobcaygeon this spring.

“I have always wanted to own my own home,” Buffy says. “I just never had what was needed to get a mortgage.”

As well as the financial challenges in finding a safe and affordable home, Buffy’s son Ashton has autism and developmental delays. The family’s current apartment is not accessible enough to meet his needs.

Not only will their new Habitat home be safe and affordable, it will include the necessary accessibility accommodations to meet Ashton’s needs.

“I have always wanted stability for my children,” Buffy says. “They have never had a backyard to play in. They have never been able to invite friends over. They have never had a birthday party at home.”

To qualify for Habitat for Humanity’s home ownership program, a family must demonstrate a need for affordable housing, express willingness to partner with Habitat, and demonstrate the ability to make monthly mortgage payments on their home.

A family must also agree to invest 500 “sweat equity” hours in their new home, and attend workshops on financial management and home maintenance to ensure they have the proper knowledge and skills to become successful long-term homeowners.

In exchange, Habitat for Humanity not only helps build the home, but provides a zero-interest geared-to-income mortgage, with no down payment required.

“Habitat offers families a hand-up, not a hand-out,” says Christina Skuce, director of philanthropy and communications with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. “Monthly mortgage payments are set at 25 per cent of a family’s gross income and go towards helping Habitat build more affordable housing.”

Habitat for Humanity relies on volunteer help to supply the labour to build homes, and community fundraising to offset the expense of materials, services, and land not provided through donations. Revenue from Habitat ReStores completely covers Habitat’s administration and revenue costs, so all donations go towards the building of the homes.

To volunteer or to donate, visit habitatpeterborough.ca. If you want, you can designate your donation to go towards a specific build, including the one in Bobcaygeon.

The two new homes will be ready for occupancy at 168 East Street North in Bobcaygeon in fall 2019. Habitat is searching for a second family for the second home to be built in Bobcaygeon, and is still accepting applications.

To learn more and to apply, visit habitatpeterborough.ca/homeownership.

As for Buffy, she is excited to know that while her kids are watching their new home being built, they’ll also be watching the community come together.

“I am overwhelmed with appreciation and I am deeply grateful for this chance to better the lives of myself and my children,” she says.

Finally … it’s spring!

By kawarthaNOW -

Although there’s snow on the ground and it’s still kind of chilly, spring officially arrives today (Wednesday, March 20) at 5:58 p.m.

That’s the moment when the earth’s axis is perpendicular to the sun, so the sun’s rays shine directly on the equator — also known as the spring or vernal equinox.

From now on, the northern hemisphere will increasingly tilt towards the sun, and we’ll begin to get more hours of daylight than night.

There’s an equinox in the spring and another in the fall, the difference being whether the sun’s rays are crossing the equator into the northern hemisphere (spring) or into the southern hemisphere (fall).

Spring arrives in the northern hemisphere when the equator passes the centre of the sun's disk and the earth's axis is perpendicular to the sun. Daylight hours begin to increase until June, as the northern hemisphere increasingly tilts towards the sun. (Photo: NASA)
Spring arrives in the northern hemisphere when the equator passes the centre of the sun’s disk and the earth’s axis is perpendicular to the sun. Daylight hours begin to increase until June, as the northern hemisphere increasingly tilts towards the sun. (Photo: NASA)

The word equinox comes from the Latin words for “equal” and “night”, but it doesn’t mean there are actually equal hours of day and night.

At sunrise and sunset, it’s still light even though the centre of the sun’s disk is below the horizon … so there are always a few more minutes of daylight than night on vernal equinox.

Daylight hours will continue to increase until the summer solstice — the longest day of the year and the official beginning of summer — which occurs this year on Friday, June 21 at 11:54 a.m.

Spring is celebrated with festivals around the world, including Holi (“festival of colours”) in India, the Chinese New Year, and Passover and Easter in western culture.

The next milestone of spring is Easter. This year, Easter Sunday falls on April 21st.
The next milestone of spring is Easter. This year, Easter Sunday falls on April 21st.

Easter began as a pagan festival in the celebrating the return of life in the northern hemisphere. After the advent of Christianity, it became associated with the resurrection of Christ. However, remnants of Easter’s pagan roots can be seen in the eggs and rabbits we associated with Easter — symbols of fertility.

