The second weekend of March is almost here, which means it’s time to “spring forward”: Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 10th, when clocks move forward an hour.
Whether you call it “Daylight Savings” or “summer time” or “cottage time”, the good news is that we’ll get more daylight in the evening hours (the sun will set at 7:14 p.m. on Sunday night). The bad news is that we lose an hour of sleep.
If you still have any manual clocks, remember to set them forward an hour before you go to bed on Saturday night.
The time change is also when you should replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and check whether the devices need to be replaced (if they are more than 10 years old, they probably do).
Who invented DST and why?
If Daylight Saving Time bugs you, you can blame New Zealand entomologist George Hudson. He first proposed “saving daylight” in 1895 so he could have more daylight to collect insects.
Although it’s commonly believed Benjamin Franklin came up with the idea for DST, it was actually New Zealand entomologist George Hudson.
In 1895, Hudson proposed a two-hour shift in the clocks (he wanted more daylight to collect insects).
“The effect of this alteration would be to advance all the day’s operations in summer two hours compared with the present system,” Hudson wrote in 1898, explaining his original proposal. “In this way the early-morning daylight would be utilised, and a long period of daylight leisure would be made available in the evening for cricket, gardening, cycling, or any other outdoor pursuit desired.”
A few years later, English outdoorsman William Willett also proposed advancing the clocks during the summer months (he wanted more daylight to golf).
The first governments to implement DST were Germany and Austria-Hungary in 1916, as a way to conserve coal during World War I. Britain and most other European countries adopted it shortly after, with the United States and Canada adopting it in 1918.
DST used to end on the last Sunday of October (and begin on the first Sunday of April) but, in 2007, the U.S. decided to change it to the first Sunday of November (and the second Sunday in March) in an attempt to conserve energy.
To avoid issues with economic and social interaction with the U.S., the Canadian provinces that observe DST followed suit.
What are the health effects of DST?
While the evidence is mixed, some research has found “springing forward” increases the risk of heart attacks and traffic accidents.
Losing an hour of sleep in the spring can affect both your cognitive ability and your physical health, especially if you aren’t getting enough sleep to begin with.
That’s because moving clocks forward changes our exposure to daylight and affects our circadian rhythm (the body’s natural internal clock).
It can take up to a week to adjust your internal clock to the shift in daylight hours, so here are some suggestions for how you and your family can adapt more quickly to the coming time change:
Each morning leading up to Sunday, try waking up 15 minutes earlier than normal.
Also try going to bed 15 minutes earlier than normal each night. You can help prepare your body for an earlier bedtime by not eating two hours before you go to sleep, and put down your devices an hour before bed.
Eat a healthy breakfast when you first wake up, as food is one way to tell your body it’s the beginning of the day.
After the time change, expose yourself to daylight during waking hours as much as possible.
Reduce your use of caffeine and alcohol during the day and increase your physical activity.
Jonathan MacKay of Sustain Eco Store accepts the grand prize, which includes a free year's lease of a storefront in downtown Peterborough, at the Win This Space 2019 entrepreneurial competition finale at Aria on March 5, 2019. Jonathan and his wife Celine (not pictured) already own and operate an eco-lifestyle retail store in Huntsville, which they will expand to a second location in downtown Peterborough this spring. (Supplied photo)
Jonathan and Celine MacKay, who own an eco-lifestyle retail store in Huntsville called Sustain, have won the Win This Space 2019 entrepreneurial competition.
The announcement was made at the competition’s grand finale on Tuesday night (March 5) at Aria in downtown Peterborough.
The Win This Space grand prize package is valued at more than $40,000 and includes a free year’s lease of a downtown storefront.
In addition to their bricks-and-mortar location for Sustain in Hunstville, Jonathan and Celine MacKay operate an e-commerce site selling eco-friendly and sustainable household and personal care products. (Photo: Sustain)
The MacKays own Sustain Eco Store, a business that promotes zero-waste living by selling eco-friendly and sustainable household and personal care products. They operate both an e-commerce store at shop.sustainecostore.com and a brick-and-mortar location at 114 Main Street East in Huntsville.
“We are beyond grateful, are totally over the moon and feel extremely blessed,” the MacKays write on Facebook. “We look forward with so much excitement to joining the Peterborough community.”
The MacKays’ goal is to expand their concept to Peterborough, which they describe as an eco-progressive and vibrant community. They plan to open their second location in downtown Peterborough this spring.
VIDEO: Sustain – Celine and Jonathan MacKay
This is the third year for the Win This Space competition, an initiative of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, Community Futures Peterborough, and Shorelines Casino Peterborough.
“Congratulations to Jonathan and Celine,” says DBIA executive director Terry Guiel. “We are confident in their business proposal and we know this community is going to embrace this new store.”
Sustain was selected the grand prize winner by a panel of judges who evaluated the top 10 applicants. The judges were Judy Byrne (owner of Hi Ho Silver, Jeff Cox (president of Brant Office Supply), Gail Moorhouse (executive director of Community Futures Peterborough), Michael Konopaski (managing director of Inclusive Advisory), Mike Watt (co-owner of Flavour Fashion, Save Our Soles, and Providence), Suzanne McCrimmon (director of business development, Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development), Sasha Lai-Svirk (director of Digital Health at Outpost379), and Mike Stock (intern architect at Lett Architects).
The MacKays will have their choice of one of six vacant storefronts in downtown Peterborough, including 182 Charlotte Street. (Photo: Win This Space)
The MacKays plan to open their second location in downtown Peterborough this spring. They will have their choice of one of six vacant storefronts: 182 Charlotte St., 183 Charlotte St., 351 George St., 410 George St., 447 George St., or 418 George St.
They will receive a free year’s lease, funded by the competition’s sponsors. They will also receive thousands of dollars in donated prizes including office and computer supplies, marketing and financial services, and advertising and promotion.
The other nine contestants in the competition were Sheneese Wilkins of Mink Magic, Becky and Kent Sheehey of Sweat Happy Wellness, Sandra Young of Statement House Vintage, Anthony and Samantha Lennan of The Food Shop, David Searle of Moloko, Emma Pineo of Studio Pineo, Laura and Dave Clark of Knook & Cranny, Lacey Klatt of Cozy Home Designs By Lacey, and Jules Diotallevi of The Rabbit Hole.
Staff of the Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront in downtown Peterborough are ready to welcome your family for a pirate-themed staycation during March Break. (Photo: Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront)
Can’t afford the time or expense to head down south this March Break? Looking for an affordable last-minute staycation for your family — one that will keep the kids entertained?
Once again this year, Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront is offering its popular pirate-themed March Break package, running from Friday, March 8th up to and including Saturday, March 16th.
If you book your stay during March Break, your family can experience a pirate adventure right in downtown Peterborough.
Located in downtown Peterborough, Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront is offering a March Break package from March 8 to 16, 2019. (Photo: Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront)
Selected rooms are available at a discounted rate, starting at $119 per night. And what’s more, when you stay at the Holiday Inn, kids under the age of 18 stay free when sharing a room with their parents (up to two kids when sharing a room with up to two adults).
