On a single day from December 14th through January 5 each year, tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas take part in the Christmas Bird Count. Wildlife organizations use data collected by citizen scientists in this long-running census to assess the health of bird populations and to help guide conservation action. The Christmas Bird Count is one of several ways you can contribute to real-life science, (Photo: Camilla Cerea / Audubon)
Most people get excited about an unexpected wildlife sighting. Whether it is the surprise of seeing a white-tailed deer while driving down a country road, or the excitement of finding a salamander after hours of turning over logs, it’s a thrill that most of us can relate to.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Karen Halley, GreenUP Communications & Marketing Specialist.
You may not consider yourself to be a scientist, but citizens like you all over the world are taking their excitement for wildlife viewings to the next level by getting involved with citizen science projects.
From earthworms to bats, citizen science projects collect data from your wildlife sightings to track changes in populations and gather information about various different species and habitats. Citizen science allows anyone and everyone to get involved with real-life science projects.
Children at GreenUP Ecology Park in Peterborough observe Monarch caterpillars collected as part of Monarch Watch, a North American citizen science project that tracks tagged Monarchs from across the continent along their migration route. (Photo: Karen Halley)
For many years now, GreenUP has been engaging the community in various citizen science projects including our annual Monarch rearing and tagging events. Each year, we collect Monarch caterpillars, carefully feed them, and monitor their health as they make the remarkable transition from larva, to chrysalis, to adult butterfly.
The Monarchs are then tagged and released as part of the larger North American citizen science project Monarch Watch (monarchwatch.org), a network of students, teachers, volunteers, and researchers dedicated to the study of the Monarch butterfly.
Tagged butterflies are tracked via their tags, in order to study and seek to understand each adult butterfly’s long migration from start to finish.
After being collected as a caterpillar, and cared for until it’s final transition into a butterfly, an adult monarch is tagged and then released outside the GreenUP Store, for its long migration to Mexico. (Photo: Karen Halley)
“There is so much magic and mystery to this incredible process of transformation,” says Karen O’Krafka of the Pathway to Stewardship & Kinship project (pathwayproject.ca).
“This year, we brought Monarchs into eleven Pathway Project pilot classrooms to help foster the awe and empathy that comes from positive interactions with animals, while mapping their marathon migration to Mexico. Five of these tiny insects were tagged with their identification numbers submitted to Monarch Watch, drawing awareness to the unique needs of Monarchs and the threats to their local habitat and migratory path.”
BioBlitz For Biodiversity
Led by local naturalist Drew Monkman, participants in this year’s GreenUP Ecology Park Bioblitz try to catch a sight of the Catbirds and Vireos singing up in the tree canopy. (Photo: Karen Halley)
This past summer, GreenUP Ecology Park also hosted BioBlitz For Biodiversity, in partnership with the Peterborough Field Naturalists (PFN) and Biodiversity Education and Awareness Network.
Community members joined together to record all of their nature sightings in Ecology Park over the span of one day. Participants logged three species of worms, birds such as American Redstarts and Catbirds, Big Brown Bats, Wool Carder Bees, and the Hummingbird Clearwing Moth, to name a few.
The Ecology Park Bioblitz allowed attendees to view many diverse types of animals that exist right here in the City of Peterborough and be part of a larger initiative to track biodiversity.
Christmas Bird Count
Want to get involved in North America’s longest-running citizen science project?
Started in 1900, the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) (www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/cbc/) is set to commence for its 67th year in Peterborough on December 16th, 2018.
This is an annual event that sees thousands of bird watchers across the continent lace up their hiking boots, strap on their binoculars, and set out to count and list every bird seen in over 2,000 locales in the Western Hemisphere.
Members of the Peterborough Field Naturalists enjoy a chilly but rewarding day watching and counting waterfowl. Many species of birds can be seen throughout the winter season, including during the Christmas Bird Count that is happening in Peterborough on December 16th. All experience levels of birdwatchers are welcome to join in Peterborough County’s largest and longest running citizen science project. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Green UP)
“Data from annual Christmas Bird Counts has been instrumental in tracking long range trends,” explains PFN member and CBC Compiler Martin Parker. “For example, in the 1950s, bird count results revealed a decline of birds of prey, which was the first warning sign of the impacts of DDT use.”
In our area, historic Peterborough CBCs show that Black-backed and American Three-toed Woodpeckers frequented this area during the 60’s, but have not been seen in more recent CBC tallies.
“We know now that these boreal species travelled south to Peterborough to take advantage of so many insects available for eating from the Elm trees dying from Dutch Elm Disease,” Parker explains. “And we are seeing a similar trend now in the Ottawa-area with the impacts of the Emerald Ash Borer.”
The Christmas Bird Count, which began in 1900 as an conservation-oriented alternative to a Christmas day hunting tradition, is the world’s longest-running citizen science project. (Photo; Audubon)
Community and volunteer involvement in citizen science projects like the CBC is a key component of monitoring the status and health of the natural environment, all around the world — you can get involved!
To join the Peterborough Christmas Bird Count on December 16th or the PFN Bird Count for Kids event on December 30th, register with PFN by contacting Martin Parker at 705-745-4750 or by e-mail at mparker19@cogeco.ca.
If you would rather participate in the CBC from home, you can register your backyard bird feeders and submit your sightings right from the comfort of your living room window.
Citizen science on the go
If you’re out watching birds, or looking for salamanders, frogs, turtles, or happen to spot a unique species and would like to share your sightings, consider downloading one of many mobile apps that will connect you with large networks of citizen science projects throughout the world.
For example, the aspiring or the pro birder, may want to download the iBird mobile app (ibird.com). It’s a great tool that can help you search and identify birds by shape, colour, location, or habitat. It includes illustrations and photographs of birds, their songs, range maps, and migration routes.
iNaturalist (inaturalist.org) is another great mobile app that connects your nature sightings and locations with biologists, naturalists, and other citizen scientists to understand biodiversity across the globe.
“Many of Peterborough’s passionate ecologists and biologists, along with novice naturalists and nature nuts have embraced this app and are documenting and identifying local biodiversity in local wild spaces and their own backyards,” O’Krafka says. “When using iNaturalist, there is zero requirement to already know your species, so you can use it to embrace a new hobby, come together for a community bioblitz, or start a life list in the cloud.”
Find out more
For more information about GreenUP Ecology Park, visit greenup.on.ca. To learn more about feeding birds in winter, visit feederwatch.org. For local bird-watching information, visit peterboroughnature.org.