We still almost another month to wait for Easter though. This year, Easter Sunday falls on April 21st. Generally, Easter is observed on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox.

Experience a Canadian spring getaway in Lakefield

By kawarthaNOW -
Located 15 minutes north of Peterborough, the Village of Lakefield has a charming small-town feel with many of the amenities of big-city life, including eclectic boutique shops and salons along Queen Street (pictured). The village also has a rich cultural heritage, with some of Lakefield's most famous residents including Samuel Strickland, Catharine Parr Traill, Susanna Moodie, and Margaret Laurence. (Photo: Wikipedia)

Located south of Katchewanooka Lake on both sides of the Otonabee River on the Trent-Severn Waterway, the Village of Lakefield offers many of the amenities of big-city life in a quaint small-town setting with a rich cultural heritage.

Dubbed the gateway to cottage country in Peterborough & the Kawarthas, Lakefield’s history dates back to the early 19th century. The village was originally founded by Colonel Samuel Strickland (brother of the iconic 19th-century writers Catharine Parr Traill and Susanna Moodie) when he settled in the area in 1831. Before becoming known as Lakefield, the village was previously called Nelson’s, Herriot’s Falls, and then Selby.

This is part three of a three-part series on Canadian getaways in Peterborough & The Kawarthas.

Originally sustained by the saw mill industry, Lakefield is now a prosperous residential community supported by small business, especially retail and tourism, along with international companies including SGS Research and Savage Arms.

A 15-minute drive north of Peterborough, a two-hour drive from Toronto, and a three-hour drive Ottawa, Lakefield’s historic homes and heritage sites, vibrant downtown, and close proximity to many local attractions make it an ideal destination for your next Canadian getaway.

What to Do

Browse the charming boutique shops of Queen Street

Lakefield is known for its picturesque main street featuring many charming boutique shops that offer everything from fashion to yarn to gifts to gourmet chocolate.

Here are just five shops to explore, all within easy walking distance of each other.

Happenstance Books & Yarn (44 Queen St., 705-652-7535) has a unique combination of fiction and non-fiction books for all ages, and the finest in knitting and crochet yarns for whatever project you have in mind. Open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Happenstance Books & Yarn at 44 Queen Street in a painting by Lakefield artist Marilyn Goslin. (Photo: Happenstance Books & Yarn / Facebook)
Happenstance Books & Yarn at 44 Queen Street in a painting by Lakefield artist Marilyn Goslin. (Photo: Happenstance Books & Yarn / Facebook)

The Chocolate Rabbit (11 Queen St., 705-652-8884) offers delicious handcrafted chocolate, free of preservatives and artificial ingredients, with all chocolate made daily on the premises (you can watch it being made). Make sure to also check out the variety of loose-leaf organic teas, including herbal, fruit, green, and black teas, as well as a wide range of tea accessories. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The Chocolate Rabbit at 11 Queen Street. (Photo: The Chocolate Rabbit)
The Chocolate Rabbit at 11 Queen Street. (Photo: The Chocolate Rabbit)

Celtic Connection (25 Queen St,, 705-651-2012) celebrates the best of Celtic culture with handpicked apparel, gemstone jewellery, books on Celtic lore, and much more. Owner Mary McGillis also organizes the annual Fairy and Dragon Festival in June. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Celtic Connection at 25 Queen Street. (Photo: Celtic Connection)
Celtic Connection at 25 Queen Street. (Photo: Celtic Connection)

Tragically Hipp Fashion Gallery (60 Queen St., 705-652-0666) is a boutique fashion shop offering affordable, everyday apparel and accessories for women who see themselves as unique and authentic. Make sure to check out their first-ever spring fashion show on April 11th at The Village Inn in Lakefield. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday (closed on Sunday).

Tragically Hipp Fashion Gallery at 60 Queen Street. (Photo: Tragically Hipp)
Tragically Hipp Fashion Gallery at 60 Queen Street. (Photo: Tragically Hipp)

The Stuff Store (49 Queen St., 705-651-4411) is a quirky and fun gift store offering home decor and housewares, toys, socks and slippers, games and puzzles, and pretty much all the other stuff you can imagine. You can even purchase a bottle of handmade “Woosta” (Stuff’s own Worcestershire sauce). Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Just a few of the unique gifts available at The Stuff Store at 49 Queen Street. (Photo: Stuff)
Just a few of the unique gifts available at The Stuff Store at 49 Queen Street. (Photo: Stuff)

 

Pamper yourself with a pedicure or even a full spa day

After you finish shopping downtown, indulge yourself with a makeover at one of Lakefield’s two full-service salons and spas conveniently located on Queen Street.

