Joslynn Burford performing at the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough's 2025 "Rebel with a Cause" annual fundraising event honouring individuals who have shown advocacy and action in the community. Burford will return to perform at the 2026 event on Wednesday, October 28 at the McDonnel Street Community Centre, which will honour Dan Hughes, Jordanne McLaren, Chrysalis Outreach Midwives, and Wild Rock Outfitters. (Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough)
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough (EFry) is inviting the community to join them in celebrating outstanding four local individuals, organizations, and businesses that have shown advocacy and action in the community.
EFry’s annual “Rebel with a Cause” event will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28 at the McDonnel Street Community Centre in Peterborough. For $50, guests will enjoy an evening of live music, food, speakers, a silent auction, and opportunities to celebrate local heroes, all while supporting EFry’s good work.
“Rebel with a Cause is our annual fundraiser where we try and highlight people that have advocated for our community — people that are fighting the system, people that are standing up for what they believe in and just doing good for the vulnerable folks in our community,” says EFry community program coordinator Aakanksha.
“Especially now when money is tight, the economy is crumbling, and it’s so hard. People are still showing up every day and they’re putting in the hard work, so this is our very small way of recognizing some of the brilliant work that happens every day in the community.”
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EFry supports individuals who are criminalized or at-risk of criminalization through gender-responsive services and programs, while advocating for broader social change.
This year’s “Rebels” — nominated by staff, board members, and the public — are all connected to this year’s theme “Justice & Mental Health.” The nominees are all making a difference in the community through “advocacy, compassion, and action.”
“We were looking at what are they doing for mental health and justice — and justice not specific to the criminal justice system, but also social and making sure people have access to these services — as well as their impact on our community and on our clients,” Aakanksha explains.
Dan Hughes, a criminal lawyer and duty counsel with Peterborough Community Support Court, and Chrysalis Outreach Midwives (Krysta Moland, Dr. Kate Gerster, and Kirsten Schmidt-Chamberlain) are two of the four “Rebels” being honoured at the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough’s annual “Rebel with a Cause” fundraiser on October 28, 2026. The other two Rebels are Jordanne McLaren of Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre and outdoor retailer Wild Rock Outfitters. (Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough)
One of the Rebels is Dan Hughes, a criminal lawyer and duty counsel with Peterborough Community Support Court, a specialized court stream that deals with individuals facing criminal charges as a result of an underlying mental health, addiction, or concurrent disorder.
He has spent years advocating for vulnerable community members, working extensively with individuals experiencing mental health and substance-use challenges, while helping clients navigate the criminal justice system.
“For someone when they’re having the hardest day of their lives, seeing somebody that is nice and kind to them is all that really matters, and that’s Dan,” Aakanksha says.
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Another Rebel is Jordanne McLaren, the manager of client services and human trafficking response at Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre. She supports survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking as they navigate pathways to safety, healing, and justice through trauma-informed advocacy, legal support information, court preparation, and support through police reporting and criminal court processes.
Chrysalis Outreach Midwives is being recognized for their work in ensuring that people who often face barriers within the healthcare systems are supported. Officially launched in November 2025 by Kirsten Schmidt and Dr. Kate Gerster, and later joined by midwife Krysta Moland, Chrysalis Outreach Midwives is about harm reduction and providing non-judgmental sexual and reproductive healthcare through outreach services to shelters, drop-ins, methadone clinics, and tents.
The final Rebel is Wild Rock Outfitters, which is being recognized as a responsible local business whose initiatives like the ComPassion Project and Wild Again, their used gear program, finds creative ways to break down barriers and support social services and conservation, while increasing affordable access to outdoor gear.
The team at Wild Rock Outfitters in Peterborough, one of four “Rebels” being honoured at the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough’s annual “Rebel with a Cause” fundraiser on October 28, 2026. The outdoor retailer is being recognized for its commitment to sustainability, community partnership, conservation, and connection through initiatives like the ComPassion Project and Wild Again. The other three Rebels are criminal lawyer Dan Hughes, Chrysalis Outreach Midwives, and Jordanne McLaren of Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre. (Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough)
According to Missy Knott, EFry’s Indigenous partnerships and housing worker, recognizing these Rebels is an important way to show them they have the support of the broader community.
“Some of this advocacy work and service work in general can be pretty isolating, and I just think it’s about banding together, knowing that they do have a community of folks who support them and support the work they do,” Knott says. “It’s also just making more room for collaboration too, because we work closely with a lot of these organizations and it brings such a balance. Sometimes we don’t have everything we need and then somebody else can fill that void for us.”
“I also think sometimes we forget the impact that we have because you come in and do your emails, do your meetings, and we get so lost in some of that so we forget the impact that our work has in the bigger scheme of things,” adds Aakanksha. “Every so often, we need a little bit of a reminder that what we do matters, and what we do does have an impact.”
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Hosted by Knott, Rebel with a Cause will be a lively evening featuring food and refreshments, traditional Indigenous hand drumming by Naandewegaan – Healing with Drums, and musical performances by Joslynn Burford and the duo Sarah van den Berg and Cheyenne Burnett, with Peterborough-based photographer Wayne Ferguson capturing special moments throughout the evening.
