Kawartha Conservation has received federal and municipal funding for two projects to update and establish floodplain mapping for McLaren's Creek and Fenelon Falls South in the City of Kawartha Lakes. Once complete, the mapping will help guide land use decisions in the two areas for the foreseeable future. (Photo: City of Kawartha Lakes)
In recognition of the increased risk of flooding due to climate change, Kawartha Conservation has received $187,000 from the Government of Canada and the City of Kawartha Lakes to help map out floodplains within the Kawartha watershed.
Over the next 18 months, Kawartha Conservation will update and establish floodplain mapping for 9.5 kilometres of McLaren’s Creek and 6.5 kilometres of Fenelon Falls South.
Once complete, the mapping will help guide land use decisions in the two areas for the foreseeable future. With improved technology, data provided from the two floodplain mapping projects will allow the City of Kawartha Lakes and Kawartha Conservation to be more prepared for potential threats from flooding.
“As the frequency and intensity of severe weather events continue to grow, updating and establishing floodplain mapping is critical to the safety of people and property,” explains Kawartha Conservation CAO Mark Majchrowski. “These two projects continue to better position Kawartha Conservation and the City of Kawartha Lakes to provide added surety in protecting people and their property from flooding events, and will be used in our planning and permitting activity.”
Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef announced the federal funding today (May 15) on behalf of the federal Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. The Government of Canada is providing $100,150 in funding to the Province of Ontario to support the two projects.
The funding comes from the National Disaster Mitigation Program, established in 2015 to address rising flood risks and costs and to mitigate the effects of flood events. Under the program, the federal government cost-shares up to 50 per cent of eligible expenses for provincial projects.
“Canadians are increasingly experiencing the costly effects of climate change through extreme weather events,” Monsef says. “Today’s announcement will provide Kawartha Conservation with some of the tools required to protect communities in our region from flooding.”
The City of Kawartha Lakes has also contributed $87,086 to the two projects.
“The city is very pleased to have Kawartha Conservation receive the National Disaster Mitigation Program funding from the Federal government,” says Richard Holy, the city’s manager of policy planning. “The floodplain mapping for these two areas will improve our understanding of the watercourses and better guide land use decisions in the future.”
Flooding damage has accounted for 80 per cent of federal disaster assistance payments over the past 20 years. Studies have demonstrated that every dollar invested in mitigation generates a savings of six dollars in future disaster costs.
Time is running out to register as a paddler or a team for the 19th annual Peterborough's Dragon Boat Festival, which takes place on June 8, 2019 at Del Crary Park in downtown Peterborough. All proceeds raised by the festival will support breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW.com)
Last call for paddlers!
Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival is less than a month away, and organizers are encouraging participants to register at ptbodragonboat.ca by Friday, May 17th.
In order to have your name on the festival-branded souvenir shirt available for purchase at the One Stop Dragon Boat Shop, teams must register by Friday.
The 19th annual fundraiser takes place on Saturday, June 8th at Del Crary Park in downtown Peterborough, where community, junior, competitive, and breast cancer survivor teams join together for a fun and exciting day of dragon boat racing on Little Lake.
During Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival on June 8, 2019, community, junior, competitive, and breast cancer survivor teams will race their dragon boats on Little Lake throughout the day. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW.com)
Hosted by Survivors Abreast (a competitive Peterborough-based dragon boat team made up of breast cancer survivors) and presented by platinum sponsor Kawartha Credit Union for the 18th time, the festival raises funds for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).
Cancer affects almost everyone, with one out of eight women diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, and nearly one of every two Canadians diagnosed with some type of cancer in their lifetime. If you don’t ever receive a cancer diagnosis, chances are one of your family or friends will.
To date, the festival has raised more than $3.3 million for PRHC, allowing the hospital to acquire state-of-the-art equipment and technology that the government does not fund. This year, the festival is fundraising for a laboratory technology known as CellaVision, which performs automated digital cell mapping of blood work, allowing doctors to determine and confirm cancer diagnoses and make treatment decisions with minimal delays.
PRHC Foundation President & CEO Lesley Heighway (right) accepts a cheque for $211,238.32 volunteers from Survivors Abreast and representatives of the Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival organizing committee in September 2018. The 2019 fundraising goal is $191,000, which will help PRHC purchase an automated laboratory technology known as CellaVision. (Photo: Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival)
But the CellaVision system isn’t just for breast cancer: it will also be used to help treat other cancers. PRHC’s lab processes more than 20,000 cancer-related cases annually, so funds raised by Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival will benefit everyone who needs cancer treatment.
This year’s fundraising goal is $191,000. That number symbolizes that it takes 19 dedicated paddlers and one passionate team captain to paddle a team to success, both on the water and in their fundraising efforts. To recognize their extra efforts, a team captain will be randomly selected to represent all captains and will be invited to participate in the opening ceremonies to help “awaken the dragon”.
The top fundraising teams will enjoy some special perks on festival day. The luxury “Dragon’s Lair” returns as the prize for the top fundraising team (complete with butler, gourmet lunch, in-tent massage, and much more) and will once again be joined by the “Dragon’s Loft” and “Dragon’s Nest” — homes of the second- and third-place fundraising teams that feature a canopy tent in a prime festival location, a special lunch and beverages, exclusive access to the “Pink Potty”, and more.
Returning in 2019 is the Dragon’s Lair for the top fundraising team (butler included), as well as the Dragon’s Loft and the Dragon’s Nest for the second- and third-place fundraising teams. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival)
To register as a team or a paddler, visit ptbodragonboat.ca. A team consists of 20 paddlers and a drummer, and anyone over 13 years of age, men and women, can participate on a team. The registration price includes one on-water practice prior to event day with an experienced coach and steersperson, all required paddling and safety equipment, a team photo that can be downloaded after the event, and a day full of fun.
New this year are shorter 250-metre races, replacing the 400-metre races of past years. It’s a speedier and less gruelling way to get to the finish line.
Returning this year is the Junior Dragons division, which includes participants between the ages of 13 and 18, is back again this year — it’s perfect for school, social, and athletic clubs. Also returning this year are the exciting knockout finals for the festival’s more competitive open divisions.
Survivors Abreast hosts Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival, where the team will be paddling for its 19th year on June 8, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival)
If you want to paddle but don’t have a team, you can still participate by joining the “Paddlers Pool”. Once you register as an individual paddler, festival organizers will contact you to discuss the details of your participation and to connect you with a team that needs paddlers.
If you don’t want to paddle but you still want to contribute to the cause, you can donate to an individual paddler, a team, or the event itself. Every dollar of your pledge remains in the community, supporting PRHC.
While the dragon races are the highlight of Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival, the festival is not just for paddlers. Festival organizers have partnered with local business and organizations so that everyone in the community can enjoy the day.
The free Family Fun Zone features loads of fun activities, including face painting, for the entire family. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW.com)
Modern Makers Market, organizers of local artisan events such as the Holiday Market, will be back at the festival this year to host the festival’s Vendors Village Market with more than 45 makers of quality, hand-crafted products, delicious food options, and outstanding customer experiences. All of the vendors’ participation fees will go towards the Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival.
In exciting news, for the first year ever Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival is hosting a beer garden. The Thirsty Dragon beer garden will feature brews from Cameron’s Brewing Co. of Oakville, as well as non-alcoholic craft beer from Partake Brewing.
Festival hours will be extended beyond the final races to encourage participants and supporters to stick around and celebrate their paddling and fundraising success with teams, family, and friends.
For the first time ever, the Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival will be hosting a beer garden in 2019, featuring craft beer from Cameron’s Brewing and non-alcoholic versions from Partake Brewing. (Photo: Cameron’s Brewing)
Also new this year will be live musical entertainment coordinated by the Peterborough Folk Festival. The musical line-up will be announced closer to the festival date.
There’s also the Family Fun Zone, expanded this year with even more free activities for the whole family:
Photo booth and bubble station
Dragon boat crafts courtesy of the Art Gallery of Peterborough
Face painting brought to you by Morgann’s Cosmetic Arts and Cosmetic Transformations
Axe throwing with Peterborough Axe Club
Canoe crafts, canoe race, and paddle carving station provided by The Canadian Canoe Museum
Kids’ obstacle course courtesy of Kawartha Gymnastics Club
Mini boat races provided by Peterborough Canoe and Kayak Club
Hula hooping and kids’ dance with Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre
Craft and colouring games, toys, sensory tables, and a place for parents to relax provided by Play Cafe
Watch and try tae kwando with White Tiger Tae Kwando
Try fencing with Peterborough Multi-Sport Centre
Jiu Jitsu brought to you by Jitsu Peterborough.