Salon Sorella and Day Spa (42 Queen St., 705-652-0100) offers a range of salon services (including hair cutting, styling, colouring, tinting, and specialty services) and as spa services (including hand and foot care, waxing, massage, nail enhancement, makeup, skin treatment, and more). Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday).

Salon Sorella and Day Spa at 42 Queen Street. (Photo: Salon Sorella & Day Spa)
Salon Sorella and Day Spa at 42 Queen Street. (Photo: Salon Sorella & Day Spa)

Sunshrine Day Spa & Salon (21 Queen St., 705-652–0155) offers hair styling and colouring as well as bridal services, body treatments, skin therapies, hand and foot care, hair removal, makeup, ear piercings, and more. Sunshrine also offers salon and spa services for men and kids too. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday (closed on Sunday).

Sunshrine Day Spa & Salon at 21 Queen Street. (Photo: Sunshrine Day Spa & Salon)
Sunshrine Day Spa & Salon at 21 Queen Street. (Photo: Sunshrine Day Spa & Salon)

 

Throw a pot or two at The English Potter

Gail West moved to Canada from the United Kingdom in 2000 shortly after attaining her diploma for design studio ceramics, and eventually opened The English Potter (15 Burnham St., 705-957-4245), located just off of Queen Street.

The pottery studio not only displays Gail’s collection of her whimsical handmade pottery that you can purchase, but Gail also offers pottery and clay sculpture classes for all ages.

The English Potter offers pottery classes for all ages. (Photo: The English Potter)
The English Potter offers pottery classes for all ages. (Photo: The English Potter)

Whether you’re a beginner who’s just getting started with pottery, or a serious hobbyist looking to refine your skills, Gail has a class suited to your individual needs.

The English Potter is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For class availability, call Gail or visit her website at www.englishpotter.com.

 

Walk the Lakefield Trail and take in some bird-watching

The Lakefield Trail. (Photo: Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism)
The Lakefield Trail. (Photo: Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism)

The Lakefield Trail is a 5.5 kilometre trail that meanders through the Village of Lakefield and connects to the Trans Canada Trail via the Peterborough County Rotary Trail (yes, you can walk all the way to Peterborough on the trail if you want).

All sections of the multi-use trail are fully accessible, with historical interpretive signs along the trail telling the story of Lakefield’s notable literary past and canoe-building heritage.

On the west side of the Otonabee River, as the trail follows the southern tip of Katchewanooka Lake, you can visit the Imagine the Marsh Conservation Area, where Doug Sadler Viewing Tower offers bird watchers an ideal lookout over the vast marshland area.

 

Make sweet memories at Maplefest

Try your hand at tapping a maple tree at McLean Berry Farm Maplefest on weekends in March. There are lots of fun activities for the entire family and, of course, maple syrup! (Photo: Michael Hurcomb)
Try your hand at tapping a maple tree at McLean Berry Farm Maplefest on weekends in March. There are lots of fun activities for the entire family and, of course, maple syrup! (Photo: Michael Hurcomb)

What better way to shake off winter and get into the sweet spirit of springtime than with maple syrup?

On weekends in March, McLean Berry Farm (2191 16th Line, Lakefield) hosts Maplefest. This is a great event for the whole family, featuring wagon rides, pancakes with fresh maple syrup, farm animals, live music by local performers, visits to the sugar shack, tapping a maple tree, making maple toffee in the snow, and so much more.

Maplefest takes place at McLean Berry Farm (a 10-minute drive north of the Village of Lakefield) on March 16th and 17th, 23rd and 24th, and 30th and 31st from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 per person (toddlers under 24 months are free) or $30 for a family of four, and includes a hay ride. You can enjoy a pancake breakfast for an additional $7.99 (small) or $9.99 (large).

For more information, visit mcleanberryfarm.com/events/maplefest/.