If you’re interested in investigating other Ontario-based citizen science projects to get involved with throughout the year, visit ontarionature.org to view their Ontario directory for Citizen Science.
Shh! The post-apocalyptic horror-thriller "A Quiet Place", directed by and starring John Krasinski (The Office, 13 Hours, Jack Ryan), is coming to Netflix Canada on January 2nd. (Photo: Paramount Pictures)
Netflix Canada released its listings for January 2019 and, for the first month of the new year, is giving us a lot original series, films, and documentaries — perhaps to justify the company’s recent price increase.
There are some big Hollywood films coming in January, including A Quiet Place (Jan. 2), Solo: A Star Wars Story (Jan. 9), Book Club (Jan. 21), Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and the Wasp (Jan. 28), and Disney-Pixar’s The Incredibles 2 (Jan. 30).
VIDEO: A Quiet Place Trailer
New older movies coming to the streaming platform include Adrift, Black Hawk Down, Blood Diamond, My Best Friend’s Wedding, The Cable Guy (all on Jan. 1), the Bring It On franchise (Jan. 2), and the rest of the Jason Bourne franchise (Jan. 2).
Returning series include season two of Marvel’s The Punisher (no date specified), season three of A Series of Unfortunate Events (Jan. 1), season five of Grace and Frankie (Jan. 18), part two of season four of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Jan. 25), and season five of Z Nation (Jan. 27).
New Netflix original series include COMEDIANS of the world (Jan. 1), Tidying Up with Marie Kondo (Jan. 1), When Heroes Fly (Jan. 10), Sex Education (Jan. 11), Titans (Jan. 11), Justice (Jan. 21), Kingdom (Jan. 25), Medici: The Magnificent (Jan. 25), and Black Earth Rising (Jan. 25).
The Incredibles 2 is coming to Netflix Canada on January 30th. (Pnoto: Disney-Pixar)
New Netflix original films and documentaries include And Breathe Normally (Jan. 4), Lionheart (Jan. 4), Solo (Jan. 11), The Last Laugh (Jan. 11), Revenger (Jan. 15), Close (Jan. 18), GIRL (Jan. 18), IO (Jan. 18), Soni (Jan. 18), and Animas (Jan. 25).
See the listing below for a description of all the new offerings.
VIDEO: New to Netflix Canada in January
Here’s the complete list of everything coming to Netflix Canada in January, along with what’s leaving.
Coming sometime in January
Marvel’s The Punisher: Season 2 (Netflix Original) – Netflix has not provided a specific release date or description for season two of the dark crime-revenge drama.
Tuesday, January 1st
A Series of Unfortunate Events: Season 3 (Netflix Original) – In the series’ third and final act, the Baudelaires will stop at nothing to solve the mysteries of the VFD and end Count Olaf’s relentless pursuit.
Across the Universe
Adrift
Bad Boys
Black Hawk Down
Blood Diamond
COMEDIANS of the world (Netflix Original) – This global, first-of-its-kind, series will showcase 47 comedians from 13 regions in 8 languages in an unprecedented stand-up comedy experience. The groundbreaking series will feature a range of stand-up specials from comedians diverse in style, gender and ethnicity. Get ready to start the new year off with a laugh!
Daddy Day Care
Grown Ups 2
Loving
Mona Lisa Smile
My Best Friend’s Wedding
Pinky Malinky (Netflix Original) – Pinky Malinky sees the bright side of everything, including being born a hot dog. With his BFFs in tow, this little wiener takes a bite out of life.
Tears of the Sun
The Cable Guy
The Karate Kid Part II
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Tidying Up with Marie Kondo (Netflix Original) – In a series of inspiring home makeovers, world-renowned tidying expert Marie Kondo helps clients clear out the clutter — and choose joy.
xXx
XXX: State of the Union
Wednesday, January 2nd
A Quiet Place
Bring It On
Bring It On Again
Bring It On: All or Nothing
Bring It On: Fight to the Finish
Bring It On: In It to Win It
Red Dragon
The Bourne Identity
The Bourne Legacy
The Bourne Supremacy
The Bourne Ultimatum
Friday, January 4th
And Breathe Normally (Netflix Film) – An Icelandic single mom struggling with poverty and a Guinea-Bissauan asylum seeker facing deportation find their lives intertwined in unexpected ways.
Lionheart (Netflix Film) – When her father falls ill, Adaeze steps up to run the family business — alongside her uncle — and prove herself in a male-dominated world.
Wednesday, January 9th
GODZILLA The Planet Eater (Netflix Original) – With the earth alliance weakened, Haruo weighs siding with the Exif, whose death cult is summoning a monster that can destroy the world.
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Thursday, January 10th
When Heroes Fly (Netflix Original) – Years after a bitter falling out, four Israeli military veterans reunite and travel to Colombia in search of a loved one they’d presumed to be dead.
Friday, January 11th
Friends from College: Season 2 (Netflix Original) – Mistakes were made. Feelings were hurt. Life goes on. Now, with a wedding on the horizon, the gang tries to put the past behind them.
ReMastered: Massacre at the Stadium (Netflix Original) – For years, the murder of Chilean protest singer Victor Jara was blamed on an official in Pinochet’s army. Now in exile, he tries to exonerate himself.
Sex Education (Netflix Original) – Meet Otis Milburn – an inexperienced, socially awkward high school student who lives with his mother, a sex therapist. Surrounded by manuals, videos and tediously open conversations about sex, Otis is a reluctant expert on the subject. When his home life is revealed at school, Otis realizes that he can use his specialist knowledge to gain status. He teams up with Maeve, a whip-smart bad-girl, and together they set up an underground sex therapy clinic to deal with their fellow students’ weird and wonderful problems. Through his analysis of teenage sexuality, Otis realises he may need some therapy of his own.
Solo (Netflix Film) – In a remote area of the Canary Islands, young surfer Alvaro Vizcaino accidentally falls from a cliff. Seriously injured, he must fight to survive.
The Last Laugh (Netflix Film) – Retired talent manager Al reconnects with former client Buddy, a comedian who gave up performing decades ago, and urges him to go back out on the road.
Titans (Netflix Original) – Led by Batman’s former protégé Robin, a group of teen heroes forms to fight crime while wrestling with their inner demons.
Tuesday, January 15th
Revenger (Netflix Film) – A former detective hell-bent on revenge infiltrates a remote island serving as a prison for dangerous death row criminals in search of a brutal fiend.