Featuring a Halloween theme, the event will also include decorations by local artist Makayla of Stones N Bones, who creates distinctive pieces incorporating insects, animal bones, skulls, and other foraged natural materials. Artwork will be available for purchase during the event.
Stones N Bones is one of the many supporters who have donated to the silent auction that will be held during the fundraiser. Tickets to events from Public Energy Performing Arts, Showplace Performance Centre, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and ReFrame Film Festival are all up for grabs, alongside donated goods including dining experiences at Silver Bean Café, mixed beauty and wellness baskets, goods from Wiigwaas Craft Supplies and Gifts, and jewellery from Hi Ho Silver.
As well as honouring four local individuals, organizations, and businesses that have made a difference in the community, the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough’s annual “Rebel with a Cause” fundraiser on October 28, 2026 will feature food and refreshments, traditional Indigenous hand drumming, musical performances, and a silent auction with donated items including theatre tickets, wellness baskets, gift certificates, and more. (Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough)
“The more you give, the more you get,” Knott says.
“There’s such a positive feeling that comes from supporting something like this. We all know how dire the situation is. We need more housing and everybody knows it, and I think once you start looking into the finer lines, into those deeper details about how transitional housing works, and ways that we can advocate, this is a small thing that people can do, and it’s very heartwarming and beneficial to so many.”
It’s not too late for local businesses and organizations to show their support for Rebel with a Cause, as EFry is still seeking sponsors for the event.
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Depending on the sponsorship tier, opportunities include recognition throughout the event and on social media before and after, opportunities to showcase your business, and tickets to the event. Those interested in being a sponsor can reach out to Aakanksha at aakanksha@efryptbo.org or Knott at missy@efryptbo.org.
“Any amount of support helps and also pushes the conversation about it, too, and gets people talking,” Knott says. “The work that we’re doing here is just to make sure that everybody can feel a sense of community and safety because that’s what Nogojiwanong-Peterborough is supposed to be. Any amount is super impactful and doesn’t go unnoticed.”
To learn more about Rebels with a Cause and tp buy tickets, visit efryptbo.org/events/.
Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith joined Community Care Peterborough staff and Senior Connector volunteers at the non-profit organization's office on October 14, 2026 to celebrate the launch of the next phase of the Senior Connector program, which trains older adult volunteers to help other seniors find trusted information, ask questions, identify next steps, and connect with local programs and services. The expansion of the pilot program is made possible with $24,500 in funding through Ontario's Seniors Community Grant Program. (Photo: Community Care Peterborough)
Community Care Peterborough is expanding its Senior Connector program with $24,500 in funding through Ontario’s Seniors Community Grant Program.
The organization marked the launch of the program’s next phase on Wednesday (October 14) at its office at 185 Hunter Street East in Peterborough, where Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith joined Senior Connector volunteers as they gathered for training.
Smith spoke about the importance of human connection, face-to-face conversations, and practical community support for older adults, particularly at a time when many sources of information and services increasingly rely on technology.
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Senior Connector is a peer-based program that trains older adult volunteers to help other seniors find trusted information, ask questions, identify next steps, and connect with local programs and services.
The volunteers meet seniors in familiar community settings, providing person-to-person assistance for people who may be dealing with social isolation, digital barriers, transportation challenges, uncertainty about available services, or difficulty navigating health and community support systems.
The program helps older adults connect with the services that best meet their needs, whether they are offered by Community Care Peterborough or another local organization.
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The Senior Connector program was first developed as a pilot, with Community Care Peterborough saying the initial experience demonstrated the value of trusted local conversations between seniors and trained volunteers.
The new provincial funding will allow the organization to extend the availability of Senior Connector across both the city and county of Peterborough.
A key change in the new phase is a stronger follow-up and evaluation process. Community Care Peterborough found during the pilot that simply providing information did not necessarily mean a senior was able to successfully access the service or support they needed.
Senior Connectors will now be trained to follow up after an initial conversation, identify any barriers that emerged so they can help participants take the next step.
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In background material provided for the launch, Community Care Peterborough CEO Danielle Belair said the provincial funding supports the organization’s broader goal of helping seniors remain safely and independently in their homes.
“We are deeply grateful for the provincial investment through the Ontario Seniors Community Grant Program,” Belair said. “This vital support reinforces our organization’s commitment to helping seniors age safely at home while remaining connected, informed, and fully supported by their community.”
Community Care Peterborough’s director of operations Catherine Pink said the peer-based approach can help seniors build relationships and participate more fully in community life, while also connecting them with practical information, referrals, programs, and services.
“We learned from the previous Senior Connector initiative just how valued this approach is,” Pink said in the program backgrounder, adding that the next phase of the program also includes a follow-up option to help ensure seniors’ needs and expectations have been met.
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Returning Senior Connector volunteer Elaine said the program helps older adults become aware of services they might not otherwise know are available.
“Knowledgeable and welcoming, a Senior Connector is well prepared to offer information, answer questions, and share resources provided through a detailed training program,” she said in the backgrounder. “When a senior says, ‘Thanks for the help,’ a Senior Connector knows they’ve made a difference.”
A non-profit charitable organization, Community Care Peterborough provides services and supports intended to help seniors and adults with physical challenges remain independent and connected in their homes and communities across the city and county of Peterborough.
For more information about Community Care Peterborough, visit www.commcareptbo.org.
Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark, Ukraine's ambassador to Canada Andrii Plakhotniuk, and Drohobych mayor Taras Kuchma plant a commemorative white birch representing friendship and cooperation outside the Peterborough County Courthouse on October 14, 2026 following the signing of a twinning agreement between Peterborough County and the western Ukraine municipality, which includes the cities of Drohobych and Stebnyk along with 32 villages. (Photo: Peterborough County)
Peterborough County has formally twinned with Drohobych urban hromada in western Ukraine, creating a new international partnership intended to foster economic, cultural, educational, and community ties.
A hromada is the basic unit of local self-government and administrative division in Ukraine, similar to a municipality in Canada, with urban hromada indicating the seat of the municipality is in a city.
Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark and Drohobych mayor Taras Kuchma signed the agreement Wednesday morning (October 14) during a ceremony in council chambers at the Peterborough County Courthouse in downtown Peterborough, which was also attended by Ukraine’s ambassador to Canada, Andrii Plakhotniuk, and Peterborough MP Emma Harrison.
Following the signing, the two municipalities marked the partnership by planting a commemorative white birch tree outside the courthouse and raising the Ukrainian flag.
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“Today marks the beginning of a meaningful relationship between our communities,” Warden Clark said.
“This twinning agreement reflects our shared commitment to cooperation, resilience, and mutual learning. We are proud to stand alongside the people of Ukraine and look forward to creating opportunities for cultural exchange, economic collaboration and lasting friendships that will benefit residents in both Peterborough County and Drohobych for years to come.”
According to a media release from the county, the agreement establishes a framework for cooperation in economic development, agriculture and agri-food, tourism, manufacturing, education, healthcare, sports, arts and culture, and youth engagement.
The two municipalities also plan to exchange expertise and best practices in local government and encourage connections among businesses, institutions, community organizations, and residents.
The signing ceremony of a twinning agreement between Peterborough County and the western Ukraine municipality of Drohobych took place in council chambers at the Peterborough County Courthouse on October 14, 2026. Attendees included (from left) Peterborough MP Emma Harrison, Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark, Drohobych mayor Taras Kuchma, and Ukraine’s ambassador to Canada Andrii Plakhotniuk. (Photo: Peterborough County)
Drohobych urban hromada is located in the Lviv region of western Ukraine, about 75 kilometres from the Polish border.
The municipality includes the cities of Drohobych and Stebnyk along with 32 villages — including Nahuievychi, the birthplace of renowned Ukrainian poet and writer Ivan Franko — and has a total population of approximately 123,000, which is almost twice the population of Peterborough County.
The historic city of Drohobych, the municipality’s administrative and economic centre, traces its development to the salt trade, with the first written reference of the city dating back to the 14th century.
Salt remains closely tied to the city’s identity, with its historic saltworks — considered the oldest in Europe — continuing a tradition that stretches back centuries. Drohobych later became an important centre of the oil industry following the discovery and development of petroleum deposits in the surrounding region during the 19th century.
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Mayor Kuchma said the agreement is intended to develop relationships extending well beyond the two municipal governments.
“True friendship does not begin with a signature on paper, but with trust, human contact, and a common desire to be there,” Kuchma said.
“We strive for this partnership to unite people, municipalities, businesses, public organizations, youth and our veterans.”
Kuchma said having partners in Canada is particularly significant while Ukraine continues to endure Russia’s invasion.
“It is extremely important for the Drohobych community to have friends in Canada who not only support Ukraine but are also ready to work with us to build a better future,” he said.
“We are not just signing an agreement — we are building a bridge between Ukraine and Canada that will serve our communities today and long after our victory.”
Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark speaks during the raising of the Ukrainian flag outside the Peterborough County Courthouse on October 14, 2026 following the signing of a twinning agreement between Peterborough County and the western Ukraine municipality of Drohobych, which includes the cities of Drohobych and Stebnyk along with 32 villages. (Photo: Peterborough County)
Ambassador Plakhotniuk also welcomed the partnership, describing direct connections between Canadian and Ukrainian municipalities as an important way to exchange knowledge and develop cooperation.
“This partnership creates a practical framework for sharing expertise and developing cooperation in education, culture, economic development, health care, local governance and other areas of mutual interest,” Plakhotniuk said.
“At a time when Ukraine continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, such community-to-community partnerships are especially valuable, helping build lasting connections and opening new opportunities for cooperation that will benefit people in both Ukraine and Canada.”
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The twinning agreement between Peterborough County and Drohobych urban hromada followed consultations with the Embassy of Ukraine in Canada, Ontario’s Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs, and the Canada-Ukraine Twin Cities Initiative.
According to the county, Drohobych was identified as a suitable partner because of similarities in size and shared interests in agriculture, economic development, tourism, community services, and international cooperation.
Over the coming months, the county plans to work with local municipalities, businesses, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and other community groups to identify potential projects and exchanges.
The county may also establish a community working group to help develop short- and long-term initiatives between the two municipalities.
Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark, Drohobych mayor Taras Kuchma, and Ukraine’s ambassador to Canada Andrii Plakhotniuk (front row, centre) and members of Peterborough County council outside the Peterborough County Courthouse on October 14, 2026 following the signing of a twinning agreement between Peterborough County and the western Ukraine municipality, which includes the cities of Drohobych and Stebnyk along with 32 villages. (Photo: Peterborough County)
“One of the greatest strengths of local government is its ability to bring people together,” Clark said.