 

Explore Canada’s literary history

19th-century writer Catharine Parr Traill at "Westove", her home in Lakefield from 1860 until her death in 1899. (Photo: Traill Family Collection, National Archives of Canada)
19th-century writer Catharine Parr Traill at “Westove”, her home in Lakefield from 1860 until her death in 1899. (Photo: Traill Family Collection, National Archives of Canada)

The Village of Lakefield has a rich literary heritage, with two of Canada’s most important 19th-century writers — sisters Catharine Parr Traill and Susanna Moodie — having lived in the area, as well as one of Canada’s most esteemed and beloved writers, the novelist and short-story writer Margaret Laurence.

Born in England almost two years apart, Susanna and Catharine Parr Strickland eventually married, respectively, John Moodie and Thomas Traill. In 1832, both families emigrated to Canada where they settled on adjacent bush farms along the eastern shore of Lake Katchewanooka just north of Lakefield, with the help of their brother Samuel Strickland.

Their experiences as pioneers led to Catharine Parr Traill’s book The Backwoods of Canada (1836) and Susanna Moodie’s book Roughing It in the Bush (1852).

Installation of a plaque at "Westove" in October 1958. Among the attendees were Anne Traill and Anne Atwood, grand-daughters of Catharine Parr Traill, and (second from left) Robertson Davies. (Photo: Traill Family Collection, National Archives of Canada)
Installation of a plaque at “Westove” in October 1958. Among the attendees were Anne Traill and Anne Atwood, grand-daughters of Catharine Parr Traill, and (second from left) Robertson Davies. (Photo: Traill Family Collection, National Archives of Canada)

In 1840, Susanna Moodie and her husband moved to Belleville, but she returned to the Lakefield area for a month each summer to visit her sister.

A historical plaque near the farm of Susanna Moodie in Douro. (Photo: Douro Historical Committee)
A historical plaque near the farm of Susanna Moodie in Douro. (Photo: Douro Historical Committee)

The prior year, the Traills sold their farm and then lived at various locations in Peterborough County until Thomas Traill died in 1859. Following her husband’s death, Catharine had a cottage built in Lakefield with the help of her brother Samuel.

She called it “Westove”, after her husband’s home in the Orkney Islands in Scotland. Except for short absences to visit family and friends, it was Catharine’s home from 1860 until her death in 1899.

Located at 16 Smith Street in Lakefield, it is now a private residence with a historical plaque located beside the home.

One of Canada’s most esteemed literary figures, Margaret Laurence, spent the last 13 years of her life in Lakefield. She is best known for her iconic books The Stone Angel (1964), A Jest of God (1966), and The Diviners (1974).

Called the “First Lady of Lakefield”, Laurence lived at 8 Regent Street in Lakefield from 1974 until her death there in 1987. She also had a cottage on the Otonabee River near Peterborough, where she wrote The Diviners during the summers of 1971 to 1973.

One of Canada's most respected and beloved authors, Margaret Laurence lived in Lakefield from 1974 until her death in 1987. Here she is pictured on her 60th birthday, five months before her death. (Photo: David Laurence)
One of Canada’s most respected and beloved authors, Margaret Laurence lived in Lakefield from 1974 until her death in 1987. Here she is pictured on her 60th birthday, five months before her death. (Photo: David Laurence)

Laurence’s Lakefield home is located near Christ Church (62 Queen St.), a small stone church built in 1853 under the leadership of Samuel Strickland. It now houses the Christ Church Community Museum, which displays important historical artifacts and displays including the Strickland family history and information about Susanna Moodie, Catharine Parr Traill, Margaret Laurence, and 19th-century writer and poet Isabella Valancy Crawford, who also lived in Lakefield.

Christ Church Community Museum is only open to the public in the summer, when Lakefield also hosts the annual Lakefield Literary Festival. The 25th anniversary festival takes place in 2019 from July 13th to 14th.

Where To Stay

The Village Inn

The Village Inn at 39 Queen Street. (Photo: The Village Inn)
The Village Inn at 39 Queen Street. (Photo: The Village Inn)

Located at 39 Queen Street, The Village Inn is an award-winning boutique-style hotel offering modern amenities in an atmosphere of country charm.

With 26 rooms and two luxury suites, its central location in the heart of downtown makes The Village Inn the perfect place to stay as you explore everything Lakefield has to offer. Continental breakfast is included with your stay.