Sebastian Maniscalco: Stay Hungry (Netflix Original) – Sebastian Maniscalco takes on life’s many annoyances with his singularly expressive approach in a live special based on his memoir of the same name.
The Reaping
Friday, January 18th
Carmen Sandiego (Netflix Original) – Carmen Sandiego returns in this series that follows her new international capers as well as past escapades that led to her becoming a super thief.
Close (Netflix Film) – To protect an heiress from highly trained kidnappers, a lone security expert must unravel a sinister plot — while striving to stay alive.
FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened (Netflix Original) – The Fyre Festival was billed as a luxury music experience full of social media influencers on a posh island, but the reality was far from the promises.
GIRL (Netflix Film) – In this award-winning drama inspired by a true story, 15-year-old Lara trains to become a ballerina as she transitions from her assigned gender.
Grace and Frankie: Season 5 (Netflix Original) – In the return of this Emmy winning comedy, two friends launch a scheme to get their old lives back.
IO (Netflix Film) – One of the last survivors on Earth, a teen races to cure her poisoned planet before the final shuttle to a distant space colony leaves her stranded.
Soni (Netflix Film) – While fighting crimes against women in Delhi, a short-fused policewoman and her level-headed female boss grapple with gender issues in their own lives.
Trigger Warning with Killer Mike (Netflix Original) – In this subversive comedy documentary series, rapper and activist Killer Mike and a team of funny correspondents explore socially relevant topics.
Trolls: The Beat Goes On!: Season 5 (Netflix Original) – This season, the trolls get lost in wormholes, journey to the Fountain of Glitter, go for a ride in a submarine, play in the snow and more.
Monday, January 21st
Book Club
Justice (Netflix Original) – Instead of joining her father’s law firm as her family expects, Farah strikes out on her own as a defense attorney after returning home to Abu Dhabi.
Thursday, January 24th
Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes (Netflix Original) – Get a unique look inside the mind of an infamous serial killer with this cinematic self-portrait crafted from statements made by Ted Bundy.
Friday, January 25th
Animas (Netflix Film) – When her best friend starts acting odd after a strange accident, a young woman descends into a living hell where nightmare and reality are blurred.
Black Earth Rising (Netflix Original) – A contemporary thriller that follows the difficult journey of a woman, a Rwandan orphaned by the genocide, raised in London by an adopted mother, trying to discover the truth of her past. The series examines the West’s relationship with Africa, set in a world of prosecution of war crimes.
Club de Cuervos: Season 4 (Netflix Original) – Chava and Isabel come to terms with their futures and the future of the Cuervos in an all-new season of surprises.
Kingdom (Netflix Original) – In a kingdom defeated by corruption and famine, a mysterious rumour of the king’s death spreads as does a strange plague that renders the infected immune to death and hungry for flesh. The crown prince, fallen victim to a conspiracy, sets out on a journey to unveil the evil behind it all and save his people.
Medici: The Magnificent (Netflix Original) – He already sacrificed his dreams of being an artist and marrying his true love. Will building and protecting the Medici legacy cost him his soul too?
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Season 4 Part 2 (Netflix Original) – As the series comes to a hilarious and moving close, Kimmy has to choose between helping her friends, Titus (Tituss Burgess), Jacqueline (Jane Krakowski) and Lillian (Carol Kane), and helping someone she’s never put first before: herself. This final season includes a double-sized “Sliding Doors” episode exploring how the main characters’ lives might have been different if Kimmy had never been kidnapped.
Sunday, January 27th
Z Nation: Season 5
Tuesday, January 29th
Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias: One Show Fits All (Netflix Original) – In a new comedy special for 2019, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias discusses his teenage son, encounters with Snoop Dogg and an overzealous fan, and more.
The Peter Adams Winter Run, which raises funds for cthe YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, is named in honour of the late politican Peter Adams, who was an avid runner and one of the run's original race directors. Adams is pictured here finishing the Arctic Marathon in 1979. (Supplied photo)
The YMCA of Central East Ontario is renaming its annual winter fundraising run “The Peter Adams Winter Run”, in honour of the late politician.
One of the run’s original race directors, Adams was a dedicated and lifelong runner who loved running in downtown Peterborough.
The organization is renaming the race with the approval of Adams’ family.
“Peter continued to run for much of his life, participating in many races, including this one,” says Peter’s wife Jill Adams. “I’m sure he would be absolutely delighted to have his name given to this event.”
The Peter Adams Winter Run will take place on Sunday, February 24, 2019. Online registration is open at ymcaofceo.ca with early bird registration until December 31st.
Participants are encouraged to collect pledges to support the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. Route details will be made available at a later date.
“Exercising was always a big part of Peter’s life,” says Jill Adams. “From the time that he was a young boy and for as long as he was able, he was always active. He often said that running provided positive direction in his life.
“As a young teen someone at his school saw that he had talent, took him under their wing, and coached him for several years before he went off to university.”
“This was an easy decision for our YMCA and our planning team,” says David Allen, president and CEO of YMCA of Central East Ontario. “We are pleased that Jill and Peter’s family agreed to allow us to honour Peter this way.”
Allen adds that the YMCA intends to make the event more inclusive by providing more opportunities for families, children and youth, corporate teams, seniors, and individuals with special needs to participate.
“Renaming the run and altering the focus of the event aligns with our vision of Strong Kids, Healthy Families, Inclusive Communities,” he says.
The YMCA Strong Kids Campaign helps children, teens, and young adults participate in local YMCA programs they typically wouldn’t have access to due to limited financial resources.
Trent University student Sarah Miller received her promotion to shodan (first degree black belt) during a ceremony at the Trent Judo Club on December 10, 2018. She is the first female at the club to obtain a black belt. (Supplied photo)
Sarah Miller is the Trent Judo Club’s first female black belt.
The 21-year-old Trent University nursing student received the promotion to shodan — first degree black belt — from sensei (instructor) Tom Hino at a ceremony at the Trent Athletics Centre on Monday night (December 10).
Practitioners of judo, known as judoka, are ranked according to skill and knowledge of the art, with their rank indicated by the colour of belt that they wear.
The original ranking system was introduced by Kano Jigoro, the Japanese educator and athlete who founded judo in 1883. Ranks are divided into two broad categories, kyu and dan, with the shodan black belt being the first of the 10 dan ranks.