You can also cycle to the festival and make use of the supervised bike parking courtesy of Peterborough Moves and B!KE: The Peterborough Community Cycling Hub.
Paddlers at the 2015 Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival toss their flowers after the Carnation Ceremony, an annual tradition to both remember and honour those who have lost their battle with breast cancer. The Carnation Ceremony originates from a 1996 dragon boat race in Vancouver. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW.com)
For more information and to register, donate, or volunteer, visit ptbodragonboat.ca. For updates, make sure to follow Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The 2018 Rotary Victoria Day fireworks display above Little Lake in downtown Peterborough. The 2019 Rotary Victoria Day fireworks and family night takes place on May 18th, with a rain date of May 19th. Admission is free. (Photo: Devon Ulrich / devonulrichphoto.com)
Celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday and the unofficial start of summer at Del Crary Park in downtown Peterborough on Saturday, May 18th with the 17th annual Rotary Victoria Day Fireworks and Family Night.
Jointly presented by the Rotary Clubs of Peterborough and Peterborough Kawartha, the event features live music, children’s activities, food and drink vendors and (of course) a spectacular fireworks display above Little Lake.
Admission is free and rain dates are Sunday, May 19th and Monday, May 20th.
Family night begins at 5 p.m., with three performers presented by Peterborough LIVE: country-folk indie singer-songwriter Lauryn Macfarlane, 15-year-old rockabilly sensation Nicholas Campbell, and female R&B singer Charlie Earle. (If the event is postponed to due to rain, the performers will be different on Sunday.)
Live music runs from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and includes Peterborough rockers The Austin Carson Band. (Photo: The Austin Carson Band / Facebook)
Peterborough rockers The Austin Carson Band will perform from 6 to 7:30 p.m., followed by Man on the Wall from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
While the musicians are performing, there will be bouncy castles and free face painting for the kids, with ice cream and popcorn provided free of charge (while supplies last).
Food and drinks will be available for sale from a variety of vendors, and Rotarians will be selling glow products in the Rotary tent and around the park (look for the blue and yellow Rotary jackets).
The count-down for the fireworks display will begin at dusk (around 9:40 p.m.).
The following roads around Del Crary Park will be temporarily closed from 4 to 11 p.m. on the day of the event: Perry Street from George Street to Crescent Street; Lake Street from George Street to Crescent Street; Crescent Street from Romaine Street to Perry Street; and Lock Street from Romaine Street to Crescent Street. Local traffic will be permitted.
The free event is made possible by sponsors, including platinum sponsor ScotiaBank,
“We are delighted to partner again with Scotiabank as the platinum sponsor,” says Rotary fireworks event co-chair Stephen Kylie. “With this sponsorship we will have a tremendous fireworks display, local entertainment, and an expanded children’s program.”
Gold sponsors for the event are Bryston Ltd., Best Western Otonabee Inn, Bouncers Are Us , Central Smith Creamery, Harco Enterprises, Lions Club East Peterborough, LLF Lawyers, Longley Harley Davidson of Peterborough, Peterborough Examiner, Peterborough Tent & Event Rentals, Peterborough This Week, Rent All Centre, Russelle Toyota, Signarama, The Rehill Company, Trent Security, Survivors Abreast, and Swish.
Chefs Eric Boyar from SixThirtyNine in Woodstock and Tyler Scott from Rare Grill House in Peterborough preparing their rainbow trout dish for the Terroir Symposium's Rural Retreat at South Pond Farms in Pontypool on May 7, 2019. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
This month, food writer Eva Fisher explores the terroir of Kawarthas Northumberland at the Terroir Symposium’s Rural Retreat at South Pond Farms, lunches at the newly opened Fusion Bowl in downtown Peterborough, braves the beast at Sweet Beast Butcher Shop in Peterborough’s East City, discovers a local saffron producer at True Saffron in Warkworth, and tipples award-winning gin from Black’s Distillery in Peterborough’s East City.
Terroir Retreat showcases local culinary scene at South Pond Farms
Chefs prepared dishes featuring local ingredients: this lightly smoked rainbow trout is placed on a bed of lebna and topped with local puffed wild rice, pickled wild leek bottoms, charred wild leek tops, trout caviar and watercress. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
Every year hundreds of delegates from across the province, the country, and the world head to Toronto for the Terroir Symposium, an event designed to bring the hospitality and tourism sector together as a community: chefs, hoteliers, mixologists, writers, and business people.
This year, special guests of the symposium were invited to a “Rural Retreat” in the Kawarthas at South Pond Farms (1020 Gray Rd., Pontypool) on May 7th.
Rebecca Mackenzie, president and CEO of the Culinary Tourism Alliance, says that the retreat at South Pond Farms is a way to reward speakers, sponsors and media.
Chefs Brad Watt from the Publican House and Julia Graham from the Quirky Carrot made a red fife wheat flatbread with a spinach salad with curried yogurt and wild leek dressing, smoked beets and pickled carrots. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
“We’ve brought them to the Kawarthas to showcase the terroir of Ontario. It’s an opportunity to get them out into the countryside and really showcase and celebrate all of the great ingredients, the producers, and the chefs that play with them and make them into something delicious.”
Rebecca says that our region was selected in part because of the strength of our food scene.
“You’ve got really great producers. That’s the base ingredient to any food tourism destination: the growers and producers. You’ve got a culinary community that’s evolving, and you’ve got a number of restaurants and chefs that celebrate that. That’s a big draw for us.”
That includes our thriving beverage scene: “You’ve got some craft breweries, some distillers, even sparkling non-alcoholic tea.”
Agatha Podgorski, Director of Community Engagement at the Culinary Tourism Alliance, was also quick to sing the praises of the Kawarthas-Northumberland food scene.
“There is so much unbelievable unique stuff happening in this area right now. I mean, there’s a guy growing saffron out here which no one thought was possible in Canada. Black currants, hop shoots. There’s a huge chevre community and people doing beautiful goat cheeses. Really special things that a lot of people don’t realize are available in Canada.”
Chefs and producers from across the region were in attendance, working in pairs with chefs from other regions.
Many dishes were cooked on the fire, including this currant glazed duck breast by chefs from The Mill and Rich Uncle Tavern. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
Jay Nutt of Elmhirst’s Resort cooked beef tenderloin to tender perfection over an open fire with James Eddington from Eddignton’s of Exeter, while Tyler Scott from Rare and Eric Boyar from SixThirtyNine topped succulent rainbow trout with wild leeks and puffed wild rice. Brad Watt of the Publican House served a beautiful spinach salad with red fife wheat flatbread, also cooked over the fire, with Julia Graham of The Quirky Carrot.
In total, eight teams of chefs created an unforgettable series of dishes, which were served by the fire they were cooked on in South Pond Farm’s expansive fields and forests.
Rebecca says that events like Terroir can boost a thriving local food culture.
Local producers also attended the symposium, including Centre and Main Chocolate from Warkworth. Centre and Main featured a decadent variety of chocolate, which is also available at One Fine Foods in Peterborough. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
“There’s an appetite — pun intended — to grow food tourism in Kawarthas Northumberland, and this type of event further elevates that.”
She also notes that the Terroir Rural Retreat is one of the most important parts of the Symposium.
“This is the stuff that people really remember. They remember the presenters and the speakers of course … but it’s today where you’re getting to network and talk and meet people. Business happens here, relationships are built.”
New Fusion Bowl restaurant from the owners of Imperial Tandoor
Owners Manish Choudhry, Nitin Grover, and father Brij Grover have opened the Fusion Bowl in dowtown Peterborough. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
The Fusion Bowl (376 George St. N., Peterborough) opened on Monday May 13th, offering affordable fusion cuisine in a beautifully decorate downtown restaurant.
Co-owner Nitin Grover is no stranger to the restaurant industry. He and his business partner Manish Choudhry are also the owners of Imperial Tandoor, a popular full-service Indian restaurant on Lansdowne Street.
Their new venture allows them to better serve a wider clientele by offering a less expensive option in the downtown core.
The Fusion Bowl offers bowls with your choice of rice, noodle, and main. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
Nitin describes their new restaurant as “premium self-serve fast food.” He says that self service is important to the concept.
“We can afford to bring down the price point without having to compromise on the quality.”
The food is a fusion of Indian, Chinese, and Mexican.
“We’ve been working on this idea for over a year now, and we’ve been experimenting in our kitchen to come up with the right recipes.”
Counter service is key to the Fusion Bowl’s concept, because it allows them to reduce the price of each meal without compromising quality. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
Their menu includes unique options, like chicken tikka quesadillas and naan bread stuffed with a variety of fillings. You can also get a bowl, which includes your choice of rice or noodles with salad and a main.