Families will receive a pirate loot bag upon arrival. During your stay, kids can search for hidden pirate treasure with a scavenger hunt. Guests who dress up like pirates will also have a chance to win pirate-themed prizes.
You don’t have to head to the Caribbean to enjoy a swim in the ocean: you can have fun in the Holiday Inn’s unique indoor/outdoor saltwater pool.
Who needs the ocean when you can swim in the beautiful saltwater pool at Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront? (Photo: Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront)
There will also be family movies screened every night in the pool area during March Break.
Kids will also enjoy the special pirate-themed breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus at the newly renovated Riverside Grill (“Riverside Cove” for the pirates) during March Break. Who can resist Pirate Pancakes with Bacon, or a Privateer Cheeseburger with Fries? (These are just two of the options available on the kids menu).
Parents can save some loot too: kids under 12 years of age eat for free in the hotel’s restaurant! (Registered guests only, limited to four children per dining family, or two children per dining parent; parents must order at least one main course from the regular menu.)
One of the pirate-themed kids menus at Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront during March Break. (Graphic: Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront)
To complete the experience, the hotel will be decorated in a pirate theme and many staff will be dressed up in pirate costumes during March Break.
“I took my daughters to this hotel for a couple of nights during the March Break,” writes one guest on TripAdvisor. “They had a blast! The pool area was perfect — nice and quiet in the early afternoon and then busy with fun activities (movie night) in the evening.
“They enjoyed the pirate-themed scavenger hunt and treasure chest in the restaurant. The food was amazing — and we really appreciated that kids ate free. Staff are incredibly friendly and accommodating. We will definitely return to this hotel!”
Kids 12 and under eat for free at the newly renovated Riverside Grill at Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront. (Photo: Miranda Studios Photography)
And if you’re looking for family fun outside of the hotel, the central location of Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront gives you easy access to many nearby attractions including the Art Gallery of Peterborough, The Canadian Canoe Museum, the Peterborough Lift Lock (including free skating on the Trent canal), Peterborough Museum & Archives, and much more.
To book your March Break stay, call 705-743-1144 or 1-866-258-5181 (toll free), or make your reservations online at holidayinn.com/waterfront.
Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront is located at 150 George Street North in downtown Peterborough. For reservations, call 705-743-1144 or 1-866-258-5181 (toll free). Visit Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront online at holidayinn.com/waterfront. You can also follow Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront on Facebook and Instagram.
Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront is located at 150 George Street North in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: kawarthaNOW)
This story was created in partnership with Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront.
Having just completed a North American tour supporting indie artist Kurt Vile, alt-country band The Sadies (Sean Dean, Travis Good, Dallas Good, and Mike Belitsky) performs at The Red Dog in Peterborough on March 29, 2019. (Photo: Ron Johnson)
With spring just around the corner, the days are getting longer and the sun is getting warmer, so it’s time to get out of the house and experience some great live music.
Here are just a few of the excellent concerts coming up in Peterborough and the Kawarthas in March.
Winter Folk Festival in Peterborough from March 5 to 13
The Peterborough Folk Festival presents another edition of its annual Winter Folk Festival with a week’s worth of delightful concerts mainly in downtown Peterborough. Here’s a quick list of what’s happening:
Mother Mother and Said The Whale at The Venue on March 5
Two Vancouver bands bring indie rock to The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-876-0008) when Mother Mother perform with Said The Whale at 7 p.m. Mother Mother is on tour promoting their latest record, Dance and Cry. Tickets are $34.50 plus fees, available at ticketmaster.ca.
Too Many Zooz and Five Alarm Funk at the Red Dog on March 6
It’ll be a high energy funk blowout at The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) with Too Many Zooz and the always awesome Five Alarm Funk. Tickets are $25 and are available at ticketscene.ca.
VIDEO: “Bedford” – Too Many Zooz
Dylan Ireland, Melissa Payne, James McKenty, and Karl Lawson at the Twisted Wheel on March 7
There’s a triple bill of talent coming to The Twisted Wheel (379 Water St., Peterborough): Dylan Ireland (ex Express and Co.), Melissa Payne, and James McKenty (The Spades) will all share the stage along with Karl Lawson. Admission is free to this show, which runs from 7 to 10 p.m.
VIDEO: “Shake Me” – Melissa Payne and James McKenty
International Women’s Day concert at The Garnet on March 8
A special International Women’s Day concert takes place from 8 to 11 p.m. at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107), featuring performances by Jess and Tanah, Kim Doolittle, Saskia Tomkins, Charlie Earle, Kerry Jayne, and Little Fire Unplugged. Admission for this show is pay what you can.
B.A. Johnston, The Beef Boys and Television Rd at The Red Dog on March 8
It’ll be a ton of fun when B.A. Johnston, The Beef Boys, and Television Rd perform at The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710). The show begins around 10:30 p.m. and is $6 at the door before 10 p.m. and $10 after.
VIDEO: “This Hangover Has Got Legs, and It Will Run Me Down”
Ben Rough & The North Winds and Rachel Beck at The Twisted Wheel on March 9
Local band Ben Rough & The North Winds performs along with PEI’s Rachel Beck at The Twisted Wheel (379 Water St., Peterborough). The show begins at 7 p.m. and admission is free.
VIDEO: “Hearts On Fire” – Rachel Beck
My Son the Hurricane with Katey Gatta at The Red Dog on March 9
Rap/rock/funk band My Son the Hurricane performs at The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) with opener Katey Gatta. The show begins at 10 p.m. and tickets are $20, available in advance at ticketscene.ca.
Mundy with Kate Suhr at The Publican House on March 10
Peterborough’s own Kate Suhr joins Irish artist Mundy, who once performed for President Barack Obama, in a matinee show at The Publican House (100 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-874-5743). The concert starts at 3 p.m. and costs $25 plus fees. You can purchase tickets at peterboroughfolkfest.com.
VIDEO: “Galway Girl” – Mundy with Sharon Shannon
Jimmy Bowskill with Dan Fewings at The Garnet on March 10
Bailieboro musician and member of The Sheepdogs and Blue Rodeo, Jimmy Bowskill, performs two shows at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107). Seating is very limited: the first show at 7 p.m. is long sold out, and there are only a few tickets left for the 9:30 p.m. Dan Fewings, who has previously performed with Jimmy in their duo, opens both shows. Head to the Garnet to get an advance ticket for $20.
VIDEO: “I’m Gone” – Jimmy Bowskill
Melissa Payne and Kate Suhr at Lansdowne Place Mall on March 13
The very last show of the Winter Folk Festival takes place at Lansdowne Place Mall (645 Lansdowne St, Peterborough)and features a free kids’ show with local musicians Melissa Payne and Kate Suhr. The show runs from 11 a.m. to noon.
CANCELLED – Digawolf at The Garnet in Peterborough on March 17
Editor’s note: This show has been cancelled as of March 15.