“This partnership creates opportunities for our communities to learn from one another, build lasting relationships, and explore new avenues for economic, cultural and educational growth.”
Following Wednesday morning’s signing ceremony, officials planted a commemorative white birch at the courthouse. The county said the species, which is native both to Canada and Ukraine, was selected to represent renewal, resilience, and new beginnings. A plaque beside the tree identifies it as a “Tree of Friendship and Cooperation.”
The Ukrainian flag was also raised at the courthouse to recognize the new partnership.
This week's edition of kawarthaNOW's "Kawartha Localist" editorial series features 10 must-try sandwiches across the greater Kawarthas region as selected by our readers, including at The Grape and Wedge in Apsley, Muster Point in Bobcaygeon, Mindful Crowe Lunchbox in Marmora, Milk and Honey Eatery in Lindsay, Tobi's Grab and Go Sandwiches in Bancroft, the Cardiff Country Store, Corner Bites Eatery in Lindsay, Sam's Place in Peterborough, The Counter on King in Colborne, and Wattle & Daub in Bancroft. (kawarthaNOW collage)
Kawartha Localist is an editorial series from kawarthaNOW sharing trusted local recommendations, hidden gems, and favourite discoveries from people who know and love this region. It’s what we love about where we live. Kawartha Localist is sponsored by Kawartha Financial Services.
Do you know one of the most popular lunchtime meals enjoyed around the world might exist because of a gambling addiction?
Legend has it that, in the 18th century, John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich, was getting hungry, though was unwilling to step away from his card game. He demanded a servant bring him meat placed between two slices of bread so he could eat while continuing the game. His guests followed suit, and the rest is history.
Over the centuries, the sandwich has continued to evolve — and there’s still some great debate around what classifies as a sandwich (is a hotdog a sandwich?). As we head into the cooler months of the year, it’s the perfect time to rediscover your love for the ultimate mid-day comfort food as many sandwich shops and delis across the greater Kawarthas region are rolling out their fall menus.
From vegetarian to meat lovers, sub sandwiches to wraps, pestos to mustards (my personal sandwich requisite), here are some must-try sandwiches found across the greater Kawarthas, as voted on by our readers.
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The Italian Stallion at The Grape and Wedge in Apsley
One of the most popular sandwiches at The Grape and Wedge, an artisan and gourmet food shop in Apsley, is the Italian Stallion. This sandwich is stacked with four Italian deli meats, hot peppers, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and the housemade sun-dried tomato mayonnaise on a ciabatta bun. The Grape and Wedge serves additional signatures and rotating specials and can accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions across sandwiches. (Photo courtesy of The Grape and Wedge
It’s possible The Italian Stallion at The Grape and Wedge was named because it could feed a whole horse. In fact, all the sandwiches at this Apsley shop are hefty enough to feed multiple people — without the price to reflect it.
A gourmet food shop serving up a collection of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie items, gourmet groceries, and local, artisan-made goods, The Grape and Wedge was founded by sisters Lonita Grant and Bonita Kay out of a love of cheese and wine (hence the name!).
The famed Italian Stallion is stacked with four Italian meats, provolone cheese, hot peppers, and a homemade spicy sundried tomato mayonnaise all loaded on a ciabatta bun. Other favourites on the menu include a roast beef melt — topped with caramelized onions, smoked cheddar, and horseradish mayo — as well as a vegan wrap full of sweet potatoes, hummus, and vegan cheese.
The Grape and Wedge offers gluten-free buns and gluten-free wraps with substitutions available to meet most allergies and dietary restrictions. Rounding out the menu are salads, soups, and dips as well as day-of-the-week specials that rotate monthly.
Many of the sauces from the horseradish to mayonnaise to the Thousand Island dressings are made in house, using local honey, maple syrup, and other products sourced close to home. Some of these products (largely female-made) you can buy wholesale in store, so you can try to make your own decadent sandwiches at home.
The Grape and Wedge is located at 168 Burleigh Street in Apsley. To learn more, visit thegrapeandwedge.ca.
The Italian-inspired Meat Trio sandwich on housemade foccaccia at Muster Point in Bobcaygeon
One of the most popular sandwiches you’ll find at Muster Point in Bobcaygeon is the Meat Trio, made with salami, capicollo ham, and mortadella alongside fresh mozzarella cheese, fior di latte cheese, pesto, and balsamic glaze. All of this is served on a housemade focaccia bun. (Photo courtesy of Muster Point)
Owners of Bobcaygeon’s Muster Point, Danielle Malcolm and Kyle Walsky have been to Italy on a few occasions to take cooking classes with the intent of honing their skills in making authentic focaccia bread, tiramisu, and other traditional staples of Italian cuisine.
From the meat to the cheese to the vegetables, everything found on Muster Point’s sandwiches is sourced from Ontario where possible, and stacked on homemade focaccia that’s been perfected over several years since the couple operated a focaccia food truck. Every sandwich can be served cold or panini pressed.
Topped with three types of deli meat (salami, capicollo ham, and mortadella), fresh mozzarella cheese and fior di latte cheese, pesto, and balsamic glaze, the Meat Trio is a customer favourite. The other bestseller is the Emilia, made with a housemade pistachio cream, mortadella, and stracciatella cheese.