When I visited there were 15 main dish options at the counter, including six vegetarian ones.
The Fusion Bowl will host a grand opening at the end of May, but in the mean time their opening hours are 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.
Sweet Beast Butcher Shop serves happy meat in the East City core
Owner Grant Slavin has opened Sweet Beast Butcher Shop in Peterborough’s East City. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
Peterborough’s newest butcher shop is open for business. Sweet Beast Butcher Shop (95 Hunter St. E., Peterborough) opened on April 18th in East City.
Owner Grant Slavin earned his chops at the Community Butcher Shop, a well-loved but short-lived local butcher on George Street that closed in January of 2017 after two years.
“We bought whole animals and would butcher everything in the shop. That’s where I learned how to butcher.”
After the Community Butcher Shop closed, Grant worked and furthered his education at One Fine Food, then went on to apprentice at Just an Old Fashioned Butchery and Seafood in Oakville.
Sweet Beast Butcher Shop emphasizes local and Ontario meat where possible, selecting suppliers that use traditional farming methods. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
Grant is excited to operate in East City.
“It’s a great neighbourhood. It’s a really good location, basically offering everything that Community Butcher Shop offered but with a parking lot.”
He says that the community has been very supportive.
“It’s great to be in the neighbourhood. It seems that half of the clientele who come in live just around the corner. It feels really good to be part of this community.”
The shop offers a selection of meat including house-made sausages, steaks, and chicken with or without marinades, fish, and pork.
“I’m passionate about local food and trying to source from Ontario farms and suppliers that practise traditional animal husbandry and traditional pasture raised farming practises.”
Sweet Beast Butcher Shop is now open for business. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
He goes item by item in his shop, listing the farms that each cut of meat is brought from. It’s a thoughtful selection of meat and fish, and even the further afield options are sourced ethically: the black cod is from a supplier in Northern B.C. that partners with local indigenous communities.
Grant explains:
“I think it’s important to know where your food is coming from, and that’s not as accessible at the grocery store. I worked at a grocery store chain in Hamilton and it’s kind of disgusting. The store would do a special on prime rib and it’s all American beef from feedlot farms and we would process skids of it. I would do 50 cases of prime rib in a shift.
“At that point there’s no connection with the food that people are eating. If someone comes into a butcher shop like mine, I can tell them where their beef is coming from. There’s a lot more transparency. We need to stop the factory farm system.”
That’s food for thought.
Growing “Red Gold” in Warkworth
True Saffron is grown and dried in Warkworth, Ontario (Photo: True Saffron)
Growing saffron in Warkworth is not for the faint of heart … but that’s just what True Saffron co-owner Martin Albert does.
He grows, dries, and sells the spice, which is derived from the flower of the saffron crocus — including threads and bulbs as well as products made with saffron, such as mustard, simple syrup, infused maple syrup, jellies, vinegars, and more.
Before he began growing saffron, Martin was already growing garlic and tomatoes on his home farm in Warkworth. When a visiting friend suggested he try saffron, he didn’t think it was for him.
“I said no, we’re busy enough.”
Fortunately his friend was persistent, and, as Martin puts it, “within two weeks I had ordered 50,000 bulbs.”
That’s when he discovered that his land was unsuitable for saffron.
“Saffron needs high, dry, very well-drained sandy soil. Our land is forest, river, and the bottom of a valley.”
Saffron is made from the pistils of a special variety of crocus. (Photo: True Saffron)
He knew that he would have to rent land specifically for the project. After he secured the land, the bulbs he had ordered were held up in shipping.
“The inspectors oversees found two grains of sand on one of the bulbs and made our producer wash all of them again.”
Then, after the bulbs had arrived, there was weather to contend with.
“We planted our 50,000 bulbs during the worst drought in 95 years in Northumberland.”
True Saffron makes a variety of products with their saffron, including a mustard. (Photo: True Saffron)
Clearly there are challenges when it comes to growing saffron in Northumberland, but one taste of True Saffron will convince you that it’s all worth it. Martin explains that the quality of saffron depends largely on the drying technique.
“The bulbs are genetically identical, so they all make the same flower. When we had it analyzed we found out that not only are we drying it well, we’re drying it extremely well.”
His first three harvests were all graded well above grade one, which is the highest grading for saffron.
True Saffron supplies saffron to restaurants including ‘Sper (20 Main St, Warkworth), which hosts monthly six-course saffron meals. Martin says that saffron creates an incredible mood boost in anyone who tries it.
“By course number two, there’s a sense of euphoria. That’s what saffron does.”
Warkworth’s ‘Sper Restaurant features True Saffron in a regular six-course saffron dinner. (Photo: Doug Hope)
Add it to chocolate and that euphoria may even be increased. Centre and Main Chocolate in Warkworth have developed a number of True Saffron inspired chocolates, including saffron crème brûlée truffles and white chocolate with undried saffron, unique in the world.
True Saffron products are available at Centre and Main Chocolate (50 Centre St., Warkworth), Chasing the Cheese (330 Charlotte St., Peterborough), Sharpe’s Food Market (85 Front St. N., Campbellford), Special Effects Decorating (85 Main St., Brighton), Millstone Bread (53 Albert St., Cobourg), and online at truesaffron.ca.
East City’s Black’s Distillery wins at two international competitions
Black’s Distillery recently won medals at two international competitions for their gin. (Photo: Black’s Distillery)
Black’s Distillery (99 Hunter St. E., Peterborough) recently won two international awards for their gin: a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a bronze at The London Spirits Competition.
CEO and Master Distiller Robert Black explains that they judge gin a bit differently in London.
“They didn’t like our bottle package as much there, but that’s okay.” Gin drinkers know that it’s what’s inside that counts, he says.
Black’s Gin is made from scratch from grain to glass. Robert starts with a base of Red Fife Wheat vodka.
“A lot of people don’t know that to make gin you start off with a neutral spirit, which vodka is.”
Red Fife Wheat is a local grain developed in Peterborough County in 1840. Robert sources his Red Fife Wheat from a local farmer. The gin is made using a blend of nine botanicals.
“It’s a very savoury gin without being too juniper forward.”
That gives the other botanicals a chance to shine: angelica, cardamom, coriander, sage, cubeb, and lavender.
Gin from Black’s Distillery is made with a base of red fife wheat vodka, which is then infused with seven botanicals to create a distinct flavour. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
Robert notes that the flavour is strong enough to come through even in a cocktail like a gin and tonic.
He is happy that the judges liked his gin.
“It’s kind of flattering to me, and only good things are going to come from this.”
Black’s Gin is available at the East City distillery and at 32 LCBO locations.
Applications are now open for the Summer Company program, Ontario's flagship youth entrepreneurship program delivered locally by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre. The program connects students aged 15 to 29 with training, mentorship, and funding to start a summer business. (Photo: Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)
This week’s round-up of regional business news includes the opening of applications for Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre’s Summer Company program, a new funding opportunity for business and community innovation projects in Kawartha Lakes, Lindsay Brock merging Amusé Coffee Co. into The Edison at VentureNorth, Inclusive Advisory’s “Conscious Shift” conference raising $6,000 for The Mount Community Centre, Arlene Blunck being named the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough’s Member of the Year, Pedego Kawartha Lakes e-bikes expanding to Lindsay in May, the opening of Fusion Bowl in downtown Peterborough in May, and Black’s Distillery Gin winning two international awards.
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 Cosmetic Transformations owner Kyla Gutsche being selected as one of eight cancer survivors to speak at S.T.A.R.S.: Survivors Tell A Real Story!, Inclusive Advisory in Peterborough making the 2019 List of Best Workplaces in Canada, Weber Brothers Productions launching the WE Thursdays Concert Series at the Red Dog in June, Apollo Grill opening a second location in Peterborough and adding the Beyond Meat plant-based burger to its menu, and interior renovations at McGillicafey’s Pub & Eatery in Hastings.
New regional events added this week include the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce’s “Meet and Greet” business networking event in Cobourg on May 14th, the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce’s 2019 Mayoral Luncheon in Lindsay on May 15th, the Northumberland Manufacturers’ Association’s annual general meeting in Cobourg on May 16th, the Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce members-only coffee chat with MPP David Piccini in Warkworth on May 17th, the Innovation Cluster’s annual general meeting in Peterborough on May 30th, the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s annual general meeting in Carnarvon on June 4th, and Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce’s Evening of Excellence Awards Celebration in Bobcaygeon on June 7th.