Sarah Miller demonstrates nage no kata (“forms of throwing”) with sensei (instructor) Paul Teleki, who is Sarah’s uke (training partner), as sensei Tom Hino looks on. (Supplied photo)
“This black belt promotion is truly an honour,” Miller says. “I began judo at three years old. I was taught discipline, courage, modesty and respect for my fellow judoka. I started competing at four years old, I learned very quickly that it’s not easy to win; in addition, losing is sometimes harder.”
Miller competed at the 2012 Canadian Judo Championships, where she earned a bronze medal.
Sensei Paul Teleki assisted Miller in obtaining her black belt as her uke (in Japanese martial arts, a uke is a skilled training partner).
Sarah Miller with sensei Tom Hino. Pictured on the wall in the background is Kano Jigoro, the Japanese educator and athlete who founded judo in 1883. (Supplied photo)
Teleki began his martial arts training in 2003 while living in Japan and working as an English teacher. In 2015, he received his black belt at Hino’s club and has obtained nationally recognized coaching certification.
Sarah Miller displaying her first degree black belt in judo. She began practicing judo when she was three years old, and began competing when she was four years old. She won a bronze medal at the 2012 Canadian Judo Championships. (Supplied photo)
Hino, who opened the Trent Judo Club in 2011, explains that Miller’s promotion is significant because the ratio of men to women in judo is often one sided.
“Sarah’s black belt promotes positive role modelling for the girls in our junior classes to be equals among genders,” he says.
Hino also says Miller was able to obtain her black belt despite her heavy workload as a Trent University student.
“Judo training can go hand-in-hand with academic success for all levels of study,” he says. “Last year we had a masters degree student who got his Ph.D. as well as his black belt, and went on to become a professor at Queen’s.”
Led by sensei Tom Hino, the Trent Judo Club is run out of Trent Athletics Centre and is open to all members of the community. Youth and adult programs are available. For more information, contact Tom Hino at 705-876-1784 or tomoyoshihino@hotmail.com.
The free New Year's Eve service on Peterborough Transit was first offered in 2015, sponsored by Wolfe Lawyers. (Photo: Don Vassiliadis / Twitter)
For the fourth year in a row, Wolfe Lawyers and the City of Peterborough are sponsoring free bus rides on Peterborough Transit on New Year’s Eve.
You can ride for free on all 12 regular routes between 7:20 p.m. on Monday, December 31st and 3:20 a.m. on Tuesday, January 1st. The last bus will leave Peterborough’s downtown terminal at 2:40 a.m.
“This service is for everyone,” says Councillor Kemi Akapo, the city’s chair of transportation. “If you are planning to drink, please plan ahead to drink responsibly and take free Peterborough Transit to get to and from New Year’s festivities.”
Handi-Van service will also run during the same hours. Handi-Van trip requests from eligible clients will be accepted until 12:20 a.m. and service will continue until 3:20 a.m. Bookings are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Riders wishing to travel during peak times are encouraged to reserve their trips in advance.
In addition to sponsoring free transit rides, this year Wolfe Lawyers is also sponsoring a free New Year’s Eve Family Skate at the Evinrude Centre.
Both ice pads will be open on Monday, December 31st: the Atom Pad from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the Leon’s Pad from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For hours and operations and route maps, visit www.peterborough.ca/transit. The information will also be available at the downtown transit terminal.
The Sapphire Room's berry mulled wine sits for 10 days with fruit and liqueurs. When it's prepared, the whole bar smells like strawberries and cinnamon. Discover this and more seasonal favourites in this month's Knosh News. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
This month, food writer Eva Fisher beats the winter blues with some delicious seasonal treats from local businesses, discovers a living history dinner at Viamede Resort, takes stock on a community-building soup series from Nourish, and celebrates the opening of Nateure’s Plate, Peterborough’s newest vegan restaurant.
For many of us, winter is a season of foodie decadence. Lovers of peppermint, nutmeg, cranberry and sweets will enjoy these decadent seasonal creations from local businesses.
Here are just some of the special seasonal offerings available in the Kawarthas:
The Publican House (300 Charlotte St, Peterborough, 705-874-5743)
The Publican House’s Festive Hot Mess is an indulgent choice when you feel like a festive hot mess. (Photo: The Publican House Brewery)
What is a Festive Hot Mess? Publican House chefs take toasted white bread and top it with shredded turkey, cheese curds, green peas, fries, gravy, and cranberry ranch dressing.
On the side, they offer an “everything” truffle — because every festive hot mess needs a little bit of sugar to keep him or her going.
The Publican House is also offering a limited run Cranberry Wheat Beer in their restaurant and their brewery store.
To get the cranberry taste, they infuse the beer with pressed cranberries hand picked in the Muskokas.
The mixture sits for just over a week to create a crisp, clean, and light cranberry taste. They expect to sell out within the next few weeks.
The Sapphire Room (137 Hunter St W, Peterborough, 705-749-0409)
Cocktail lovers will want to head to the Sapphire Room for some exciting winter seasonal offerings.
The most popular, according to owner Kerri Niemi, is the Silent Night. It’s a blend of crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and eggnog with a peppermint kiss shaved over top and dropped in the bottom. The shaved mint chocolate has a delicious lingering effect on the palate.
The Sapphire Room’s most popular seasonal cocktail, The Silent Night is a blend of crème de menthe, crème de cacao and eggnog with a peppermint kiss shaved over top. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthNOW.com)
Kerri also recommends the berry mulled wine, which sits for 10 days with fruit and liqueurs.
“When you heat it up the cinnamon and the strawberries smell incredible, it entices everyone to drink it.”
The Confederation Tea is warm and cozy with whisky (maple and regular), Drambuie, hot earl grey tea, cinnamon and clove.
Need to relax? Try the Winter Slumberland, made with aromatic lavender gin, maple syrup, grapefruits juice and soda.
Hard Winter Bread Company (Lakefield, 705-931-4922)
As well as crisp and buttery shortbread, these large and soft spiced ginger cookies are another festive favourite from the Hard Winter Bread Company. (Photo: Hard Winter Bread Company)
What could be more festive than crisp, buttery shortbread or spicy ginger cookies baked in a wood-fired oven?
Hard Winter Bread Company offers these and other treats, festively packaged, for a limited time over the holiday season.
Find them at the Peterborough Farmers’ Market until December 22nd. You can preorder through their website (for pickup only) at hardwinterbreadco.com/order/.