No trip to Muster Point is ever the same, because each week you’ll find a different featured sandwich, often taking inspiration from seasonal or worldly flavours. Did you know there’s a geography lesson to go along with each sandwich you order? Every staple sandwich is named for the place in which the meat originates!
Muster Point is located at 49 King Street East in Bobcaygeon. To learn more, visit musterpoint.ca.
The Muffuletta Sandwich at the new veteran-owned Mindful Crowe Lunchbox in Marmora
The veteran-owned Mindful Crowe Lunchbox in Marmora serves a famous muffuletta sandwich, made with three Italian meats, two cheeses, an olive tapenade, roasted red pepper, Italian dressing, and other vegetables. In store, you’ll also find a selection of housemade preserves, jams, sauces, and other goods. (Photo courtesy of Mindful Crowe Lunchbox)
One of the newest spots across the region is already becoming a favourite destination for sandwich lovers.
With a name inspired by his wife Andrea’s wellness studio of the same name in the same building, Mindful Crowe Lunchbox in Marmora is owned and operated by retired veteran Jay Christie.
The grilled muffuletta is the talked-about sandwich of the town, crafted using three Italian meats, two types of cheeses, and olive tapenade alongside roasted red peppers, vegetables, and Italian dressing. Other favourites include a smoked pork loin sandwich that’s topped with a housemade honey garlic butter, and a chicken salad sandwich, made with green apple, cranberry, and slivered almonds.
Alongside the sandwiches, Mindful Crowe serves up salads, including some dragon noodle and Thai noodle salads made with a Thai basil which is Jay’s “favourite ingredient of all time.” While you’re stopping in to pick up a sandwich, be sure to pick up some of Jay’s homemade barbeque sauces, preserved, relishes, jams, and other goods sold in-store.
The Mindful Crowe Lunchbox is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays at 1 McGill Street. To learn more, follow the Mindful Crowe on Facebook.
A sourdough panini with housemade soup at Milk and Honey Eatery in Lindsay
Located in Lindsay, Milk and Honey Eatery is a café-style restaurant founded by Olivia Moore when she was just 22 years old. On top of the lineup of popular staple sandwiches, Milk and Honey Eatery cooks rotating staples, served alongside fresh salads or soup that’s made daily. Customers can also pre-order homemade takeaway dinners. (Photo courtesy of Milk and Honey Eatery)
At Milk and Honey Eatery in Lindsay, you can be assured everything you eat is made using high-quality ingredients in-house as much as possible.
You just know Milk and Honey Eatery is a passion project built on a love of hospitality, because owner Olivia Moore was just 22 years old when she opened the restaurant in 2020. From a young age, she loved cooking and baking and began working at a local café part-time as a teen.
Today, her sourdough-bread sandwiches are well known in Lindsay, with the Chicken Caesar being the local celebrity. Housemade Caesar dressing complements the chicken alongside mozzarella, aged cheddar, applewood smoked bacon, and herb and garlic cream cheese on this creamy sammie.
Another one-of-a-kind bite can be found with the Bacon Brie sandwich that blends mozzarella, melted triple crème brie, cranberry salsa, and applewood smoked bacon.
With rotating specials available, the sandwiches can be enjoyed alongside a salad or homemade daily soup.
Customers also return time and time again for the gluten-free crustless quiche and the homemade takeaway dinner meals, which must be ordered in advance.
Milk & Honey Eatery is located at 18 Kent Street West in Lindsay. To learn more, visit milkhoneyeatery.ca.
Jacob’s Big Boy at Tobi’s Grab and Go Sandwiches in Bancroft
Tobi’s Grab and Go Sandwiches is a new sandwich shop located in Bancroft serving up specialty and classic sandwiches. One of the most popular is the Jacob’s Big Boy Sandwich, made with ham, salami, pepperoni, spicy cheese, hot peppers, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Using nearly half a loaf of bread for a truly hearty meal, these are not for the faint of heart and can be served cold or panini pressed. (Photo courtesy of Tobi’s Grab and Go Sandwiches)
Another new kid on the block that’s gotten a lot of buzz this summer is Tobi’s Grab and Go Sandwiches located in Bancroft. After years of dreaming about opening her own place, Tobi Labram decided to take the leap earlier this year and, so far, Bancroft is all on board.
Tobi’s Grab and Go Sandwiches is rolling out a new menu for the fall, featuring all-new sandwiches as well as soups and chilies. These can be paired with homemade lemonade, bubble tea, and smoothies, or you can take your pick at some of Tobi’s fresh baked goods including the famous peanut butter chocolate chip cookies.
Locals in the small town in Hastings County have been drawn to the “Talk Turkey to Me” sandwich, made with turkey, mozzarella, cranberry, and apple.
Extra-hungry diners can order a sandwich curated by Labram’s son-in-law, called the Jacob’s Big Boy. Made with ham, salami, pepperoni, spicy cheese, tomatoew, lettuce, and hot pepper, this sandwich is not for the faint of heart — Tobi uses nearly half a loaf of bread for one sandwich!
Tobi’s is located at 17 Snow Road in Bancroft. To learn more, follow Tobi’s Grab and Go Sandwiches on Facebook.