For those looking to escape green beer, drunk patrons, and tacky oversized green hats, there’s an excellent show at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107)t on Sunday, March 17th (aka St. Patrick’s Day). Yellowknife band Digawolf will bring their unique, raw brand of modern Canadian rock to town.
The band’s front man Diga, who sings in both Tlicho and English, and is from the Tlicho capital of Behchoko in Northwest Territories. The band is working to redefine indigenous music for modern audiences and does so influenced by Neil Young, Tom Waits, and Kashtin, among others.
Tickets are $10 at the door. This will be an early show with an 8 p.m. start.
VIDEO: “Same Fire Burns” – Digawolf
The Three Martinis at The Garnet in Peterborough on March 19
kawarthaNOW favourite The Three Martinis will perform their musical improv comedy at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Tuesday, March 19th.
The group takes titles written by audience members and then performs off-the-cuff songs based on those titles. Lead singer Dan Fewings (full disclosure, he’s my dad) and piano player Rob Phillips have been delighting audiences for over 10 years with zany fun-filled shows. I will be joining Dan and Rob as the third Martini.
Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins around 8 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door. Bring your creativity and your sense of humour — it should be a fun night.
VIDEO: The Three Martinis Promo
Bahamas at Showplace in Peterborough on March 25
There are still a few tickets left for Grammy Award nominee and Juno Award winner Bahamas at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469) on Monday, March 25th, presented by the Peterborough Folk Festival.
Bahamas is the stage name of Afie Jurvanen, who writes well-crafted songs with atmosphere galore.
Tickets range from $42.50 to$55 are available at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org
The show begins at 8 p.m.
VIDEO: “Way With Words” – Bahamas
Megan Bonnell at the Market Hall in Peterborough on March 28
The Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) has been hosting some amazing shows lately and this continues on Thursday, March 28th when Megan Bonnell brings her appealing tunes and deep, rich songwriting to Peterborough.
Her latest record Separate Rooms has been described as a “timely and bold statement of a self-assured woman navigating an increasingly dark and perplexing world.”
Opening the show is Peterborough’s own Evangeline Gentle, whose music, voice, and songwriting are worth the price of admission alone.
The show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 for cabaret seats and $20 for general admission, available at the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org.
VIDEO: “Separate Rooms” – Megan Bonnell
The Sadies at The Red Dog in Peterborough on March 29
Canada’s best band The Sadies returns to Peterborough in a blaze of glory after a kick-ass tour with indie sensation Kurt Vile. The band hits The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) on Friday, March 29th.
Their musical experience and genres could span the Grand Canyon, swerving from surf rock to old-school punk to spaghetti western to bluegrass. Brothers Travis and Dallas Good play guitars like they were born with them, while the rhythm section of Sean Dean and Mike Belitsky drive the ship.
Tickets are available in advance at the Red Dog or at the door.
VIDEO: “Through Strange Eyes” – The Sadies
Rick Fines at the Pastry Peddler in Millbrook on March 30
Whenever I get a chance, I’ve written about Rick Fines in this column and with good reason. The Peterborough-born and raised musician is a true musical icon.
On Saturday, March 30th, there’s a great chance to hear his blues-inspired tunes in an intimate space at the Pastry Peddler (17 King St. E., Millbrook, 705-932-7333). Also on the bill is Matthew Macleod
Tickets are $25 and the show begins at 7 p.m. Drop by the Pastry Peddler or call to reserve your tickets.
VIDEO: “Riley Wants His Life Back” – Rick Fines with Suzie Vinnick
Fred Penner at the Academy Theatre in Lindsay on March 31
As far as Canadian children’s entertainers go, Fred Penner tops the list. His television show Fred Penner’s Place on CBC in the ’80s and early ’90s made him a household name among children and parents. Those children are now parents themselves, and thus there’s a new wave of appreciation for the bearded singer from Winnipeg.
You can see the Juno Award winner yourself live at Academy Theatre (2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay, 705-324-9111) on Sunday, March 31st. The show is a matinee, beginning at 2 p.m., so you’ll want to bring the kids.
Tickets are $24 for the balcony and $29 for orchestra (plus fees) and are available at ticketmaster.ca
Juke Box Mania co-chairs Brad and Katie Watt (left), owners of Rare Grill, were joined by Kenner Collegiate culinary arts students and culinary arts teacher and Black Honey owner Lisa Dixon on Tuesday (March 5) for the official opening of registration for the April 26 music trivia-based fundraiser for Community Counselling and Resource Centre. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
Who had sunshine on a cloudy day in 1965?
Where did Levon spend his days counting?
And just what was Jenny’s phone number again?
If you answered David Ruffin, in a garage by the motorway, and 867-5309, you have an impressive handle on your music-related trivia. Now it’s again time to put that knowledge to the ultimate test while benefitting the vital work of Peterborough’s Community Counselling and Resource Centre (CCRC).
On Friday, April 26th at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, the agency will host its 14th annual Juke Box Mania event that will see teams of eight people participate in a “Name That Tune” style competition.
All money raised will support the organization’s core services, which include providing counselling, support and resources to assist clients with personal well-being, credit and financial management, access to housing, and connection to the community at large.
On Tuesday (March 5) at Kenner Collegiate, Juke Box Mania honourary co-chairs Brad and Katie Watt announced that registration for teams of eight and individuals is officially open at www.ccrc-ptbo.com/juke-box-mania-2019/.
The entry cost is $1,000 for a corporate sponsorship or $560 for a community table. For $70, individuals who want to join in on the fun will be added to a team.
“There are fundraisers around town that are elegant, there are those that are sporty … this one is just plain fun,” enthused Brad, whose business Rare Grill House will be of one of several city restaurants and caterers serving appetizers at the event.
“There’s a lots of stories and talk out there about there being a lot of mental health issues within the restaurant industry,” added Katie. “We just felt this is a way to step up and support something that’s directly affecting the business we’re in.”
To that end, the Watts have purchased a corporate sponsorship and have entered a team, named In Rare Company.
Other ‘Juke Box Hero’ teams to date include: ED Squared, led by outgoing CCRC executive director Casey Ready and incoming executive director Kirsten Armbrust; Board Stiffs overseen by CCRC board members Tanys Howell and Patricia Donnelly; and Fresh Air featuring Fresh Radio morning show co-hosts Pete Dalliday and Dani Guppy.
Last year’s Juke Box Mania at the Peterborough Memorial Centre raised $34,500 for Community Counselling and Resource Centre. (Photo: Community Counselling and Resource Centre)
Having raised more than $110,000 since 2015, Juke Box Mania’s goal this year is a very ambitious $40,000. Traditionally sold out with some 450 people in attendance, corporate teams receive VIP status at the event.
“We’re cherry picking a pretty good team,” warns Brad, with Katie adding “Usually we’re on the sidelines doing the food saying ‘I know that song, I know that song.’ Now we’re in.”
CCRC executive director Casey Ready, who will retire from her position on April 1st, notes CCRC serves more 6,500 clients annually. Juke Box Mania, she says, is a way for people to get involved – “I think a lot of people come because they really do want to see CCRC do well and do better.”