The Monaghan Cafe (1017 Monaghan Rd, Peterborough, 705-743-4800)
The Monaghan Cafe’s Turkey Eggs Benedict is the perfect way to start a December morning. (Photo: The Monaghan Cafe)
You may have had a taste of the Monaghan Cafe’s turkey eggs benedict over Thanksgiving.
This popular menu item is back until Christmas, featuring sweet potato and bread stuffing base, spinach, fresh dark and white meat, a poached egg, turkey gravy and fresh cranberry sauce. T
The Monaghan Cafe is also offering a poached pear tart with homemade eggnog ice cream, available only until December 25th.
Kawartha Coffee Company (58 Bolton St, Bobcaygeon, 705-738-1500)
Kawartha Coffee Company will keep you cozy with their Spiked Peppermint Mocha. (Photo: Kawartha Coffee Company)
Head to Kawartha Coffee Company in Bobcaygeon for the Spiked Peppermint Mocha, a blend of espresso, vodka, schnapps and frothed Kawartha Dairy chocolate milk that is sure to keep you going well into the spring.
You don’t have a sweet tooth? Kawartha Coffee Company also has a number of warm and cozy seasonal offerings, including a weekly classic roast beef dinner with all of the fixings, served every Sunday evening. Reservations are encouraged.
Viamede’s Dark Winter’s Feast transports visitors to January of 1877
Viamede Resort is a destination for unique dining experiences. (Photo: Viamede Resort)
The fireplace crackles in the 19th century chapel, candles light the table, and a feast awaits you.
For those looking for a truly immersive dining experience, Viamede Resort will host Dark Winter’s Feast on January 18th from 5 to 9 p.m.
Viamede chefs will prepare foods that would have been available to voyageurs exploring the Kawarthas in January of 1877. The dinner will be served family style by the hearth in Viamede’s 19th century chapel.
Dark Winter’s Feast will be held in this historic chapel, located on the Viamede Resort grounds. (Photo: Viamede Resort)
General Manager Ben Samann says that our food is deeply entwined with our history.
“Human history is based on trade and food shortages and people suddenly having a taste for certain spices. Food is the history of people, and in order to understand the food from 150 years ago we have to understand the history.”
Eat as the voyageurs did, but better, at Viamede’s Dark Winter’s Feast. (Graphic: Viamede Resort)
Warm clothing is encouraged, as the space will be warmed only by fire and candlelight.
This experience is only available to guests who are 19 or older. Call Viamede at 1-800-461-1946 to reserve your spot.
Soup/er series builds community one bowl at a time
Nourish’s Soup/er Series comes to Lakefield this January. (Graphic: Nourish)
A great soup recipe can work magic, turning a fridge full of nothing to eat into something delicious, healthy and warming.
Nourish’s Soup/er series creates soup magic with residents of Curve Lake First Nation, Lakefield, and Havelock.
For this free four-week series, participants cook and share soup recipes. You are invited to take some of each soup home with you after the workshop.
Participants are also given $10 in Nourish dollars to use at farmers’ markets or to purchase a JustFood Produce Box.
The Soup/er Series suggests great recipes to enjoy local produce from Nourish’s JustFood boxes or from the Farmers’ Market. (Photo: Nourish)
According to the Nourish website, “JustFood is a community-building program that works to provide respectful access to healthy affordable food for everyone.”
JustFood produce boxes are available on the 2nd and 4th weeks of the month and feature a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, often sourced from local farms.
Facilitator Janice McCue says that the workshop’s purpose is to make use of readily available ingredients.
“The series will focus on using ingredients that are in our JustFood Box as well as other seasonal produce or staple we may have in our cupboards.”
Lakefield’s Soup/er series will be held on Fridays from January 11th to February 1st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. John the Baptist (81 Queen St., Lakefield). You can register online at nourishproject.ca/souper-series or by emailing Janice at jmccue@ywcapeterborough.org.
If you are a resident of Curve Lake First Nation or Havelock, email Janice to be updated on scheduling.
Nateure’s Plate is open for business in new vegan hub in downtown Peterborough
Siblings Nate and Danielle White officially opened their new restaurant, Nateure’s Plate, on Decenber 11th. (Photo: Nateure’s Plate)
New vegan restaurant Nateure’s Plate (182 Charlotte St., Peterborough) is now open.
Siblings Danielle and Nate White’s new restaurant serves satisfying vegan comfort food, in the space previously occupied by Brio Gusto.
Danielle says that after a brief test run, they are excited to implement what they’ve learned and to finally launch.
During Nateure’s Plate’s soft launch, guests enjoyed their signature hearty vegan comfort food. (Photo: Peterborough VegFest)
“We are striving to create an exceptional dining experience, one in which is always adapting to be better,” she writes on Instagram. “We couldn’t be happier with our two test run nights and are ecstatic to be open to the public in a few short days. We appreciate you all so much; without you, our dream would be just that, a dream.”
In their first week of operation (December 11th to 15th), the restaurant will be open for dinner only, from 5 to 10 p.m.. After that they will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The Charlotte Street space will also be the new home of baker Vegan Sweet Home. In addition to selling their baked goods, Vegan Sweet Home will provide desserts and breads for Nateure’s Plate.
Nateure’s Plate aims to create hearty vegan fare that everyone can enjoy. (Photo: Nateure’s Plate)
Premier Doug Ford welcomes Kawartha Lakes Mayor Andy Letham to a one-on-one meeting at Queen's Park in Toronto on December 10, 2018. (Photo: Office of the Premier)
City of Kawartha Lakes Mayor Andy Letham was one of seven mayors from across southern Ontario who had a one-on-one meeting yesterday (December 10) with Premier Doug Ford at Queen’s Park in Toronto.
Ford also met with Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie, London Mayor Ed Holder, Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie, Oro-Medonte Mayor Harry Hughes, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, and Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens.
Each meeting, which ranged from 30 to 45 minutes, was also attended by Dean French, the premier’s chief of staff, and Steve Clark, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark, Premier Doug Ford, and Chief of Staff Dean French meet with Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens on December 10, 2018. (Photo: Office of the Premier)
According to a statement from the Premier’s Office, the purpose of the one-on-one meetings was to discuss “shared priorities” including the economy, transportation infrastructure, housing, and plans for the private retail sale of cannabis.
“It felt a little bit, when we got the call on Friday, that we were being called to the principal’s office,” Mayor Letham said in an interview today on CBC radio. “But in the end it turned out to be a very productive conversation.”