“The Best Sandwiches in Cardiff” at the Cardiff Country Store
Alongside supplying gas and groceries and being home to an LCBO outlet, the Cardiff Country Store in Hastings County is known for its friendly staff serving up competitively priced and hearty sandwiches. (Photo courtesy of Cardiff Country Store)
Would you believe that a small-town general store would be on our list of best sandwich spots around the region?
There are hardly more than 200 homes in the hamlet of Cardiff in Hastings Highlands, and yet there’s a lot of buzz around the sandwiches being served up here — they’re known as the “Best Sandwiches in Cardiff.”
Alongside her late husband Brock, Brenda Park has spent 30 years running the store, where you can find just about anything: gas, LCBO, groceries, and, of course, the deli.
The friendly staff is the specialty at this unassuming spot, which serves well-portioned and conservatively priced Western sandwiches and loaded egg salad sandwiches.
The ham, turkey, and roast beef sandwiches also punch well above their weight, and pair well with the daily rotating soups.
The Cardiff Country Store is open at 23233 Highway 118. To learn more, visit cardiffcountrystore.com.
An apple club grilled cheese from Corner Bites Eatery in Lindsay
At Corner Bites Eatery in Lindsay, everything is made fresh daily, including classic signature sandwiches and rotating specials. In store, you can also find a selection of homemade dinner foods, including lasagna, meat pies, and shepherd’s pie, as well as a popular butternut squash and apple soup that can be served fresh or taken home frozen by the litre. (Photo courtesy of Corner Bites Eatery)
Lindsay has no shortage of good sammies on the lineup, but Corner Bites Eatery has been a staple in the community for nine years.
Patrick Buhr and Sandy St. Amand have created a restaurant that’s focused on daily fresh home-style meals that are comforting and of high quality. There are also scones, butter tarts, fruit tarts, and other baked goods made fresh daily.
While the customer favourites change with the season, the corned beef is often high on the list, as well as the apple club grilled cheese, made with bacon, chicken breast, cheddar cheese, and a housemade sweet apple butter.
At Corner Bites, you’ll also find rotating specials like a Cuban grilled cheese made with shaved pork roast, black forest ham, mozzarella, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and mayonnaise. That sandwich will be sticking around for the new fall menu, which will also see the return of a sloppy Joe grilled cheese and other fall comforts.
The eatery also serves homemade dinner foods, including individual portions of lasagna, meat pies, and shepherd’s pie, as well as a popular butternut squash and apple soup that can be served fresh or purchased frozen by the litre.
Corner Bites Eatery is located at 169 Kent Street West in Lindsay. To learn more, visit cornerbites.ca.
“The Best Samwiches in Town” at Sam’s Place in Peterborough
Every week, Sam’s Place in downtown Peterborough offers a new sandwich special with a creative and welcoming name. For 16 years, this deli has been known to serve “The Best Samwiches in Town” using locally sourced bread, cheese, and meat that’s cured and smoked in-house. (Photo courtesy of Sam’s Place)
We probably don’t need to tell you to check Sam’s Place every week to find the weekly feature, but it’s on our round-up anyway! Just last month, the downtown Peterborough eatery celebrated 16 years of selling “The Best Samwiches In Town.”
Owned and operated by Sam Sayer, Sam’s Place continues to be a favourite among locals and there’s a reason for it. All the pork and beef come from Otonabee Meat Packers in Otonabee-South Monaghan and gets cured and smoked right in house in the deli. The bread comes from Kawartha Wholesale Bakery in Lindsay and the cheese from Empire Cheese Company in Campbellford — meaning the sandwiches at Sam’s Place truly offer a taste of the Kawarthas region.
One of the most beloved sandwiches is the California Club, complete with a quarter-pound of house-smoked sliced turkey, lots of vegetables, and old white cheddar on toasted marble rye. Other loved ones are the Mack Attack, the barbeque beef brisket, and the Italian Club which is Sayer’s personal favourite.
You’ll also find a whole collection of vegetarian-friendly sandwiches from a smoked tofu to an egg salad and grilled cheese.
Sayer says one of the most enjoyable parts of her job is coming up with the creative names of some of the sammies, which are inspired by the news, friends, customers, and inside jokes between friends.
Sam’s Place Deli is located at 188 Hunter Street West in Peterborough. To learn more, visit www.samsplace.ca.
A fast-selling meatball sub hidden in a retro store at The Counter on King in Colborne
When it’s meatball sub day at The Counter on King in Colborne, you’ll want to pre-order because these sandwiches made with homemade meatballs sell fast. Hidden inside nostalgic retro shop Retro Rewind, The Counter on King has one feature menu item per day, with the weekly menu announced every Monday. (Photo courtesy of The Counter on King)
When it’s meatball sub day at The Counter on King located inside Retro Rewind in Colborne, you’ll want to pre-order as soon as possible. When the subs made with homemade meatballs, slow-simmered marinara sauce, and melted cheese in a garlic bun are gone, they’re gone — and they sell fast!
Hidden within a nostalgia-inducing store full of throwback treasures, The Counter on King — founded by Geoff Davis, who brings more than 20 years of experience as a chef, and baker Krista Goddard — become a regular lunch spot for many locals.