Both Ready and incoming CCRC executive director Kirsten Armbrust have helped organize and have attended every Juke Box Mania fundraiser since the inaugural event was held in 2006 at the Rock Haven.
“Even before registration opens, people start to ask ‘Are you doing Jukebox? When can we register our table?’ There’s a nice buzz before we officially launch. It’s something people go to because it’s fun. There’s a real mix of people. People that support CCRC and have some connection to us, either formally or informally, and people who are like ‘Hey, I’m really good at music trivia.'”
Funded by all levels of government, CCRC relies on Juke Box Mania proceeds to help fill any shortfalls that arise each year.
While music and trivia are the event’s major menu items, also prominent is the involvement of a number of local restaurants and caterers. Along with Rare Grill House, Amusé Coffee Co., Black Honey, Chasing The Cheese, EC Catering, La Hacienda, NaKeD Chocolate, Primal Cuts, Shafiq’s Taste of India, Silk Roots Fusion Cuisine, and Kenner Collegiate’s Culinary Program will prepare and serve appetizers.
The 14th annual Juke Box Mania takes place on Friday, April 26, 2019 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. (Graphic: Community Counselling and Resource Centre)
Black Honey owner Lisa Dixon, a Kenner culinary arts instructor, says that while the event offers a unique food preparation event for her students, it also introduces them to the giving spirit of the community at large.
“A lot of them are marginalized or feel they are,” says Dixon, who is also a CCRC board member.
“It’s good to find a source where they can create empathy. A lot of young people live in a bubble; not all, but a lot. As a culinary arts teacher and as someone who is a philanthropist, to bring that awareness to young people is important.”
A silent auction will also be held at Juke Box Mania. To donate an item, or to inquire about booking a team table, email Jason Stabler at jstabler@ccrc-ptbo.com or phone him at 705-743-2272, ext. 300.
For more information about Community Counselling and Resource Centre, visit www.ccrc-ptbo.com.
Irma Villafuerte and Nickeshia Garrick of Jaberi Dance Theatre in a promotional photo for "No Woman's Land", a multi-disciplinary dance performance that explores the real stories of women in refugee camps. Public Energy is hosting the world premiere of this important new work at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough on March 8 and 9, 2019. (Photo: Zahra Saleki)
Public Energy & Jaberi Dance Theatre present No Woman’s Land
When: Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 8 p.m. & Sunday, March 10, 2019 at 2 p.m. Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough) How much: $25 ($15 for students/underwaged, $10 high school students)
Conceived and directed by Roshanak Jaberi with performers Irma Villafuerte, Nickeshia Garrick, Victoria Mata, Drew Berry, Denise Solleza, Ahmed Moneka. Tickets available in person at the Market Hall box office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org.
For the final performance event of Public Energy’s 25th anniversary season and coinciding with International Women’s Day, Jaberi Dance Theatre is presenting the world premiere of No Woman’s Land on Saturday, March 9th and on Sunday, March 10th at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough.
This intricate and multi-disciplinary dance performance explores the real stories of women in refugee camps.
Iranian-Canadian choreographer Roshanak Jaberi spent three years conducting extensive research and interviews to prepare this important new Canadian work.
“As someone who has lived experience both as a refugee and a survivor of war, I felt an urgency to use my platform to speak about this issue,” says Jaberi, who is the artistic director of Toronto-based company Jaberi Dance Theatre.
Iranian-Canadian choreographer and Jaberi Dance Theatre artistic director Roshanak Jaberi spent three years conducting extensive research and interviews to develop “No Woman’s Land”. (Photo: Kevin Jones)
“I decided to focus on the experiences of racialized refugee women in particular because they face the highest level of violence and discrimination, especially during pre-migration.”
Jaberi developed No Woman’s Land in collaboration with Doris Rajan at the Institute for Research and Development on Inclusion and Society (IRIS) and University of Toronto professor Dr. Shahrzad Mojab, whose participation was critical to telling a story that explores the realities and plight of refugee women.
“I always collaborate with experts who can guide my process, ensuring that the stories are captured ethically and authentically before I attempt to interpret them artistically,” Jaberi says. “We are currently experiencing the highest levels of displacement on record, with over 68.5 million people around the world having been forced from their home.”
For No Woman’s Land, Jaberi also collaborated with choreographic mentor and artistic advisor Karen Kaeja and dramaturge Soheil Parsa, as well as an ensemble of six dancers and collaborators on visuals, sound, costumes, aerial silks and vocals.
Montreal artist Jérôme Delapierre has created an interactive visual design using body mapping and intricate sensors to re-envision the space, taking the audience on a visceral journey through migration.
Other collaborators whose work serves to heighten the experience include the original sound design and composition of Thomas Ryder Payne and costumes by veteran designer Cheryl Lalonde.
“No Woman’s Land” was created with and is performed by (left to right, top to bottom): Irma Villafuerte, Nickeshia Garrick, Victoria Mata, Drew Berry, Denise Solleza, and Ahmed Moneka. (Photos: Kevin Jones)
Prior to the premiere performances of No Woman’s Land at the Market Hall, Jaberi is also artist-in-residence with Public Energy this week. During the residency week, her dance company will take part in a number of outreach activities in the community:
an open rehearsal from 2 to 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5th at Nozhem First Peoples’ Performance Space at Trent University’s Gzowski College
an artist talk with Roshanak Jaberi from 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6th at Bagnani Hall at Trent University’s Traill College
a panel discussion for International Women’s Day with Roshanak Jaberi, Alexandra Arraiz Matute, and Stacy Love-Joliceur from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 8th at Seeds of Change at Emmanuel United Church. This event is hosted and organized by a number of local organizations including Kawartha World Issues Centre (KWIC) and the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre (KSAC).
Jaberi Dance Theatre has also led a creative workshop for the New Canadians Centre of Peterborough, which has purchased bulk tickets for their clients to attend the Market Hall performances.
After the world premiere at the Market Hall in Peterborough, No Woman’s Land will premiere in Toronto at Danceworks from March 14th to 16th.
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. The 2019 Women in Business Award, along with the Judy Heffernan Award, is now being presented by the Women's Business Network of Peterborough. Nominations for the two awards are now open until March 16, 2019. (Supplied photo)
This week’s round-up of business news includes the Women in Business Award and Judy Heffernan Award recognizing extraordinary women in the City or County of Peterborough, Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. transforming its historic building into Kawartha Lakes’ newest craft brewery, Community Care Peterborough inviting businesses to participate in Meals to Go and support Meals on Wheels.
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 is and Peterborough advertising agency BrandHealth rebranding as Outpost379, Campbellford suffering a double blow after the Nicholson Bros facility was destroyed by fire and Dart Container Corp. announced its plant closure, and the City of Kawartha Lakes beginning consultations on a downtown parking strategy in Lindsay, Fenelon Falls, and Bobcaygeon.