At his meeting with the premier, Letham says they discussed working together, the growth plan for Kawartha Lakes (including expanding highways, development, and affordable housing), natural gas, broadband, and long term care beds.
“The premier seemed quite impressed that we had gone to great lengths ourselves to reduce our council from 16 to eight in the last election,” Letham said.
Earlier this fall, the Ontario government had forced the City of Toronto to reduce its council from 47 to 25 seats.
Letham said he didn’t discuss the cancellation of the Basic Income Pilot program during his meeting with Ford.
“I’ve had that conversation with the minister several months ago when they announced the cancellation, so it didn’t come up yesterday.”
Lethan says the premier promised to follow through on the items discussed and have a follow-up meeting.
Seven Peterborough-area entrepreneurs have received $28,000 in grants as part of the sixth intake the Starter Company Plus program, funded by the Government of Ontario and administered by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre. (Photo: Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development)
This week’s round of regional business news includes Starter Company Plus grant recipients in Peterborough and the City of Kawartha Lakes, a new augmented reality app developed by Kavtek that helps Monaghan Lumber’s customers choose new flooring for their home, and a new co-working space to open in January at Venture13 in Cobourg.
Every week, our managing editor collects business-related news and events from across the Kawarthas. If you’d like us to promote your business news or event in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
Also featured is the release of Peterborough game company Bloom Digital Media’s LGBTQ+ inclusive dating game for the Nintendo Switch, the winner of the Pitch to the Chief competition in Cobourg, and the official opening of Bancroft’s new LCBO store.
New regional business events added this week include Camp Kawartha’s annual general meeting on December 11th and the Port Hope Young Professionals Christmas social on December 13th.
Seven Peterborough-area entrepreneurs receive $28,000 in grants to grow their businesses
Hillary Flood of PedalBoro is one of seven entrepreneurs who have received $28,000 in grants under the Starter Company Plus program. PedalBoro, which received a $4,000 grant, is a multi-passenger bike tour company that will take passengers on a pedal-powered discovery ride through downtown Peterborough’s restaurant scene. (Image: PedalBoro)
Last Thursday (December 6), the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre announced the latest round of Peterborough-area entrepreneurs to receive grants under the Starter Company Plus program.
Seven business owners received a total of $28,000 in grants as part of the sixth intake of the program, which is funded by the Government of Ontario and administered in Peterborough by the Business Advisory Centre. The recepients are:
Fraser Smith of F Smith Consulting: Sustainable Forest Management Service, which provides sustainable and ethical forest management services for conservation authorities, local governments, land trusts, woodlot owners, and primary and secondary forest producers.
Carly Eagles of Sweet Simple Nutrition, a holistic nutrition consulting practice specializing in women’s wellness. Eagles’ business integrates a holistic approach to wellness to help individuals discover optimal health through lifestyle adaptations.
Caitlin Jacobs of Conflict Transformations, a consultancy serving workplaces and other organizations in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Jacobs’ business helps clients understand conflict, how to work towards transformation, collaboration and creative problem solving.
Vanessa Brown of Direct Visual Care, a local mobile optician that supports vision care needs. From pop-up clinics to personal one-on-one house calls, Brown’s business offers professional, personal, and affordable service to correct vision accurately.
Hillary Flood of PedalBoro, a multi-passenger bike tour company providing an innovative, eco-friendly transportation alternative for exploring downtown Peterborough. PedalBoro takes passengers on a discovery tour of the city’s vibrant food scene.
Jenn Austin-Driver of Farmhill Weddings, a non-traditional wedding venue located in Keene in the rolling hills of Millen + Smith Acres. The focus is on providing a scenic farm experience with local farm-to-table menu options.
Jordan Ahee of Biosphere GPS, a software startup that makes it easy to explore nature, discover new places, and plan outdoor activities more intelligently.
Starter Company Plus supports entrepreneurs who are starting, growing, or acquiring a business. It offers a series of workshops to support the creation of a formalized business plan, culminating in the chance to pitch for competitive grant dollars. Since the program began in March 2017, the Business Advisory Centre has seen more than entrepreneurs participate and has awarded $170,000 in grants.
“This program is generating results for our community and strengthening our region as a destination for small business,” explains Madeleine Hurrell, the economic development officer at the Business Advisory Centre who oversees the program.
In the past two years, the program has resulted in the creation of 53 startups and has supported 37 business expansions. The program has also seen the opening of 12 bricks-and-mortar locations in the region, and has created 110 jobs in the local community.
Six entrepreneurs in Kawartha Lakes receive Starter Company Plus grants
Recipients of the Starter Company Plus grants in the City of Kawartha Lakes. (Photo: KLSBEC)
The Starter Company Plus program also runs in the City of Kawartha Lakes, where it is administered by the Kawartha Lakes Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (KLSBEC).
Last Wednesday (December 5), KLSBEC hosted a reception and gallery in Lindsay to showcase some of the businesses that have benefited from the program and to announce the final grant recipients in 2018:
Jessica Shea of Wild at Heart Hair Studio.
Lori Mitchell of Kawartha Restorative Acupuncture.
Amanda Lewis of Mouthpiece.
Graham Bashford of Aging GPS.
Ally Boothroyd of Sarovara Yoga.
Terri Mathews of Mathew Madlyn.
Through Starter Company Plus, KLSBEC has provided training and business plan development to 63 new entrepreneurs and has awarded a total of $132,000 to 33 of these businesses, creating 78 new jobs in the community.
Peterborough augmented reality startup Kavtek’s app helps Monaghan Lumber’s customers choose new flooring for their home
An augmented reality mobile app developed by Kavtek helps customers of Monaghan Lumber in Cavan choose new flooring for their home. (Supplied photo)
Monaghan Lumber in Cavan is using augmented reality to help customers choose new flooring for their home.
The building material supplier’s new mobile app was developed by Kavtek, a Peterborough startup that specializes in augmented reality solutions for home design and renovation.
Using the camera on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, the app allows users — without leaving their own home — to overlay Monaghan Lumber’s flooring options on top of their existing floors to see how the room will look with the new flooring.
VIDEO: Monaghan Lumber app
Kavtek has already created partnerships with RE/MAX Integra, Wayfair, and Dulux Paints. Monaghan Lumber is one of the first building material suppliers in Canada to embrace augmented reality.
“Working with Sanu and the Kavtek team has been an excellent experience,” says Warren Rose, Director of Sales and Public Relations at Monaghan Lumber. “The immediate impact on our service and customer experience has been tremendous, and we look forward to using the new technology while we work closely with designers, builders, renovators, and do-it-yourselfers.”