Applications now open for Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre’s Summer Company program
Nathan Clifford (left) was one of nine young entrepreneurs who participated in the 2018 Summer Company program delivered locally by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre. In his business called Green Improvements, Nathan developed a computer-based system to enable beekeepers to monitor the health of their hives. A showcase of the student-run companies was held at Staples in Peterborough as part of the province-wide Summer Company-Staples Youth Entrepreneurship Day on July 4, 2018. (Photo: Amy Bowen / kawarthaNOW.com)
Applications are now open for the Summer Company program, Ontario’s flagship youth entrepreneurship program that is delivered locally by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre.
The program connects students aged 15 to 29 with training, mentorship, and funding to start a summer business. Seven grants up to $3,000 each are available for young aspiring business owners from the City and County of Peterborough.
“We are proud to be once again delivering the Summer Company program for area youth,” says Suzanne McCrimmon, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s Director of Business Development. “This program allows students to test the waters of entrepreneurship in a supportive environment that provides opportunities for experiential learning, mentorship and funding.”
Throughout the summer, students will have the opportunity to take part in workshops and training, covering such topics as mastering social media, marketing and sales, managing business risk, and networking.
The Summer Company program is open to high school, college, or university students who are returning to school after the program ends, who are not already running a business, and who are not working another job or going to school for more than 12 hours a week during the program.
The deadline for applications is Sunday, May 19th. Those interested in learning more about the program and how to get involved are encouraged to visit www.peterboroughed.ca/summer or contact Adam Edwards at 705-743-0777 ext. 2118.
New funding opportunity for business and community innovation projects in Kawartha Lakes
Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation is offering a new funding opportunity for businesses and not-for-profits to foster innovation, technology adoption, and digital connectivity in Kawartha Lakes.
The Business and Community Innovation Project (BCIP), supported by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, will give priority to projects in the sectors of advanced manufacturing, clean technology, digital industries, and agri-food and food processing.
BCIP will provide $25,000 to $100,000 in funding, with a required minimum recipient contribution of 50 per cent. The minimum project size is $50,000, resulting in a minimum recipient contribution of $25,000. Projects must be located within the City of Kawartha Lakes, with two-year projects ending no later than December 31, 2020.
The deadline for applications is 12 p.m. on Thursday, June 6th. For more information, visit klcfdc.com/innovation.
An information session will be held from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14th at Bobcaygeon Service Centre (123 East St. N., Bogcaygeon).
Lindsay Brock is merging Amusé Coffee Co. into The Edison at VentureNorth
Lindsay Brock, owner of Amusé Coffee Co., opened The Edison in the lobby of the VentureNorth building in downtown Peterborough in August 2018. (Photo courtesy of the Innovation Cluster)
Last Tuesday (May 7), owner and operator Lindsay Brock announced she is merging Amusé Coffee Co. with The Edison, her now-permanent location in the lobby of the VentureNorth building in downtown Peterborough.
One of the first clients of the FastStart Peterborough program, Brock opened Amuse Coffee Co. (641 George Street N., Peterborough) in 2015. Inspired by Parisian cafes, she decided to open her own cafe after 15 years of serving coffee and tea at Starbucks and David’s Tea.
In August 2018, she launched a new “pop up” coffee shop called The Edison in the main lobby of VentureNorth building (270 George St. N., Peterborough). It has since become popular with tenants of and visitors to VentureNorth (which houses Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development, the Innovation Cluster, Community Futures Peterborough, and more), as well as people from surrounding businesses.
“We’re rolling it all in together like a great big croissant,” Brock writes on social media. “We’re taking our menu favourites and tried-and-trues and they’ll all be available here at The Edison.”
The move will be completed as of Thursday, May 30th.
Inclusive Advisory’s “Conscious Shift” conference raises $6,000 for The Mount Community Centre
Last Friday (May 10), 40 local leaders from the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors gathered at The Mount Community Centre for “Conscious Shift”, a first-of-its kind leadership conference. Speakers included Mike Skinner, Paul Bennett, Chief Kelly LaRocca, Sacha Lai-Svirk, and Michael Konopaski.
With $150 of each $200 ticket going to support The Mount Community Centre, the sold-out event raised $6,000 for Peterborough’s sustainable and inclusive urban village.
Conscious Shift was designed by Michael Konopaski, owner of Inclusive Advisory, and Montana Scott, Business Development at Inclusive Advisory.
It was created out of a demand for uncensored material from Peterborough’s leaders. Speakers were challenged to create completely original content designed to spark discussion (and often controversy), while participants were challenged with grilling them.
Plans for more events like Conscious Shift are in the works, with several community leaders already signed up for a speaking role.
Arlene Blunck is the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough’s Member of the Year
Maureen Tavener (left) presents the WBN Member of the Year Award to Arlene Blunck on May 1, 2019. (Photo: Paula Kehoe)
At its annual general meeting on May 1st, the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) presented the 2019 Member of the Year award to Arlene Blunck.
Arlene, who owns and operates All Office Machines Inc. with her husband Peter, is also WBN’s 2018-19 membership director.
In part, she was recognized for her tireless efforts to ensure that WBN members feel welcome, especially new ones.
Pedego Kawartha Lakes e-bikes expands to Lindsay in May
Allen Hussey is opening another Pedego location in Lindsay on May 16, 2019. (Photo: Pedego)
Pedego Kawartha Lakes will open a new store in Lindsay on Thursday, May 16th.
Originally established in California in 2008 and in Canada two years later, Pedego offers 18 electric bike models ranging from cruisers to off-road and specialty versions.
This is the second Pedego franchise launched by Lindsay resident Allen Hussey, who opened the first location at 47 William Street in Bobcaygeon last year.
The Lindsay location at 66 William Street North will include rentals and demos of Pedego e-bikes, complementing the full line of sales and service offered at the Bobcaygeon location. It will be run by Mike Gorman, who operated Spokes for Folks in Cambray with his wife Deb Craven until his retirement at the end of April.
For more information about Pedego Kawartha Lakes, call 800-478-1237 or email kl@pedegocanada.ca.
Fusion Bowl opens in downtown Peterborough in May
Fusion Bowl will be opening in downtown Peterborough in May. (Photo: Fusion Bowl / Facebook)
Fusion Bowl, a new restaurant operated by Nitin Grover and chef Manish Choudhry of Imperial Tandoor, is opening in downtown Peterborough in May.
The casual-dining restaurant is located at 376 George Street North, in the location of the former Nata’s Cafe.
True to its name, Fusion Ball will feature a combination of Indian, Chinese, and Mexican cuisine, available for a sit-down meal or take out. Vegetarian and vegan options will be available.
Fusion Bowl will open in early May, with a grand opening at the end of the month.
Black’s Distillery Gin wins two international awards
Black’s Distillery Gin has won gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and bronze at the London Spirits Competition. (Photo: Black’s Distillery)
Robert Black of Black’s Distillery in Peterborough has won two international awards for his gin.
He won a bronze medal at the London Spirits Competition in London, U.K. in March, and took home a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in April,
“We are extremely delighted that our Black’s Gin performed so well,” Black says. “After only one year in business, these medals demonstrate that we are making the type of spirits that spirit drinkers, bar managers, and mixologists want and enjoy choosing and drinking.”
Black’s Distillery is located at 99 Hunter Street East in Peterborough’s East City. Black’s Gin is crafted with locally developed Red Fife Wheat and nine botanicals.
Kyla Gutsche, owner of Cosmetic Transformations in Peterborough, one of eight cancer survivors to speak at S.T.A.R.S.: Survivors Tell A Real Story!
Kyla Gutsche, founder and owner of Cosmetic Transformations, a renowned cosmetic and medical micropigmentation company in Peterborough that can enhance or restore features people have lost due to illness, trauma, surgery or the aging process. (Photo: Ash Nayler Photography)
Kyla Gutsche, founder and owner of Cosmetic Transformations in Peterborough, has been selected as one of eight cancer survivors to participate in the first Canadian performance of “S.T.A.R.S.: Survivors Tell A Real Story!”, a live curated storytelling event.
Inspired by TED Talks, the event takes place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 2nd at the RBC Theatre at the Living Arts Centre (4141 Living Arts Drive, Mississauga). The performance is presented by the Annie Parker Foundation, a non-profit organization started by breast cancer survivor, filmmaker, and author Annie Parker.
Inclusive Advisory in Peterborough makes 2019 List of Best Workplaces in Canada
The team of Inclusive Advisory in Peterborough. (Photo: Inclusive Advisory)
Inclusive Advisory — a multidisciplinary firm in Peterborough offering law, accounting, and wealth management services — has been named to the 2019 list of Best Workplaces in Canada.