New regional business events added this week include the Community Employment Resource Partnership presenting the Northumberland County Job Fair in Cobourg on March 7th, the City of Kawartha Lakes Age Friendly Steering Committee hosting information sessions on age-friendly business in Fenelon Falls on March 7 and in Lindsay on March 18, the Peterborough Chamber hosting a breakfast meeting with Rhonda Keenan in Peterborough on March 12th, the Kawartha Chamber hosting Business Owners Sharing Solutions (B.O.S.S.) in Bridgenorth on March 20 and Business After Hours in Peterborough on March 26th, and the Northumberland Chamber hosting the 2018 Business Achievement Awards in Cobourg on March 29th.
Women in Business Award and Judy Heffernan Award recognize extraordinary women in the City or County of Peterborough
The Judy Heffernan Award is named in honour of the late Peterborough businesswoman and volunteer who away in July 2013 at the age of 61. The award will be given to an entrepreneur, mentor, or student who embodies the late Judy Heffernan’s legacy of humbly helping others succeed. (Photo: Christina Robertson)
International Women’s Day is this Friday (March 8) and a perfect opportunity to nominate an extraordinary woman in the City or County of Peterborough for the Women in Business Award or the Judy Heffernan Award, presented by the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN).
The Women in Business Award will recognize a woman who demonstrates business leadership that has led to job creation, innovation, and increased business acumen. It will also recognize the winner’s impact on the community at large, including fundraising, volunteering, and other contributions.
The Judy Heffernan Award will be given to an entrepreneur, mentor, or student who embodies the late Judy Heffernan’s legacy of humbly helping others succeed.
Heffernan, who passed away in 2013 at the age of 61 after a brief battle with cancer, was the general manager of the Greater Peterborough Community Futures Development Corporation for 16 years, and an active member of the Peterborough and area business community (including WBN), who volunteered her time on many boards and committees. She was a tireless promoter of the entrepreneurial dreams and passions of women, young and old.
The awards will be presented on Tuesday, April 9th at Personal Touch Banquet Hall (1135 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough). Tickets are $65 for members and $75 for non-members, and can be purchased online at www.womensbusinessnetwork.net/awards-event/.
Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. transforming historic building into Kawartha Lakes’ newest craft brewery
Exterior renovation work is now underway at historic building at 4 May Street in Fenelon Falls. (Photo: Fenelon Falls Brewing Co.)
Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. is currently transforming its historic building at 4 May Street in Fenelon Falls into Kawartha Lakes’ newest craft brewery.
The building, which was a livery stable in the 19th century, became a blacksmith shop in 1901 operated by Charles Kelly, a business that was still operating into the 1960s.
Fenelon Falls Brewing, founded by by husband and wife Vinh and Agatha Mac, originally planned to open the redeveloped building last fall, but a series of delays meant they only obtained the building permit in December.
The building, which overlooks Lock 34 in Fenelon Falls, was a livery stable in the 19th century and then a blacksmith shop operated by Charles Kelly. (Photo: Fenelon Falls Brewing Co.)
Renovation of the interior began in January with exterior work beginning in February, including reinforcing the building’s foundation and structure and raising the roof. MVW Construction of Lindsay is the contractor.
The redeveloped building will eventually contain the brewery, a taproom, an event space, and a street-side patio. No opening date has been announced.
Community Care Peterborough invites businesses to participate in Meals to Go and support Meals on Wheels
Community Care Peterborough’s Meals to Go menu. (Graphic: Community Care Peterborough)
Community Care Peterborough is kicking off its 2019 March for Meals campaign is kicking off with Meals to Go, where businesses can order a lunch to be delivered directly to their workplace by Meals on Wheels volunteers.
On any Wednesday during March, for $10 you can enjoy a freshly prepared chicken sandwich or salad, with lemon-thyme goat cheese donated by Cross Wind Farm, and a roasted tomato soup. Meals are being prepared at The Mount Community Centre’s new kitchen in partnership with the Community Training and Development Centre, with packaging from Sysco and Outpost Packaging.
For an additional $10 donation, people can also sponsor a lunch for a senior who can’t afford it for themselves.
Meals on Wheels provides a social visit by a caring volunteer, a safety check for many who are isolated, and ensures clients receive hot nutritional meals to help them remain healthy in their own homes where they want to be. With the support of 180 Meals on Wheels Volunteers, Community Care Peterborough delivers over 40,000 hot and frozen meals each year in the City and County of Peterborough.
Last year, 48 different companies from eight business sectors ordered 550 meals and donated over $3,000 to Community Care Peterborough’s Meals on Wheels program. This year, they are planning for 600 meals to be ordered and $4,000 to be donated.
Peterborough advertising agency BrandHealth rebrands as Outpost379
BrandHealth is now Outpost379. (Graphic: Outpost379)
Peterborough’s BrandHealth has rebranded as Outpost379.
The full-service advertising and communications agency, which was founded in 2005, has a large roster of local, national, and international clients, including Trent University, The Canadian Canoe Museum, the Ontario government, Prince Edward Island, Dukoral, and Cialis.
The new name is a combination of the agency’s downtown Peterborough address (379 George St. N., Peterborough) with the concept of being an “outpost of advertising, on the frontier of what is possible”.
Campbellford suffers double blow after Nicholson Bros facility destroyed by fire and Dart Container Corp. announces plant closure
The Dart Container Corp. manufacturing facility at 40 Dart Cup Road in Campbellford will be closed in 2019. (Photo: Google Maps)
The Town of Campbellford in Northumberland County suffered a double blow last week.
Last Wednesday (February 27), Nicholson Bros Concrete, Excavating and Landscape Supplies’ facility in Tanner Industrial Park was destroyed by fire despite the efforts of more than 50 firefigthers from Trent Hills and Brighton.
Nicholson Bros, which offer a wide variety of construction services, including concrete installation, aggregate products, excavation, and septic system sales and installation, has been serving Campbellford and area for more than 20 years. The company employs more than 30 people.
The Office of the Fire Marshal and the OPP are investigating the blaze. Total damages are not yet known, but the main building itself was worth $300,000.
On the same day, employees at Dart Container Corp. found out the company will cease production at its Campbellford plant in June and will close the plant by September 2019.
Dart Container Corp., which manufactures polystyrene foam cups, has operated in Campbellford since 1985. The plant employs 50 people.
The Michigan-based company also has Canadian locations in Toronto and Mississauga, which are not affected.
City of Kawartha Lakes begins consultations on downtown parking strategy in Lindsay, Fenelon Falls, and Bobcaygeon
Parking in downtown Bobcaygeon. (Photo: City of Kawartha Lakes)
The City of Kawartha Lakes is consulting with the public on its downtown parking strategy, which will examine the current and future parking requirements in the downtown areas of Lindsay, Fenelon Falls, and Bobcaygeon.
The municipality says the demand for downtown parking has increased dramatically in the last several years. For example, in downtown Lindsay the average rate of use for parking during peak weekday business hours increased from 61 per cent in 2014 to 81 per cent in 2018. Bobcaygeon and Fenelon Falls have also seen increased pressure on parking resources, especially during the busy summer season.
In April 2018, city council approved $100,000 in funding for the project as a way to address the parking pressures. Kawartha Lakes has retained IBI Group to prepare the strategy in 2019, while will be presented to council in early 2020.