Davis and Goddard save you from having to make a difficult decision because there’s only one featured item on the menu each day. The week’s menu is posted on Monday with high sellers and favourites constantly on rotation, alongside all-new sammies and occasional alternative lunches like shawarmas and donairs. The daily lunch combo features a sandwhich, choice of soup or side salad, cookie, and a canned beverage.
Everything is purchased for the day, so once it’s sold out, it’s sold out. But that just means everything is prepared fresh and never frozen.
At Counter on King, you’ll also find baked goods on rotation, including daily muffins, scones, croissants, and cookies, while from Thursday to Saturday you’ll find additional specialty desserts like cheesecakes, crème brulees, and mini pies.
The Counter on King is located inside Retro Rewind is open at 8 King Street East in Colborne. To learn more and keep up with the menu for the week, follow The Counter on King on Facebook.
The Chicken BLT at Wattle & Daub, a non-profit social enterprise in Bancroft
One of the most popular sandwiches at Wattle & Daub in Bancroft is the Chicken BLT, made with a full roasted chicken breast and layered with bacon, Swiss cheese, tomato, lettuce, and a signature spicy mayo on an artisan bun. Boasting a new courtyard, Wattle & Daub is a social enterprise supporting Bancroft Community Transit, which provides door-to-door transportation across North Hastings. (Photo courtesy of Wattle & Daub)
Wattle & Daub in Bancroft is often talked about both by locals and visitors not just for the exceptional customer service, but also for the hearty signature sandwiches on the menu.
Everything on the sandwiches at Wattle & Daub is housemade using ingredients sourced as close to home as possible. Customers often come for the original Chicken BLT, made with a full roasted chicken breast and Swiss cheese, or the Chicken Pesto Panini, made with a signature pesto mayo and topped with Havarti cheese.
Want to go even bigger? Meat-lovers may be drawn to the Great Canadian Grilled Cheese Panini, made with smoked cheddar and black forest ham, while the Ultimate Green Sandwich is a vegetarian’s dream with edamame, avocado, pickled onion, cucumber, and fresh arugula.
Wattle & Daub is very flexible when it comes to allergies and dietary restrictions, and all sandwiches can be made on gluten-free bread.
While picking up a sandwich to go or enjoying it in the new courtyard, be sure to check out the homemade baked goods on rotation, including butter tarts, Chelsea buns, famous large cookies, tea biscuits, and so much more.
What’s more, you can feel good about loading up and spending your money at Wattle & Daub because you’ll be giving right back to the community. The beloved café is a non-profit social enterprise that supports Bancroft Community Transit, which provides door-to-door public transportation across North Hastings.
Wattle & Daub Café is located at 26B Station Street in Bancroft. To find out more, follow Wattle & Daub on Facebook.
Kawartha Localist is an editorial series from kawarthaNOW celebrating the places, experiences, businesses, and communities that make our region extraordinary. Written by people who live here, work here, and have spent nearly 30 years exploring the Kawarthas and surrounding region, each edition shares trusted local recommendations, hidden gems, and favourite discoveries from across Peterborough County, the City of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, Haliburton County, and Hastings Highlands.
Whether you’re looking for your next hiking trail, favourite patio, scenic drive, farmers’ market, or weekend adventure, Kawartha Localist is what we love about where we live.
Jeff Menzies and Bill Harris of Kawartha Ethanol with Michael Skinner and Jamie Mason of Miranda Water Technologies at Kawartha Ethanol's Havelock facility during an industrial wastewater treatment pilot using Miranda's MC200 Miracell Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) system, which removed more than 98 per cent of targeted contaminants under tested operating conditions. (Photo courtesy of Miranda Water Technologies)
A successful pilot of wastewater treatment technology from Miranda Water Technologies has led Kawartha Ethanol to agree to purchase the technology for use at its Havelock facility.
Miranda announced Tuesday (October 13) that a pilot using its MC200 Miracell Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) system at Kawartha Ethanol achieved greater than 98 per cent removal of targeted contaminants under the tested operating conditions.
Based on the results, Kawartha Ethanol has agreed to purchase the system along with additional Miranda filtration and treatment technologies, as part of a broader initiative to recover and manage waste streams at its ethanol and alcohol production facility.
The project represents Miranda’s first deployment of its Miracell technology in the specialized industrial wastewater market in North America, extending a technology previously used for community-scale wastewater treatment into high-strength industrial applications.
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Since 2008, Miranda has been a globally recognized leader in supporting the sustainable and environmentally friendly treatment of water and wastewater with water reuse systems for commercial and residential areas. Deployed in more than 40 countries across six continents, the company has 1,200 installations running globally, treating about 60 million litres of wastewater every day.
While Miranda was originally founded in Türkiye, Peterborough investment company Viva Industries Inc. acquired the majority of the shares in 2024. Miranda now operates a Canadian office in Keene as well as offices in Ankara in Türkiye and in Providenciales in Turks and Caicos Islands.
During the Kawartha Ethanol pilot, Miranda’s North American team worked with its environmental, process, and manufacturing engineers in Türkiye, continually evaluating data and adjusting operating parameters to develop a treatment process suited to Kawartha Ethanol’s wastewater and changing production conditions.
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“It was a pleasure working alongside the Kawartha Ethanol team and benefiting from the extensive operational and technical expertise of its staff throughout the pilot project,” said Miranda Water Technologies president and CEO Michael Skinner.