Inclusive Advisory is number 48 on the list of workplaces with fewer than 100 employees.
Organized by Great Place to Work, a global company that certifies high-trust and high-performance workplace cultures, the list of Best Workplaces Under 100 Employees is based on direct feedback from employees of hundreds of surveyed organizations.
Ryan and Sam Weber’s new music production company launches WE Thursdays Concert Series at the Red Dog in June
Weber Brothers Productions’ WE Thursdays Concert Series takes place during June at the Red Dog in downtown Peterborough. (Poster: Weber Brothers Productions)
Weber Brothers Productions, a music production company operated by local musicians Ryan and Sam Weber, is launching the WE Thursdays concert series at the Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough) in June.
The series kicks off on Thursday, June 6th with Lance Isaacs, followed by Tony Silvestri on June 13th, Brock Zeman on June 20th, and Paul Reddick on June 27th. Each concert in the series will feature hor d’oeuvres supplied by a local restaurant. Admission is $10.
The Webers formed Weber Brothers Productions earlier this year. The company offers music production, session/studio work, arrangements, songwriting, instrumentation, private lessons, consultation, and more. For more information, visit Weber Brothers Productions on Facebook.
Apollo Grill opens second location in Peterborough, adds Beyond Meat plant-based burger to its menu
Apollo Grill in Peterborough is now offering the plant-based Beyond Meat burger on its menu. (Photo: Apollo Grill / Facebook)
Peterborough burger restaurant Apollo Grill has joined the plant-based diet trend by offering the Beyond Meat burger on its menu.
Owner Dan Rennick recently opened a second location at 500 Towerhill Road in the Sobeys plaza beside Swiss Chalet. Community Futures Peterborough assisted in funding equipment and leasehold improvements.
Beyond Meat claims its burger is “the world’s first plant-based burger that looks, cooks, and tastes like a fresh beef burger.”
Apollo Grill will offer the burger, which comes with a gluten-free bun option, at both its Towerhill location and its Mapleridge Plaza location at 1840 Lansdowne Street West.
McGillicafey’s Pub & Eatery in Hastings renovates
McGillicafey’s in Hastings recently renovated its interior. (Photo: McGillicafey’s Pub & Eatery / Facebook)
McGillicafey’s Pub & Eatery (13 Bridge St. N., Hastings) completed an interior renovation earlier this month.
The casual-dining restaurant, known as Gillies to locals, also regularly features live music. As part of the renovation, Gillies relocated its stage to the centre of the restaurant against the main windows facing Lock 18, so that everyone (including customers on the patio) can see the bands.
Gillies will be hosting a summer kick-off on the Victoria Day weekend, with karaoke on Thursday night, the Janet Jeffrey Band on Friday night, Shaun Savoy on Saturday night, and Brookfield on Sunday afternoon.
Next Peterborough Chamber breakfast meeting at VentureNorth in Peterborough on May 14
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting its next “ChamberAM” breakfast meeting from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 14th at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
This is the first breakfast meeting held at a new location, following the announcement that long-time location (the Carousel Restaurant) is closing.
Networking begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by a “mystery guest speaker” at 8 a.m.
Admission is free; just pay for what you order for breakfast. Mega Experience will be sponsoring complimentary filtered coffee.
Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce “Meet and Greet” business networking event in Cobourg on May 14
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce’s next “Meet and Greet” business networking event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14th at Century 21 All-Pro Realty (365 Westwood Dr., Cobourg).
The event is free for Chamber members and $10 for non-members.
FastStart Peterborough hosts “E-Connect: Spring into Entrepreneurship” in Peterborough on May 14
FastStart Peterborough is hosting its next E-Connect seminar from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough)
“E-Connect: Spring into Entrepreneurship” features speakers Brett Proud (co-founder of GuestLogix Inc. and Peterborough Region Angel Network Member) and Andrew Pyle (economist, branch manager, and portfolio manager at ScotiaMcleod).
Peterborough DBIA breakfast network with Michael Gallant and Dawn Pond in Peterborough on May 15
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is hosting its next breakfast network meeting from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15th at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
Guest speakers architect Michael Gallant and Downtown Vibrancy Coordinator Dawn Pond will be talking about a new public art project.
Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with guest speakers at 8 a.m.
The event is open to everyone. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Kawartha Chamber presents B.O.S.S. cyber security seminar on May 15 in Lakefield
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is hosting its next Business Owners Sharing Solutions (B.O.S.S.) seminar from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15th at Beachwood Resort (3043 Beachwood Dr., Lakefield).
A panel discussion will focus on concerns specific to small business, including as website security, email and telephone scams, and online banking security. Panellists include Detective Sargent Vern Crowley of the OPP Cybercrime Investigations Team, Brendan Quigley of acorn30, and Graeme Barrie of Netmechanics. The panel discussion will be moderated by David Wilson of Let’s Get Digital.
Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce hosts 2019 Mayoral Luncheon in Lindsay on May 15
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 2019 Mayoral Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15th at Mackey Celebrations (35 Lindsay St. N., Lindsay).
City of Kawartha Lakes Mayor Andy Letham will provide a brief update on city council’s progress to date and share noteworthy initiatives across the city for 2019.
The event will be catered by Olympia Restaurant Cafe & Bar. The cost is $40 for Chamber members and $50 for non-members (note: this event is now sold out).
Northumberland Manufacturers’ Association holds annual general meeting in Cobourg on May 16
The Northumberland Manufacturers’ Association, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary, is holding its annual general meeting from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 16th at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
The meeting will review the past year and take a look at what’s new for 2019, and features guest speaker Jeremiah Brown, “The 4 Year Olympian”.
Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce hosting members-only coffee chat with MPP David Piccini in Warkworth on May 17
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is hosting a members-only coffee chat with David Piccini, MPP Northumberland Peterborough South, from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. on Friday, May 17th at Glover’s Farm Market (14260 County Road 29, Warkworth).
This event is only open to Chamber members. There is no cost to attend, and muffins and coffee/tea will be served.
Register by 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15th by contacting the Chamber at 705-653-1551 or admin@trenthillschamber.ca.
Venture13 celebrates one-year anniversary on May 21 in Cobourg
The VentureZone includes 24-hour secured access, fibre connection and public wifi, as well as web-based booking. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre is celebrating its one-year anniversary from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21st at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
The agenda will include a review of the past year’s accomplishments, the economic impact to date, and Venture13’s future strategy, as well as announcements regarding funding, community partnerships, and innovation in action.
Tech expert and entrepreneur Takara Small will deliver a keynote address about creating and encouraging rural and urban linkages, driving innovation and growth, and creating the exchange and flow of people, investment, and resources.
Following the keynote address, there will be a self-guided tour of the VentureZone where booths and demos will be set up to showcase Venture13’s entrepreneurs and community partners. A community BBQ hosted by the Cobourg Police Service will be taking place just outside of the building, with all proceeds going towards Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre and Rebound Child & Youth Services Northumberland. P
Innovation Cluster holds annual general meeting in Peterborough on May 30
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough & the Kawarthas is holding its annual general meeting from 2;30 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 30th at The Cube at VentureNorth (270 George St. N, Peterborough).
This is an opportunity for the public to hear highlights from 2018 and meet some of the regions most promising startups.
Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce holds annual general meeting in Carnarvon on June 4
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4th at Rhubarb Restaurant (9201 Highway 118, Carnarvon).
The meeting will feature a look back at our 2018-19 accomplishments, Board of Director elections, and more.
The cost is $25 for members and $35 for non-members.
Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce hosts Evening of Excellence Awards Celebration in Bobcaygeon on June 7
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Evening of Excellence Awards Celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 7th at Lakeview Arts Barn (2300 Pigeon Lake Rd., Bobcaygeon).
The evening will feature networking, a silent auction, a gourmet dinner, and award presentations. Gourmet catering will be provided by Lakeview Arts Barn with photography by Laura Elizabeth Photography.
Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism hosts annual partner meeting in Keene on June 18
Dr. Nancy Arsenault, co-founder of the Tourism Cafe in British Columbia and an expert on experiential travel, is the guest speaker at the Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism partner meeting on June 18, 2019. (Promotional photo)
Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism is hosting its annual partner meeting from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18th at Elmhirst’s Resort (1045 Settlers Line, Keene).
Open to active Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism partners whose tourism businesses reside within the region, the meeting provides the opportunity to meet board members, staff, ministry representatives and advisors, and to network with other tourism operators.
Dr. Nancy Arsenault, co-founder of the Tourism Cafe in British Columbia and an expert on experiential travel, will be the guest speaker.