The first round of public consultations is set to take place this week in Lindsay from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5th at Lindsay Recreation Complex, in Fenelon Falls from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6th at Fenelon Falls Arena and Community Centre, and in Bobcaygeon from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 7th at Bobcaygeon Service Centre.
These meetings will be of a drop-in nature, providing attendees an opportunity to review information boards, ask questions and provide comments. At 6 p.m., IBI Group will give a public presentation. Representatives of the municipality and IBI Group will be present at the meetings to take questions and comments.
Harvest Haliburton hosts Food and Agriculture Economic Development Forum in Minden on March 5
Sustainable food association Harvest Haliburton is hosting the Food and Agriculture Economic Development Forum from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5th at the Minden Community Centre (55 Parkside St., Minden).
The forum is a chance for interested residents, food producers, farmers, retailers, restauranteurs, elected politicians, municipal staff, and others to learn about the exciting food and agriculture-related projects underway in Haliburton County. Participants can also discover how they can support and shape the future of the local food sector.
Staff from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs will deliver a keynote address on the tools and strategies available to help the area’s local food sector thrive. There will also be discussion topics including selling and branding local food, culinary and food tourism, municipal food planning, and more.
The forum is free to attend and includes a lunch showcasing ingredients from many of the area’s primary food producers.
2019 Win This Space finale in Peterborough on March 5
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is presenting the finale of the 2019 Win This Space competition from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5th at ARIA (331 George St. N., Peterborough).
The winner of the annual competition will be announced at the event. The grand prize package, valued at more than $40,000, includes a free year-long least of a storefront in downtown Peterborough and thousands of dollars in donated prizes including office and computer supplies, marketing and financial services, and advertising and promotion.
The top 10 contestants vying for the grand prize are Sheneese Wilkins of Mink Magic, Becky and Kent Sheehey of Sweat Happy Wellness, Sandra Young of Statement House Vintage, Anthony and Samantha Lennan of The Food Shop, David Searle of Moloko, Emma Pineo of Studio Pineo, Jonathan MacKay of Sustain Your Eco Living & Building Store, Laura and Dave Clark of Knook & Cranny, Lacey Klatt of Cozy Home Designs By Lacey, and Jules Diotallevi of The Rabbit Hole. The event begins with networking and cocktails at 5:30 p.m. following by the main event at 6 p.m.
Lakefield Career Fair and and Community Information Session on March 6
The City and County of Peterborough, Agilec, the Municipality of Trent Lakes, and the Township of Selwyn have organized the Lakefield Career Fair and Community Information Session from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6th at the Lakefield Legion (10 Nicholls St., Lakefield).
The free event is for job seekers of all ages, and will feature employers offering include year-round and seasonal positions including skilled and general labour, nursing, food service, cleaning, and more.
Employers at the event will include AGTA Home Health Care, Burleigh Falls Inn, Cameron Steel Inc., Canadian Armed Forces, Concentrix, Katchiwano Golf & Country Club, Lockstop Café\Coons Cottage Care, Nightingale Nursing, Ontario Provincial Police, Otonabee Conservation Authority, R&J Machine, Savage Arms, SGS Canada, Six Foot Bay Resort, and Regency Retirement Lakefield.
Kawartha Lakes Arts Council hosts a copyright workshop for creators on March 6 in Janetville
Kawartha Lakes Arts Council is hosting the “Copyright for Creators” workshop at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6th at Janetville Community Centre (693 Janetville Rd., Janetville).
Writers, visual artists, graphic designers, musicians and composers, actors, producers, filmmakers, and game designers can learn about copyright, trademarks, trade secrets, and licensing. You will find out how to protect original creative ideas, understand the rules about public domain, and ask questions about infringement, reproduction, and transformative use.
Panelists include Penni Holdham (master prop builder, designer, and muralist), Dwayne Collins (digital scholarship librarian), and Catherine Jones (music and media rights specialist) and the evening will be moderated by Dianne Lister (photographer and chair of Kawartha Lakes Arts Council).
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the evening will begin with a presentation at 7 p.m., followed by a Q&A session at 8 p.m. and refreshments at 8:30 p.m.
The cost is $10 for members of the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council and $15 for non-members and guests. Cash or cheque will be accepted to the door.
Lindsay Chamber hosts its annual general meeting in Lindsay on March 6
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual general meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6th at The Auk’s Lodge on Fleming College’s Frost Campus (200 Albert St. S., Lindsay).
You can view the Chamber’s activities and successes of the past year, learn about Chamber initiatives for the year ahead, and review the 2018 financial statement. A motion will be passed for member to accept the next slate of board members.
Refreshments will be provided by The Olympia Restaurant and a cash bar will be available.
City of Kawartha Lakes Age Friendly Steering Committee hosting information sessions on age-friendly business in Fenelon Falls on March 7 and in Lindsay on March 18
The Age Friendly Steering Committee of the City of Kawartha Lakes is hosting two information sessions on age-friendly business, with the first taking place from 8 to 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 7th at Fenelon Falls Seniors Club (70 Murray St., Fenelon Falls) and the second from 6 to 7 p.m. on Monday, March 18th at Between the Bread Eatery and Market (17 William St. S., Lindsay).
Both events are free and are open to all business owners and staff who are interested in learning how to make their business more age friendly. There will be a light breakfast during the presentation, and take-away resources will be available.
Community Employment Resource Partnership presents Northumberland County Job Fair in Cobourg on March 7
The Community Employment Resource Partnership is hosting its annual Northumberland County Job Fair for local employers and job seekers from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 7th at Cobourg Lions Community Centre (157 Elgin St. E., Cobourg).
The job fair features more than 22 employers looking to connect with potential employees for more than 100 various jobs and summer student opportunities in health care, manufacturing, retail and customer service, landscaping, and food services.
Job seekers are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their cover letter and resume and dress in interview-appropriate attire, as some employers may conduct on-site interviews with qualified applicants.
City of Kawartha Lakes hosting public information centre on downtown Lindsay reconstruction on March 7 in Lindsay
The City of Kawartha Lakes is hosting a public information centre on the design project for the reconstruction of downtown Lindsay from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 7th at the Victoria Park Armoury (210 Kent St. W., Lindsay).
The information centre will present the proposed streetscape plans, building on previously completed planning and design studies and incorporating public feedback and input from stakeholder groups including the Lindsay Downtown BIA, the Downtown Revitalization Working Group, and Heritage Committee and Accessibility Committee.
Drop in between 6 and 8 p.m. A formal presentation will take place at 6:30 p.m.
Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting in Campbellford on March 7
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual general meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 7th at the Clock Tower Cultural Centre (36 Front St. S., Campbellford).
The event will include networking, light refreshments, and a review of Chamber events, activities, and programs over the past year.
FastStart Peterborough presents E-Connect: International Women’s Day – Female Founders on March 7
FastStart Peterborough’s next E-Connect session, “International Women’s Day – Female Founders”, takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 7th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).