The Village Inn has recently renovated most of its rooms, just in time for its 15th anniversary in 2019. During March and April, you can book one night and receive a 10 per cent discount, or book two nights or more and receive a 20 per cent discount.

For reservations, call 705-652-1910 or toll free at 1-800-827-5678. For more information, email info@villageinn.ca or visit www.villageinn.ca.

 

Wee Butt ‘n’ Ben

Wee Butt 'n' Ben at 58 Bridge Street. (Photo: Wee Butt 'n' Ben)
Wee Butt ‘n’ Ben at 58 Bridge Street. (Photo: Wee Butt ‘n’ Ben)

If you’re looking for a Scottish bed-and-breakfast experience, you’ll want to stay at the historic Wee Butt ‘n’ Ben, located at 58 Bridge Street.

Operated by Sadie Baillie and Jimmy Smith, Wee Butt ‘n’ Ben offers three comfortable bedrooms — named Heather, Rose, and Bracken — as well as a first-rate Scottish breakfast to get your day off to a hearty start.

All rooms feature queen-size beds, chairs, lamps, and clocks. A separate full washroom, and a one-and-a-half-piece washroom, are shared by the three rooms.

For more information, call 705-652-7601, email info@weebuttnben.com, or visit weebuttnben.com.

Where to Eat

Cassis Bistro

Cassis Bistro at 27 Queen Street. (Photo: Cassis Bistro)
Cassis Bistro at 27 Queen Street. (Photo: Cassis Bistro)

For casual fine dining in the heart of Lakefield, you’ll want to eat at Cassis Bistro (27 Queen St.).

All dishes are made to order and in-house using fresh ingredients, many sourced locally, to produce delicious beautifully presented meals.

Cassis Bistro is open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, and for dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays).

Reservations are recommended. For more information, call 705-652-8045, email cassisbistro27@gmail.com, or visit cassisbistro27.com.

 

Jack’s Restaurant

Jack's Family Restaurant at 1 Strickland Street. (Photo: Jack's Family Restaurant)
Jack’s Family Restaurant at 1 Strickland Street. (Photo: Jack’s Family Restaurant)

For affordable family dining, stop in at Jack’s Restaurant (1 Strickland St.).

Jack’s offers seafood, fish and chips, rotisserie chicken and ribs, home-made burgers, and more, with all-you-can-eat fish and chips on Tuesdays.

Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Jack’s also serves breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekends.

For more information, call 705-652-3474 or visit www.jacksrestaurant.ca.

 

Canoe & Paddle Pub

Canoe & Paddle Pub at 18 Bridge Street. (Photo: TripAdvisor)
Canoe & Paddle Pub at 18 Bridge Street. (Photo: TripAdvisor)

For a classic English pub experience, check out the Canoe & Paddle Pub (18 Bridge St.).

A favourite with locals, the Canoe & Paddle offers classic English pub fare (including Yorkshire pudding, toad-in-the-hole, bangers and mash, beer-bttered fish and chips) and 14 craft beers on tap, along with bottled beer, wines, and cocktails.

There’s also live music featuring local performers two or three nights a week.

The Canoe & Paddle is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Wednesday and Sunday, and 11 a.m. to midnight Thursday to Saturday.

For more information, call 705-651-1111 or visit www.facebook.com/canoeandpaddle/.

 

The Nutty Bean Cafe

The Nutty Bean Cafe at 33 Queen Street. (Photo: The Nutty Bean Cafe)
The Nutty Bean Cafe at 33 Queen Street. (Photo: The Nutty Bean Cafe)

For breakfast or a quick lunch, stop by The Nutty Bean Cafe (33 Queen St.), another favourite with the locals.

The Nutty Bean offers fresh-baked scones, muffins, cookies and butter tarts in the morning and a selection of sandwiches with house-made soup and market salads throughout the day, with organic fair-trade and shade-grown coffee available by the cup or beans by the bag.

The Nutty Bean supports local suppliers, purchasing from local farmers, cheesemakers, and butchers whenever possible.

The Nutty Bean Cafe is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday (closed Mondays). For more information, call 705-652-9721, email cafe@thenuttybeancafe.com, or visit thenuttybeancafe.com.

This story was created in partnership with Peterborough & The Kawarthas Tourism. Visit thekawarthas.ca and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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