Peterborough DBIA holds its 2019 annual general meeting in Peterborough on June 26
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is holding its 2019 annual general meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26th in the Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
Networking begins at 5:30 p.m. with the meeting beginning at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting, although only DBIA members can vote.
For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
The City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service in Lindsay. (Photo: City of Kawartha Lakes)
The City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service is seeking two suspects after a taxi driver in Lindsay was robbed and assaulted on Sunday (May 12).
On Sunday evening at around 9 p.m., a man and woman approached a taxi parked in a business parking lot on Lindsay Street South in Lindsay. While the taxi driver was briefly out of his vehicle, the man entered the taxi and stole the driver’s money pouch.
The driver immediately discovered the theft, confronted the man, and told him he was going to call the police, at which point the man gave the stolen money pouch to the woman who was with him. The woman ran from the area with the money pouch while the man assaulted the taxi driver.
The driver was taken to Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay after sustaining minor injuries from the assault.
The male suspect is described as being white, approximately 5’7″ to 5’8″, and between 21 and 24 years old. He is described as being skinny with dark hair above shoulder length, and with a longish face with sunken eyes. He was wearing dark-coloured jogging pants with white logo down the left shin, greyish low-cut shoes with three diagonal stripes on outside, a 3/4-length dark coat (possibly green) with different coloured band around waistline, and wearing a dark hood.
The female suspect is described as being approximately 5’4″, 18 to 20 years old, possibly blonde hair with dark roots pulled back, and possibly pregnant. She was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt with a large light-coloured “DC” logo on chest and with a light blue hoodie underneath, and white high-top sneakers (possibly Under Armour brand) with dark laces.
Anyone who has information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Constable Deb Hagarty of the City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service at 705-324-5252 or dhagarty@klps.ca.
The Peterborough Symphony Orchestra brings its 2018-19 season to a close on May 25th with "Witches' Sabbath", a performance of Hector Berlioz's "Symphonie fantastique" (1830) and Franz Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 100. Pictured is Maestro Michael Newnham conducting the orchestra during its "Classical Roots" concert on February 2, 2019. (Photo: Huw Morgan)
On Saturday, May 25th, the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra (PSO) will present “Witches’ Sabbath”, a concert at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough.
“Witches’ Sabbath” on May 25, 2019 at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough features the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra performing Hector Berlioz’s passionate and imaginative ‘Symphonie fantastique’ (1830), and Franz Joseph Haydn’s explosive “Military” (Symphony No. 100) (1795).
In this larger-than-life season finale concert, the orchestra wows the senses with the psychedelic dreamscapes of Louis-Hector Berlioz’s passionate and imaginative Symphonie fantastique (1830), and Franz Joseph Haydn’s explosive “Military” (Symphony No. 100) (1795).
This concert is presented by Monkman Gracie & Johnston and Grant Thornton.
In the 2018/19 season, the PSO presented concerts rich with emotion and stories. And what better final story than a love story?
For centuries, love in all its forms has provided divine inspiration for some of the most renowned works of classical music but, arguably, it is the obsessive nature of love that has lent itself, with insistence, to the creation of the most dramatic and emotionally disconcerting pieces, from Janáček’s String Quartet No. 2 “Intimate Letters” to Bernard Herrmann’s Vertigo.
Perhaps no work better expresses the all-consuming turmoil and emotional abyss of romantic obsession than Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique. In a love-at-first-sight obsession with Irish actress Harriet Smithson, who he saw perform in the role of Ophelia in Shakespeare’s Hamlet in 1827, the 22-year-old Berlioz wrote impassioned letters to her, all of which remained unanswered (years later, she eventually responded to his advances and they married in 1833).
Composer Hector Berlioz in an 1840 portrait by Pierre Paul De Pommayrac, 14 years after he saw a performance by Irish actress Harriet Smithson (pictured in a portrait by George Clint) and fell in love with her. His unrequited love was the inspiration for his 1830 program symphony “Symphonie fantastique: Épisode de la vie d’un artiste … en cinq parties” (Fantastical Symphony: An Episode in the Life of an Artist, in Five Parts). Smithson eventually responded to the Berlioz’s advances and the couple married in in 1833. (Public domain photos)
Thus was born this groundbreaking work, both as an emotional and psychological outlet, and a grand gesture for Smithson’s attention. To his friend, Berlioz wrote, “You don’t know what love is, whatever you may say. For you, it’s not that rage, that fury, that delirium which takes possession of all one’s faculties, which renders one capable of anything.”
Ludwig van Beethoven, the most “terrifying giant” of the previous musical period, had brought many significant innovations to the symphonic form, which inspired Berlioz to new heights.
“Now that I have heard this terrifying giant Beethoven, I know what stage musical art has reached, and the aim is to take it from there and push it further,” Berlioz wrote in 1829. “Not actually further, that is impossible, he has reached the limits of art, but as far in another direction.”
While Beethoven brought dramatic and expressive emotion not previously heard, Berlioz introduced a work of intense personal expression as never imagined, represented through a then-unique “idée fixe” — the object of fixation.
Maestro Michael Newnham conducting the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra during its “Romantik” concert on November 3, 2019. He says the PSO’s performance of Berlioz’s “Symphonie fantastique” is another milestone for the orchestra. (Photo: Huw Morgan)
“His vision of writing a symphony describing extreme passions he felt for a woman that he had only seen from afar was completely new and radical,” says PSO Music Director and Conductor Michael Newnham.
In the opening movement, “Rêveries, passions” (“Dreams, passions”), Berlioz introduces the object of fixationn: Smithson. In his own program notes from 1845, Berlioze writes “By a strange anomaly, the beloved image never presents itself to the artist’s mind without being associated with a musical idea, in which he recognises a certain quality of passion, but endowed with the nobility and shyness which he credits to the object of his love.”
The theme’s melody “sung by the first violins” (and flute) recurs, in different forms, in each of the following four movements: “Un bal” (“A ball”), “Scène aux champs” (“Scene in the fields”), “Marche au supplice” (“March to the scaffold”), and “Songe d’une nuit du sabbat” (“Dream of the night of the sabbath”).
A symphony with five, rather than four, movements was a convention of form first challenged by Beethoven in his “Pastoral” (Symphony No. 6), which was also an innovative programmatic work (a story written to go with music).
VIDEO: ‘Songe d’une nuit de Sabbat’ – Orchestre National de France conducted by Leonard Bernstein
Berlioz pushes both further, relying solely on the orchestra in the provocative fifth movement to express “strange sounds, groans, outbursts of laughter; distant shouts which seem to be answered by more shouts,” and taking the narrative to a deeper psychological level with his “intention… to develop various episodes in the life of an artist.”
“Because of the continuous fantasy and imagination of its composer,” says Maestro Newnham, “the listener (and musician) is continuously surprised by new and sometimes shocking developments.”
Shocking, indeed. Berlioz describes the fourth movement, “Marche au supplice”, as follows: “In a fit of despair he poisons himself with opium; but instead of killing him, the narcotic induces a horrific vision, in which he believes he has murdered the loved one, has been condemned to death, and witnesses his own execution.”
Berlioz then, unimaginably, intensifies the shock value in the fifth and final movement, “Songe d’une Nuit du Sabbat”. Berlioz describes it as thus:
“He sees himself at a witches’ sabbath, in the midst of a hideous gathering of shades, sorcerers and monsters of every kind who have come together for his funeral. At last the melody arrives. Till then it had appeared only in a graceful guise, but now it has become a vulgar tavern tune, trivial and base; the beloved object has come to the sabbath to take part in her victim’s funeral. She is nothing but a courtesan, fit to figure in the orgy.
“The ceremony begins; the bells toll, the whole hellish cohort prostrates itself; a chorus chants the plainsong sequence of the dead [the Dies irae plainchant], two other choruses repeat it in a burlesque parody. Finally, the sabbath round-dance whirls. At its violent climax it mingles with the Dies irae, and the vision ends.”
Detail of a portrait of composer Joseph Haydn by Thomas Hardy in 1791, two or three years before he wrote Symphony No. 100, popularly known as the Military Symphony. The Peterborough Symphony Orchestra will perform this piece at its season finale concert on May 25, 2019. (Public domain photo)
While Berlioz took inspiration from Beethoven, Beethoven was in turn influenced by Franz Joseph Haydn’s symphonic works. Often referred to as “the father of the symphony,” Haydn’s 12 London Symphonies were his greatest achievements of the form.
The most popular of the set, the eighth Military Symphony, made an enormous impression on the first audiences.