The consumer market for augmented reality software is projected to reach over $13 billion by 2022.
“Monaghan Lumber believed in our vision and we are very excited to introduce augmented reality to their consumer base,” says Sanu Somaweera, Co-Founder of Kavtek. “The app caters to the Uberized generation of consumers that need instant gratification by empowering them to visualize products in their space effortlessly.”
The app is available to download for free on the Apple App Store and on Google Play (just search for “Monaghan Lumber”).
New co-working space to open at Venture13 in Cobourg in January
Venture13 Innovation Centre is located at 739 D’Arcy St. in Cobourg. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Venture13, Northumberland County’s innovation and entrepreneurship centre, has announced a new co-working space designed for telecommuters and independent consultants.
Called the “VentureZone Inn”, the space will open in January 2019 within the VentureZone, a flexible work and accelerator space delivered by the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (NCFDC).
“Digital technology continues to advance allowing workers to be more mobile and flexible, providing employers the opportunity to offer remote work policies and solutions,” says NCFDC executive director Wendy Curtis. “At Venture13 we want to capitalize on this by giving our entrepreneurial community access to yet another cohort for collaboration, idea sharing, and diversification.”
At a cost of $125 per month, the VentureZone Inn will offer one dedicated seat in the co-working desk space, a high-speed fibre internet connection (wired and wireless), one dedicated locker and combination lock, access to private meeting space, and more. Anyone who signs up for a VentureZone Inn membership will receive their first month free for a trial period with no obligations or strings attached.
Peterborough game company Bloom Digital Media releases LGBTQ+ inclusive dating game for Nintendo Switch
Developed by independent game company Bloom Digital Media, LongStory is an LGBTQ+ friendly dating sim designed to foster stronger relationships and inclusivity. The game, which has been available for several years for PCs and iOS and Android mobile devices, is now available on the Nintendo Switch. (Supplied photo)
Based in Peterborough and Toronto, independent game company Bloom Digital Media in has released its LGBTQ+ inclusive dating game LongStory on the Nintendo Switch — the fastest-selling game console in U.S. history.
The dating simulation game, set at the weirdly lovable Weasel Heights Middle School, has an eight-episode story arc. It lets you pick your gender designation and pronouns, as well as whether you would like to date any of your friends. In addition to the pains and pleasures of romance, LongStory offers players the chance to reflect on complex issues including consent, coming out, social anxiety, and bullying — all in a safe environment.
Miriam Verburg, founder of Bloom Digital Media, an independent game company based in Peterborough and Toronto. (Supplied photo)
Originally published in 2014, the game is already available for PCs (Windows and Mac) and as a mobile app for iOS and Android mobile devices (it has been downloaded more than 1.4 million times). The game was released for the Nintendo Switch in North America and Europe on December 6, 2018.
The game won a Jury’s Honorable Mention at the 12th International Mobile Gaming Awards in 2016.
Bloom Digital Media was founded by Miriam Verburg, who has won several awards for the company’s innovative games, including a Jury’s Honorable Mention at the 12th International Mobile Gaming Awards in 2016 for LongStory.
VIDEO: LongStory Trailer – Bloom Digital Media
Verburg, who has been featured in publications such as VICE, Huffington Post, and the Globe and Mail, is a strong advocate for promoting female talent within Ontario’s game industry, through her participation in organizations like Dames Making Games, Interactive Ontario and as a sessional faculty member at Centennial and Humber College.
“Teens need a game that feels authentic,” Verburg says about LongStory. “They are living in the twenty-first century and they need a romantic game that reflects their reality. LongStory provides an opportunity for players to take control of their choices and their experience.”
According to the National Post, 10 per cent of young Canadians aged 18 to 34 identify as LGBTQ+, and according to the Canadian Mental Health Association, those who identify as LGBTQ+ face higher risks for some mental health issues due to the effects of discrimination and the social determinants of health.
Although other video game consoles like the Xbox and Sony Playstion have seen a decline in sales, the Nintendo Switch became the fastest-selling game console in U.S. history in 2018, selling 4.8 million units in its first 10 months of availability.
Northumberland County’s Amy Arthur wins Pitch to the Chief competition in Cobourg
Amy Arthur has won the second installment of the “Pitch to the Chief” competition in Cobourg for her hands-free personal safety device. (Photo: Venture13 / NCFDC)
Northumberland County resident Amy Arthur has won the second installment of the “Pitch to the Chief” competition in Cobourg for her hands-free personal safety device.
The competition, which was held in the Innovation Commons of Venture13 on November 28th, offers technology entrepreneurs the chance to pitch innovative products and services to the Chief of Police for Cobourg, in partnership with Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (NCFDC).
A Baltimore resident and a former summer intern with the Ontario Provincial Police, Arthur is a McMaster University B.Sc. graduate who is currently finishing her Forensic Psychology degree at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). She previously invented a light therapy device, and demonstrated a prototype of her latest product — a hands-free personal safety device called Claxton — at the Pitch to the Chief competition
“In the market of personal safety devices, there is not one all-inclusive product that works for everyone and in all situations,” Arthur says. “I have taken on the task of solving this issue. I feel truly honoured to have had the opportunity to present my product idea and prototype to the Chief and his panel.”
Arthur’s prototype, was developed in-house at the Venture13 MakerLab — a collaborative prototyping, engineering and microfactory space created to support startups and makers — with fellow VentureZone member Alex Papanicolaou of Campbellford and with design input from Northumberland Makers.
Cobourg Chief of Police Kai Liu, Cobourg Police Services Board Chair Dean Pepper, and Inspector Jeff Sheils, along with NCFDC Board Member Pam Russell, formed the panel of judges. The presentation format was a 10-minute pitch including slides and demonstrations, followed by an interactive question and answer period. The entrepreneur pitches ranged from IoT sensors to robotics to connected and autonomous vehicle infrastructure to wearables.
The next Pitch to the Chief competition is set for the first half of 2019.
LCBO opens new store in Bancroft
If you’re in the #Bancroft area, make sure to stop in and check out their brand new beautiful #LCBO ?? tons of selection…
A new LCBO store in Bancroft officially opened last Wednesday (December 5).
Construction on the new building at 314 Hastings Street North (just south of the Canadian Tire and Foodland) began over the summer.