The event features a panel discussion with Dana Empey (Carlson Wagonlit Stewart Travel Services), Gwyneth James (Cody & James Chartered Professional Accountants), and Michelle Ferreri (Michelleferreri.com and MF Media Group).
Peterborough Chamber hosts breakfast meeting with Rhonda Keenan in Peterborough on March 12
The next Peterborough Chamber of Commerce “Chamber AM” breakfast meeting takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 12th at Carousel Restaurant & Tavern (116 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough).
Rhonda Keenan, President and CEO of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, will speak on the topic “What’s next for Peterborough? An economic development update.”
Networking begins at 7 a.m., with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. (when you can make your best 30-second elevator speech to the room), followed by the speaker at 8 a.m.
There is no cost for the event (order what you like and pay for what you order).
Kawartha Chamber hosts Business Owners Sharing Solutions (B.O.S.S.) in Bridgenorth on March 20
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is hosting its first Business Owners Sharing Solutions (B.O.S.S.) of 2019 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20th at Bridgenorth Community Hall (836 Charles St. Bridgenorth).
The topic will be “Generating Sales with Social Media & Online Marketing” and will feature panellists Heather Watson of acorn30, Matt Stimpson of We Design Group, and Mallory Graham of Rosey’s Trading Post.
The session will be moderated by Madeleine Hurrell, Economic Development Officer at Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s Business Advisory Centre.
Kawartha Chamber hosts Business After Hours in Peterborough on March 26
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
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.
Early bird tickets are $40+HST until March 10th ($55 after) and include breakfast and lunch.
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
Peterborough Emergency Management and Safety Forum on April 4 and 5
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.
Medicine Wheel Natural Healing, one of around a dozen cannabis dispensaries on Alderville First Nation near Roseneath, attracts hundreds of new customers each day. The dispensaries, which operated under indigenous sovereignty, are an alternative to purchasing cannabis products authorized by the Ontario government and also offer edibles, which are currently not legal under the federal government's cannabis legislation. (Photo: Medicine Wheel Natural Healing)
The recent news that there won’t be a cannabis store in either Peterborough or Lindsay — at least not in the initial round of retail stores opening by April 2019 — has disappointed some residents of the Kawarthas.
It means the only option for locals who wish to purchase legal cannabis will be to order online through the Ontario Cannabis Store or to drive to Oshawa, where a cannabis store named “Fabulous Leaf” is proposed for the busy plaza at 575 Laval Drive near the Stevenson Road exit on Highway 401.
However, if you’re willing to skirt the edges of legality (or not, depending on who you talk to), there’s another option: take a trip to the popular “Green Mile” in Alderville First Nation beside Rice Lake in Northumberland County.
Healing House Medicinals is the most distinctive cannabis dispensary in Alderville First Nation, consisting of two shipping containers that have been joined together and painted with graffiti. (Photo: Healing House Medicinals)
So named because of the dozen or so cannabis dispensaries that line a short stretch of Highway 45 just south of Roseneath, the Green Mile represents a thriving indigenous cannabis industry. It’s no secret to the many thousands of people who already visit the dispensaries, the most well-known being Medicine Wheel Natural Healing and Healing House Medicinals, but word is spreading quickly to the broader population.
In fact, Alderville First Nation has already become the cannabis tourism destination in the Kawarthas for locals and visitors alike, especially following the legalization of cannabis in Canada last October and the void left by both federal and provincial legislation.
For example, edibles are still illegal under federal legislation (the federal government expects to deal with them by October 2019). And the Ontario government’s restriction on the number of legal retail stores (only 25 in 2019 with, as noted, no retail stores in the Kawarthas) means many people will have to drive some distance if they want to speak with an actual person about their cannabis needs. There’s also an ongoing concern about potential shortages of product (and the limited variety) available from the Ontario Cannabis Store.
VIDEO: Welcome to Medicine Wheel Natural Healing
In Alderville First Nation, you can purchase edibles. You can speak to helpful and knowledgeable “budtenders” who will recommend the best product for your needs. It’s a 45-minute scenic drive from Peterborough, the largest population centre in the Kawarthas. And there’s a lot of variety of product, including flower options, concentrates, edibles, and more.
Rob Stevenson, owner of Medicine Wheel Natural Healing, is at the centre of Alderville First Nation’s pot industry. He first opened his store as a medical cannabis dispensary more than a year before weed was legalized, and since then has seen his business boom. In October 2018, he already had 15,000 registered clients and was employing 30 full-time employees, 20 of whom are indigenous.
Stevenson, an Anishinaabe man of the Bear Clan and a member of Alderville First Nation, says he has as many as 250 new clients every day.
The claim is not far-fetched. kawarthaNOW visited Medicine Wheel on the Saturday of the Family Day Weekend. The parking lot was full, with cars pulling in and out every few minutes. The store was crowded with adults of all ages as long lines of people waited to withdraw cash from the two ATMs inside the store (the Medicine Wheel only accepts cash).
When kawarthaNOW visited Medicine Wheel Natural Healing in Alderville First Nation on the Family Day weekend, the parking lot was packed and the store crowded with with adults of all ages. (Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
A little less crowded but still busy was the smaller Healing House Medicinals, located right across the highway from Medicine Wheel. It’s the most distinctive cannabis store in Alderville First Nation, consisting of two shipping containers that have been joined together and painted with graffiti.
Stevenson was inspired to launch his cannabis business after attending a meeting in the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory on the Bay of Quinte near Belleville. The Tyendinaga Mohwak Council has held a series of meetings to discuss cannabis operations in the territory, which has at least 50 dispensaries.
“I got inspired at that meeting,” Stevenson tells Bruce Barcott, deputy editor of online cannabis resource Leafly. “We heard stories about how cannabis was helping people. We heard about how it could help communities economically, through direct employment and the spinoff companies around the industry.”
Some of the product on display behind glass casess at Medicine Wheel Natural Healing in Alderville First Nation. (Photo: Medicine Wheel Natural Healing)
The Tyendinaga Mohawk Council decided to adopt interim regulations to govern recreational cannabis, and expects to ratify final regulations in April 2019.
Alderville First Nation is taking a similar approach but without the direct involvement of band council, which has refused to take a role in regulating the local cannabis industry — leaving it up to individual band members to exercise their sovereign rights.
In the absence of band council direction, the cannabis dispensaries and growers of Alderville First Nation have come together to form the Mississaugas of Rice Lake Cannabis Association (ricelakecannabis.org), which is working on implementing a process of self-regulation of the cannabis industry on the territory of the Alderville First Nation.
Amy Marsden, co-owner of Healing House Medicinals, is the treasurer of the Mississaugas of Rice Lake Cannabis Association, which is working on implementing a process of self-regulation of the cannabis industry on the territory of the Alderville First Nation. (Photo: Real People’s Media)
“We needed some kind of framework that is responsive to the people in our community and which can protect the industry and the interests of our people,” says Stevenson, a spokesperson for the association.