Said a critic from the Morning Chronicle:
“Another new Symphony, by Haydn, was performed for the second time; and the middle movement was again received with absolute shouts of applause. Encore! encore! encore! resounded from every seat: the ladies themselves could not forbear. It is the advancing to battle; and the march of men, the sounding of the charge, the thundering of the onset, the clash of arms, the groans of the wounded, and what may well be called the hellish roar of war increase to a climax of horrid sublimity!”
Yes, for its “hellish” topic of war, the work in its “horrid sublimity” has been variously called elegant, exuberant, and buoyant, with flashes of musical humour.
The Peterborough Symphony Orchestra in performance at Showplace Performance Centre during its “Classical Roots” concert on February 2, 2019. (Photo: Huw Morgan)
Maestro Newnham explains that the performance of Symphonie fantastique will be another milestone in the development of the PSO,
“It challenged and continues to challenge musicians today to technically go far beyond what is expected of them with extremes of expression and just the sheer number of notes to play per minute,” he points out. “It is the defining piece par excellence of virtuosity for any orchestra.”
Likewise for the Military Symphony, played with spectacular style by the PSO, which captures the piece’s grand and unprecedented wit.
“Both of these works seem to me to be related in their audacity, theatricality, humour, and energy,” says Maestro Newnham. “This is a fitting end to a banner season for the orchestra, even when compared to the great successes it has had in recent years. Our motto this season is ‘Playing for Passion.’ There are no pieces that better allow an orchestra to do just that than Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique and Haydn’s Military Symphony.”
The Peterborough Symphony Orchestra in performance at Showplace Performance Centre during its “Classical Roots” concert on February 2, 2019. (Photo: Huw Morgan)
Tickets for “Witches’ Sabbath” are available at a cost of $20, $39, or $49 for adults, or $10 for students, from the Showplace box office (290 George St. N., Peterborough), by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at www.showplace.org.
Ticket holders are invited to attend “Meet the Maestro,” a popular pre-concert chat with Maestro Newnham in the theatre at 6:40 p.m. before the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
Volunteers will be on hand to collect PSO subscription renewal forms from current subscribers. The PSO 2019/20 season brochure will be mailed to subscribers ahead of the concert. The brochure includes concert information and the renewal form, which can be returned at “Witches’ Sabbath” or by mail to P.O. Box 1135, Peterborough ON K9J 7H4.
Current subscriber seats will be held for renewal until June 14, 2019. After this deadline, seats that have not been renewed may be made available to the public.
Juno award-winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Hawksley Workman performs at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough on May 23, 2019. (Publicity photo)
Our regular musicNOW writer Josh Fewings is away this month. Here’s a selection of live music in the Kawarthas in May, with music for just about every taste, including folk, rock, blues, jazz, and punk.
Teilhard Frost at Meet at 66 King East in Cobourg on May 11
For a dose of old-time traditional Appalachian music, check out multi-instrumentalist Teilhard Frost when he performs on Saturday, May 11th at Meet at 66 King East (66 King St. E., Cobourg, 905-372-2537).
Best known as “Sheesam Crow” in critically acclaimed band Sheesham, Lotus and ‘Son, Frost released his solo recording As the Crow Flies last year. As well as singing, he plays the fiddle, banjo, jaw harp, and harmonica.
“An accomplished singer and multi-instrumentalist, Teilhard captures the spirit of the old-time music better than anyone I know,” says Rick Ceballos, artistic director of the Champlain Valley Folk Festival in Vermont. “He is a natural born entertainer who’s stage presence is a joyful experience.”
Advance tickets are $20 plus fees and taxes at the Concert Hall at Victoria Hall (call 905-372-2210 or visit www.concerthallatvictoriahall.com, of $30 cash at the door.
VIDEO: “Darlin’ Cora” – Teilhard Frost
The Human Project and Uniforms at Simcoe Ptbo in Peterborough on May 13
A full night of UK and local punk is coming to downtown Peterborough’s newest live music venue, Simcoe Ptbo (172 Simcoe St., Peterborough, 705-874-3825) on Monday, May 13th.
The show will be headlined by skate punk band The Human Project from Leeds, England with special guests Uniforms from Scotland, as well as Newmarket’s Ship of Fools and Peterborough’s Bonnavilles and Antixx.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the music will continue until the wee hours. Tickets are $5 in advance or $10 at the door. This is an all-ages show.
VIDEO: “Pride Before a Fall” – The Human Project
VIDEO: “The Fear” – Uniforms
Caribou Run at The Garnet in Peterborough on May 14
Nova Scotia’s Caribou Run is coming to Peterborough on Tuesday, May 14th to perform at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107).
The six-piece neo-folk band’s sound is catchy and anthemic with lyrics that provoke emotion and thought in the listener. Their live performance is a dynamic experience that is a roller coaster of sing-alongs and foot stomps.
Their debut studio album Something Organic Will Happen received the 2017 Nova Scotia Music Award for Blues Recording of the Year, and their latest release Old Peninsula was nominated for the 2018 Nova Scotia Music Award for Folk Recording of the Year.
Opening will be flatpicker and country songwriter Mike T. Kerr. Doors open at 8 p.m.
VIDEO: “Rambler Gambler” – Caribou Run
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Brownman Electryc Trio at The Loft in Cobourg on May 15
Ken Prue once again makes The Loft (201 Division St., Cobourg, 416-895-1234) a destination for jazz lovers when he brings award-winning electric jazz fusion group Brownman Electryc Trio there to play at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15th.
Led by trumpet improviser Brownman Ali (who New York City’s Village Voice called “Canada’s preeminent jazz trumpeter”) with Sean Dennis on bass and Jacob Aylward on drums, Brownman Electryc Trio has won multiple awards, including the National Jazz Award for Electric Jazz Group of the Year in 2007, and the Toronto Independent Music Award for Jazz Group of the Year in 2012, 2015, and 2016.
If you’re a fan of Miles Davis in his later years, you’ll want to check these guys out. Tickets are $25 plus fees online at the Concert Hall at Victoria Hall box office, by phone at 905-372-2210, or by email at kenprue@gmail.com.
VIDEO: “Red Clay” – Brownman Electryc Trio
The Beaches with Fade Awaays at The Venue in Peterborough on May 18
Toronto indie rockers The Beaches are performing at The Venue on Saturday, May 18th.
The all-female band released their debut full-length studio album Late Show in 2017 and went on to win Breakthrough Group of the Year at the 2018 Juno Awards. Their new EP The Professional drops on May 16th.
Now in their early 20s, sisters Jordan and Kylie Miller with Liza Enman-McDaniel and Leandra Earl have been playing together for more than a decade. Their ’70s-inspired style, female-empowering lyrics, and glam and garage rock sound reflects a wide range of influences including David Bowie, The Strokes, The Rolling Stones, St. Vincent, and The Pretenders.
Toronto-based garage rockers Fade Awaays, who released their debut EP Taste of Life in January, will be opening. Doors open at 7 p.m.
General admission tickets are $25 plus fees, available online at Ticketmaster.
VIDEO: “Snake Tongue” – The Beaches
VIDEO: “She Don’t Know Why” – Fade Awaays
Hawksley Workman at the Market Hall in Peterborough on May 23
Two-time Juno Award winner Hawksley Workman returns to Peterborough for a concert on Thursday, May 23rd at 8 p.m. at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146).
Over his 20-plus year career, the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has garnered critical acclaim for his blend of cabaret pop and glam rock. He’s headlined prestigious venues like Massey Hall in Toronto and The Olympia in Paris, and opened for Morrissey, David Bowie, and The Cure. In all, he has released 16 albums, with his latest being 2019’s Median Age Wasteland.
Tickets are $38 including fees for assigned seating, available at the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org.
VIDEO: “Lazy” – Hawksley Workman
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The Kents at the Gordon Best in Peterborough on May 24
Lindsay’s indie rockers The Kents are coming back to Peterborough on Friday, May 24th for a show at the Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-876-8884).
Formed in 2011, band members Warren Frank, Luke Shauf, Freddy Kwon, and Tanner Paré have released three EPs (2014’s Locals, 2016’s Waking, and 2017’s Within Waves) and are working on a new record.
They’ve released a track called “Smoke” that won’t be on the new record, and are donating proceeds from its sale to The Warming Room in Peterborough. They’ll also have a section set up at their Gordon Best show where they’ll be accepting donations for The Warming Room (clothing, pillows, blankets, and more).
Basement Revolver and Rhys Climenhage will be opening the show. Doors open at 9 p.m. with a $10 cover.
VIDEO: “From The Start” – The Kents
Megan Nash at the Clock Tower Cultural Centre in Campbellford on May 25
Saskatchewan singer-songwriter Megan Nash will be performing a “house concert” on Saturday, May 25th at the Clock Tower Cultural Centre (6 Front St. S., Campbellford, 705-653-5508).