The new store is much larger than the previous location on Station Street in downtown Bancroft. It’s wheelchair accessible and features a Vintages corner, a cold beer room, and ample parking.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, 9;30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Peterborough Chamber breakfast meeting on attracting local shoppers on December 11 in Peterborough
The Peterborough Chamber’s next breakfast meeting takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 11th at Carousel Restaurant & Tavern (116 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough).
Terry Guiel, executive director of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) will speak on the top “Santa Keeps it Local – How to Attract Local Shoppers”.
Networking begins at 7 a.m., with breakfast served at 7:30 a.m. (when you can make your best 30-second elevator speech to the room), followed by the guest speaker at 8 a.m.
The event is free (you only pay for whatever you order for breakfast).
Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce host a Holiday Open House in Haliburton on December 11
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Holiday Open House from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Demember 11th at the Chamber offices (195 Highland St., Haliburton).
The event will celebrate the past year and features treats and hot beverages.
Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce hosts Christmas Meet & Greet in Cobourg on December 11
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Christmas Meet & Greet from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Demember 11th at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre (930 Burnham St., Cobourg).
This networking event is open to all local business people and is free both for Chamber members and non-members.
Camp Kawartha holds its annual general meeting on December 11
Camp Kawartha is holding its annual general meeting from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 11th at Camp Kawartha (1010 Birchview Rd, Douro-Dummer).
After networking and refreshments, the formal portion of the meeting gets underway at 6:40 p.m. The agenda includes annual reports, election of board members, and special presentations from Chris Magwood of the Endeavour Centre and Don Watkins from from the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha.
Magwood will speak about living buildings as the most sustainable building standard in the world and Camp Kawartha’s own unique living building project, and Watkins will talk about Adventure in Understanding, a program that brings First Nations and non-First Nations youth together through a canoe journey.
This is also an opportunity to learn about everything Camp Kawartha accomplished over the past year, and hear about future plans including the organization’s capital campaign.
Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre hosts small business workshop in Lindsay on December 12
Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is hosting a “Building a Strong Small Business Community and Networking ” small business workshop from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12th in the lower level meeting room at the Lindsay Public Library (190 Kent St. W., Lindsay).
Facilitated by Sandy Greenberg (serial entrepreneur, business coach, and former business advisor at Centennial College Centre of Entrepreneurship), the workshop will explore the benefits of creating a strong business community, including the importance of breaking down barriers to creating a collaborative environment, the value of strategic alliances, and creating buying programs, cross promotions, and shared resources with other community businesses.
Kawartha Chamber Business After Hours Holiday Social at Kawartha Lakes Construction on December 12
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is hosting its Business After Hours Holiday Social from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12th at Kawartha Lakes Construction (3359 Lakefield Rd., Lakefield).
As part of the event, the team at Kawartha Lakes Construction will be again be running their employee contest for do-it-yourself Christmas trees, where they challenge staff to come up with creative Christmas trees and have guests vote on their favourite.
Kawartha Lakes Construction will also be collecting toys for the Lioness Club Toy Drive, as well as non-perishable food items for the Lakefield Food Bank.
Port Hope Young Professionals hosts a Christmas social in Port Hope on December 13
The Port Hope Young Professionals group is hosting a Christmas social from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, December 13th at Table+Loft (59 Walton St., Port Hope).
This free event will feature DJ Chris Martell and drinks and food will be available for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their “ugliest” festiva attire.
Bring a locally purchased and wrapped gift of a $10 value to participate in the buy local gift exchange.
The Southern Ontario Ice Climbing Festival (SOIce Fest) takes place from February 8 to 10, 2019 in Maynooth. Festival co-founder, photographer, and passionate climber Peter Hoang took this photo of an ice climber near Huntsville. Because of the granite rock walls of the Canadian Shield found in the area, northern and central Ontario is a popular destination for ice climbers. (Photo courtesy of Peter Hoang, peter-hoang.com)
For the fifth straight year, the Southern Ontario Ice Climbing Festival (SOIce Fest) is returning to Maynooth in 2019 from February 8th to 10th.
The town, located 22 kilometres north of Bancroft in Hastings Highlands, has hosted the annual festival since it was founded four years ago by climbers Andriy Kolos, Josh Smith, and Peter Hoang.
Originally an informal celebration of ice climbing, the non-profit festival is now led by the Ontario Alliance of Climbers (previously known as the Ontario Access Coalition).
The festival has continued to grow each year, drawing ice climbers from across Canada and the northern U.S. Last year, more than 250 climbers attended SOIce Fest.
“It’s a real draw for both experienced ice climbers and for those who have never tried it before,” Kolos says. “We’re able to build on every past year’s success and bring an increasing number of ice climbing guides to the festival, so that we can continue to provide high quality instruction to an ever-growing number of people who want to get into the sport.”
Ice climbing grew out of the sport of rock climbing and mountaineering, as climbers often had to traverse icy sections on their way to the summit. Because of the thrill and challenge of climbing on ice, it soon developed as its own dedicated sport.
Climbers use crampons, ice axes, and ropes to climb on ice formations including frozen waerwalls, icefalls, and cliffs and rock slabs covered with ice from frozen flows of waters. The granite rock walls of the Canadian Shield in central and northern Ontario provides the perfect terrain for ice climbing, making it a popular destination for climbers.
At SOIce Fest 2019, most of the weekend’s climbing activity will take place at Diamond Lake near Combermere, about 34 kilometres west of Maynooth. Evening events will take place at The Arlington in Maynooth. The weekend will also feature clinics, demonstrations, and vendors.
The festival is supported by Mountain Equipment Coop, Arc’teryx, the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, and Yamnuska Mountain Adventures, as well as local businesses and members of the community of Maynooth.
“We’re ever appreciative for the warm welcome we see every year from the Maynooth community,” says Randy Kielbasiewicz, co-chair of the Ontario Alliance of Climbers.
“We thank them for the important role they play in making this festival a continued success. Ice climbing areas are scattered around small communities in rural Ontario, and the ice climbing community is grateful for the hospitality they receive throughout the province.”
VIDEO: Climbing for Community: Southern Ontario Ice Festival
As well as supporting local businesses by bringing hundreds of climbers into Maynooth, SOIce Fest also raises funds for local community initiatives.
Over the past four years, the festival has raised more than $5,500 for the Rural and Overland Utility Transit (TROUT) — a bus service that connects rural residents to the greater Bancroft area — and children’s community programming in Maynooth.
For more information about SOIce Fest and updates on clinics and registration, visit www.soicefest.com.
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