This includes transparency in operations, ensuring product is not sold to minors, and ensuring product is tested and certified. For example, Medicine Wheel Natural Healing has created the Red Feather certification protocol, a system of cannabis testing and certification adopted by the three cannabis dispensaries in Alderville with testing labs (Medicine Wheel, Healing House, and the Totem Pole).
The certification is intended to ensure a cannabis product was made by indigenous people, without the use of pesticides and herbicides, and that it has undergone a quality-control testing process.
VIDEO: David Baker on growing Cannabis in Alderville
As part of its mandate, the association has proposed a community contribution fund “to ensure that the cannabis industry of the Alderville First Nation contributes to the needs of the people.”
On Saturday, March 9th, the association will be hosting a day-long meeting for members of Alderville First Nation, bringing together Anishinabek cannabis growers and dispensary owners to discuss, improve, and possibly adopt a common framework of self-regulation and community governance.
The elephant in the room remains the question of the legality of cannabis dispensaries on indigenous territory. On the face of it, the dispensaries appear to be contravening both federal and provincial law.
Cannabis at Healing House Medicinals with potency results based on testing done using profling equipment from Sage Analytics. (Photo: Healing House Medicinals)
However, from the perspective of the Mississaugas of Rice Lake Cannabis Association, it’s not a question: Alderville First Nation is sovereign territory and federal and provincial cannabis laws do not apply.
The association points to several articles of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples that define self-regulation of indigenous economies and medicines, including Article 24, which states in part “Indigenous peoples have the right to their traditional medicines and to maintain their health practices, including the conservation of their vital medicinal plants, animals and minerals.”
“We’re adding cannabis to our repertoire of indigenous medicine,” Stevenson tells Leafly.
The Mississaugas of Rice Lake Cannabis Association has further clarified its position on the legality of cannabis with the following statement:
No plant, animal or person is “illegal” under the natural laws governing Indigenous peoples. The concept of one human prohibiting another from accessing a part of creation is one that is foreign to us.
We are a free and sovereign people and we are allies to, and not subjects of, the British Crown and its Canadian government.
We have a responsibility to look after our land and our people and our generations yet to come.
We have an inherent individual and collective right as free and sovereign Indigenous people to consume, cultivate, process, utilize, and trade or exchange any part of creation in our territory for our own sustenance and benefit, as long as we do it in a way that benefits our seven generations and our mother Turtle Island.
Because we are a free and sovereign people, we do not pay or collect tax to or for the Canadian government, the British crown, or anyone else.
As a free and sovereign people we have the right to self-regulate our own economies and our own communities.
The way our system of governance works is that our leaders serve our people, and express the common consensus of the people.
Our individual and collective rights are enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People and are recognized and affirmed in the Canadian constitution.
For all these reasons, we the Mississauga of Rice Lake, declare that cannabis is not “illegal“ in our territory. As has long been the case, cannabis is grown, processed, and sold according to the customs and traditions of our people.
The recently established medicinal cannabis dispensaries in our territory are regulated through quarterly gatherings of Alderville First Nation members belonging to the Mississauga of Rice Lake Cannabis Association.
Rob Stevenson of Medicine Wheel Natural Healing has created Mukwa Botanicals, a range of cannabidiol (CBD) extracts. CBD, which is not psychoactive, has become popular in the health and wellness world, with some scientific research finding it may help treat a variety of ailments like chronic pain and anxiety. Mukwa Botanicals are “Red Feather” certified, a system of cannabis testing and certification. (Photo: Medicine Wheel Natural Healing)
For his part, Stevenson says he has met with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), with which the Alderville First Nation has an agreement to provide policing services.
“I went to the OPP and gave them a similar presentation to the one I gave to chief and council, showing them why I’m doing this and how I’m doing this,” Stevenson tells Leafly.
“It was received very well. I met with the police quite a few times. The police would stop in a few times just to see how things were going. I remember the first couple times the police came in, and it would clear the store, clear the parking lot. After a while, though, people realized they were just there to talk and observe.
“Those were helpful sessions. They let the police see firsthand what we were doing. They saw that we’ve got a huge range of people coming in from different backgrounds, not just the typical stoner persona. We’ve got a lot of seniors, women, people of all ages” (except minors, of course).
It remains to be seen how the cannabis industry of Alderville First Nation will change, once the non-indigenous industry in Ontario grows and matures. But for now, it’s a booming business and one that the Ontario government might be able to learn something from.
Oshawa native Warren Wagler, a member of Kenshokan Dojo with locations in Peterborough, Oshawa, Tweed, and Lindsay, won the Haga Cup at the 2019 East Coast Iaido Taikai (competition) held in Jersey City, New Jersey on February 17, 2019, as part of the inaugural delegation for Team Canada Iaido. Wagler holds the rank of sandan (third dan) in iaido, the traditional Japanese martial art of swordsmanship. (Photo courtesy of Team Canada Iaido)
Local martial artist Warren Wagler recently brought home gold from an international competition.
Wagler practices the traditional Japanese martial art of iaido (pronounce ee-eye-do) — drawing and cutting with a samurai sword.
Wagler belongs to Kenshokan Dojo, a local martial arts group that offers training in iaido at locations in Peterborough, Oshawa, Tweed, and Lindsay, as well as classes in karate in Peterborough and Oshawa.
Warren Wagler practising the traditional Japanese martial art of iaido (drawing and cutting with a samurai sword). The Oshawa native, who is a member of Kenshokan Dojo with locations in Peterborough, Oshawa, Tweed, and Lindsay, won gold in the sandan (third dan) division at the 2019 East Coast Iaido Taikai (competition) held in Jersey City, New Jersey on February 17, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Team Canada Iaido)
The Oshawa native, who holds the rank of sandan (third dan) in iaido, won the Haga Cup at the 2019 East Coast Iaido Taikai (competition) held in Jersey City, New Jersey on February 17, 2019, as part of the inaugural delegation for Team Canada Iaido.
At 22 years old, Wagler is the youngest member of the Team Canada Iaido delegation. He began practising iaido at the age of 14 under sensei (instructor) Jim Wilson at Kenshokan Dojo.
Iaido is related to the Japanese martial art of kendo (sword fighting) but, unlike kendo, iaido focuses on methods of drawing and cutting with the sword.
Warren Wagler (holding the Canadian flag at left) is the youngest member of Team Canada Iaido, which competed at the 2019 East Coast Iaido Taikai (competition) held in Jersey City, New Jersey on February 17, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Team Canada Iaido)
There is no physical contact with iaido; it is a solo martial art that helps develop mental discipline and physical skills through the practice and perfection of forms called kata, consisting of sequences of movements executed against one or multiple imagined opponents.
“I practice iaido because it is both challenging and fulfilling as you are constantly evolve your skills to achieve perfection,” Wagler says. “It is well worth the effort. To others iaido may seem like an individual art, but to me iaido is my second family.”
Wagler, who graduated from the architectural technology program at Durham College in 2017, has previously won gold at the Canadian National Iaido Championships in 2013 and 2016, and silver as a member of Team Canada at the 2018 Pan-American Iaido Taikai.
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