Her latest record Seeker, where she collaborates with ambient alt-rockers Bears In Hazenmore, was nominated for the 2019 Juno Contemporary Roots Album of The Year.
Nash will be performing in the “living room” of Westben’s home at the Clock Tower Cultural Centre. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $20 (includes HST) and are available at westben.ca
VIDEO: “Deer Head” – Megan Nash
Washboard Hank and the Wringers, Danny Bronson, Robert Atyeo and more at Showplace in Peterborough on May 26
Local musicians are coming together to raise funds for autism research at “Awesome and Then Some” on Sunday, May 26th at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469).
Hosted by Sean Eyre and Morris Turney, the matinee show features music by Washboard Hank and the Wringers, Sweet Muriel, Geoff Hewitson, Irish Millie, Pat Arnott, Danny Bronson, The McDonnell Street Gospel Quartet, Robert Atyeo, Catfish Willie and the Bucklebusters, Fiddlin’ John, and Candace & Brittany.
Tickets are $40 for this family-friendly show, with proceeds to be evenly distributed this July to autism research teams at the Universities of Toronto, Western, and Queens. Tickets are available at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org.
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Mike Biggar at the Dominion Hotel in Minden on May 27 and 28
New Brunswick contemporary roots and blues artist Mike Biggar is performing two shows on Monday, May 27th and Tuesday, May 28th at the Dominion Hotel (113 Main St., Minden, 705-286-6954).
In his 10-year career, Biggar has been honoured with numerous East Coast Music Association and Music New Brunswick awards, including the 2017 Music New Brunswick Award for ‘Blues Artist of the Year’ and the 2018 East Coast Music Award for ‘Blues Recording of the Year’ for his third album Go All In. His latest release is 2018’s Mike Biggar & Band – Live at the BMO Theatre.
He has shared the stage with artists such as Steve Earle, Matt Andersen, Stephen Fearing, Lynn Miles, Dave Gunning, Ron Hynes, Rose Cousins, Del Barber, Joey Landreth, Jay Semko, and more.
Tickets are $15 for either 7 p.m. show, available online at eventbrite.ca.
VIDEO: “Troubles No More” – Mike Biggar
Mayhemingways at the Market Hall in Peterborough on May 31
Peterborough’s own “fuzz folk” duo Mayhemingways hit the stage at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) on Friday, May 31st at 8 p.m.
With Benj Rowland singing lead vocals and performing on banjo, mandolin, accordian, acoustic guitar, and foot bass, and Josh Fewings on drums and harmony vocals, Mayhemingways have released a self-titled EP and two full-length records: 2016’s Hunter St. Blues and 2018’s Skip Land.
Tom Wilson (Junkhouse, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Lee Harvey Osmond) calls their sound “mind-bending and original music with deep roots in the tradition of dark North American folk.”
kawarthaNOW is pleased to be a sponsor of this concert, which also features special guest opener Winona Wilde. Tickets are $20 in advance (including fees), and are available atthe Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org. Tickets will also be available at the door for $25 (including fees).
VIDEO: “Frances the Truck Driver” – Mayhemingways
VIDEO: “Pincushion Soldier” – Winona Wilde
Emily Burgess & The Emburys at Mckecks Tap & Grill in Haliburton on May 31
Peterborough band Emily Burgess & The Emburys are performing on Friday, May 31st at Mckecks Tap & Grill (207 Highland St., Haliburton, 705-457-3443).
Earlier this year, Burgess won the Toronto Blues Society’s 2018 Maple Blues award for New Artist/Group of the Year.
Burgess is well known to Peterborough residents for her solo performances, as well as playing with The Weber Brothers since 2014 and more recently her own trio The Emburys (with brothers Rico and Marcus Browne on bass and drums respectively).
There’s no cover for this show, but you need to call Mckecks at 705-457-3443 to reserve a seat.
VIDEO: “Til I Get To Call You My Own” – Emily Burgess
Gary Dalliday when he was inducted into the Peterborough District Pathway of Fame in 2017. In honour of the late sports broadcaster, the Peterborough Petes have presented the inaugural Gary Dalliday Award for community service to goaltender Hunter Jones. (Photo: Gary Dalliday / Twitter)
Peterborough Petes goaltender Hunter Jones is the recipient of the inaugural Gary Dalliday Award, a new trophy to be given annually to the Petes player who most excels in the community.
Jones received the award during the Petes’ annual year-end awards banquet on Friday evening (May 10) at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
“Perhaps no one in Peterborough recognized the importance of community more than The Diller,” said Petes President Dave Pogue. “For that reason, this season the Petes have introduced this award.”
The Peterborough Petes held its annual year-end awards banquet on May 10, 2019 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. (Photo: Peterborough Petes)
Gary Dalliday, who passed away in August last year at the age of 76 after his third battle with cancer, was sports director at CHEX Radio and Television for 35 years. Nicknamed ‘The Diller’, he was the radio voice of the Petes for 15 seasons, alongside his son Pete Dalliday — the only father-son broadcasting duo in the entire Canadian Hockey League.
In his younger years, Dalliday was a hockey player who played a few games for the Petes when the team was a farm club of the Montreal Canadiens. In March 2018, the Petes organization recognized his contributions to hockey by naming the Media/Scouts Room in his honour.
In 2001, Dalliday was inducted into the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame in a variety of categories, including athlete/builder, broadcasting, golf, hockey, softball, and stock car driving. Dalliday was known for his commitment to giving back to the community, and was inducted into the Peterborough District Pathway of Fame in 2017.
In addition to the Gary Dalliday Award, the Petes presented the following awards:
Mark Teevens Trophy (most assists) – Ryan Merkley (57 assists)
Ed Redmond Memorial Award (scholastics and hockey) – Tye Austin
Outboard Marine Veterans Trophy (sportsmanship and ability) – Nick Robertson
Black’s Family Trophy (rookie of the year) – Cameron Butler
Vince and Lottie Garvey Award (off-ice contribution) – Kevin Varrin
Molson Cup (most three star selections voted by media) – Chris Paquette
Don Marsh Award (most dedication to team) – Chad Denault
Ed Rowe Memorial Trophy (most goals) – Chris Paquette (29 goals)
Norm Bryan Award (most improved player) – Hunter Jones
Ushers Trophy (best defenceman) – Declan Chisholm
Bill Bennett Award (leading scorer) – Ryan Merkley (71 points)
Petes Executive Trophy (most valuable player voted by teammates) – Declan Chisholm
Kenner Collegiate Vocational Institute, which opened in 1952, is the oldest operating public high school in Peterborough. (Photo: Wikipedia)
Kenner Collegiate Vocational Institute (CVI) in Peterborough is one of 22 schools across Ontario that have been recognized by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) for strengthening students’ math skills.
EQAO is the Government of Ontario crown agency that develops and administers province-wide tests of literacy and math skills.
Kenner CVI and 21 other schools were recognized under EQAO’s Dr. Bette M. Stephenson Recognition of Achievement program, named in honour of the former Ontario Minister of Education and former Minister of Colleges and Universities.
The program recognizes Ontario schools that use data (including EQAO test results, and classroom, school, and school board data) to enhance and support the progress of their students.
Kenner CVI received recognition for analyzing EQAO data for Grade 9 students in applied and academic math to evaluate where students stand compared to the provincial standard, and for building teacher capacity to teach global competencies that help students apply what they learn to real-world situations.
Percentage of all Kenner CVI Grade 9 math students at or above the provincial standard. (Graphic: Education Quality and Accountability Office)
According to a media release from EQAO, educators at Kenner focus on closing achievement gaps for students. Teachers use evidence from conversations, observations, and student work to guide their professional learning cycles and to monitor students. They review their lessons and end-of-semester data to refine their practice.
Administrators gather timely feedback on the impact of the school learning plan through daily and weekly learning walks, talking to students about what they are learning, and seeking insights into students’ understanding of why they are learning match concepts. The learning needs of both students and teachers inform the school learning plan.
“We have created a culture of high expectations at Kenner, where students feel supported to achieve their best,” says principal Jennifer Knox.
“We have clear and consistent expectations in each classroom, and students know they cannot simply pass or choose not to do their work. This culture boosts student confidence and trust. Our teachers have formed a collective efficacy around the belief that we can make a difference for each of our students.”
EQAO recognized all 22 schools with the 2018 Dr. Bette M. Stephenson Recognition of Achievement for putting into place effective strategies to improve student performance compared to the provincial standard, as demonstrated by EQAO results over the last three years.
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