“This was a highly collaborative process that brought together Kawartha Ethanol’s industry knowledge with the environmental, process, and manufacturing expertise of Miranda’s Canadian and Turkish teams.”
Skinner said the results demonstrate the potential for Miranda’s Miracell RBC, filtration, and SmartCell technologies to treat challenging industrial wastewater streams.
The final system at Kawartha Ethanol will combine biological treatment with additional filtration and treatment technologies designed for the characteristics of the facility’s industrial wastewater.
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The project will also incorporate an industrial version of Miranda’s SmartCell intelligent control and optimization platform. SmartCell will provide centralized process control, performance monitoring, and operational data collection, allowing the treatment system to be evaluated and adjusted as production conditions and the characteristics of wastewater change.
The technology has roots in a collaboration Miranda announced with Fleming College in Peterborough in 2024. Working with Fleming’s Centre for Applied Machine Intelligence and Integration Technologies, Miranda began developing a SmartCell control module for the Miracell system that uses sensors to monitor wastewater characteristics and treatment performance in real time.
The aim was to replace or supplement less frequent laboratory sampling with continuous information that could help operators optimize treatment.
At the time, Skinner described the intelligent monitoring and data-management component as a Canadian innovation being added to Miranda’s established wastewater technology.
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The Kawartha Ethanol project takes that concept into a more complex industrial environment, with Miranda establishing operating parameters for a SmartCell platform specifically intended for industrial wastewater.
“It has been a great experience for our team to leverage Miranda’s environmental engineering capabilities and manufacturing design expertise to develop a highly efficient treatment process,” said Kawartha Ethanol president Darrell Drain.
“We look forward to seeing the additional improvements Miranda will bring to this project and to the broader industrial wastewater sector.”
Miranda plans to use the operating experience and performance data collected through the Kawartha Ethanol project to further develop its technologies for high-strength wastewater, resource recovery, filtration, biological treatment, and intelligent process control.
Kawartha Ethanol began constructing its Havelock plant in 2007 and began producing fuel-grade ethanol in 2010. The facility was later expanded to produce premium alcohol products under the Kawartha Premium Alcohols brand. The company produces ethanol from corn and controls several stages of its supply chain, including growing corn, operating grain elevators, and processing the crop at its Havelock facility.
Kawartha Ethanol’s fuel-grade ethanol is sold through major oil and fuel companies in Ontario and Quebec, while its premium alcohol products are sold both domestically and internationally. The company also sells co-products from the distillation process, including wet and dry distillers grains used as livestock feed in the Kawarthas.
Kawartha Lakes Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are seeking to identify this man in connection with an unprovoked assault in Fenelon Falls on October 10, 2026. (Police-supplied photo)
Kawartha Lakes Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are asking the public to help identify a person of interest in connection with an assault in Fenelon Falls early Saturday evening (October 10).
At around 6:15 p.m. Saturday, officer responded to a report of a person who was assaulted on Francis Street in Fenelon Falls.
According to police, a man punched the victim in the face without provocation.
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Police are seeking to identify a white man, around six feet tall with a medium build, wearing a blue/black plaid shirt and with a tattoo visible on his left hand.
Anyone who recognizes the person, or who has information related to this incident, is asked to contact City of Kawartha Lakes OPP at 1-888-310-1122 and refer to incident number E261473481.
To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip online through Kawartha Haliburton Crime Stoppers at www.khcrimestoppers.com.
A video provided by a group claiming to be Palestine Action Canada showing red paint being splattered on the entrance to GeoSpectrum Technologies Inc. on Whittington Drive in Peterborough in the early morning hours of October 12, 2026. (kawarthaNOW screenshot)
Peterborough police are investigating vandalism at a local defence technology company as a hate/bias crime incident after red paint and writing were discovered on the company’s building during the long weekend.
The Peterborough Police Service announced Tuesday (October 13) it is investigating damage at GeoSpectrum Technologies Inc. on Whittington Drive, including damage to the exterior of the building and an outdoor communications box.
Police said a concerned citizen spotted red paint and writing on the business and contacted officers. Investigators believe the damage occurred sometime overnight between Sunday and Monday.
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Police said their investigation determined GeoSpectrum “may have been targeted because of its parent company Elbit Systems.”
A group claiming to be Palestine Action Canada said it was responsible for the vandalism in an email sent to kawarthaNOW shortly before 8 a.m. on Monday. The email included a link to a video showing the vandalism.
The group said it had targeted GeoSpectrum in the early hours of Monday because the company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems, an Israel-based defence technology company.
The provided video shows a masked individual apparently interfering with unidentified equipment. Later in the video, a masked individual threatens to smash a window with a hammer before another individual, not shown in the video, splatters red paint around an entrance to the building.
Peterborough police say the video, which was also shared on social media, is part of their investigation.
A video provided by a group claiming to be Palestine Action Canada showing a masked individual interfering with unidentified equipment in the early morning hours of October 12, 2026. Peterborough police said an outdoor communications box was damaged at GeoSpectrum Technologies Inc. on Whittington Drive in Peterborough. (kawarthaNOW screenshot)
GeoSpectrum Technologies develops and manufactures marine acoustic systems, including sonar, underwater communication technology, submarine targets, and surveillance systems for defence and other applications.
Elbit Systems describes GeoSpectrum as its wholly owned Canadian subsidiary. GeoSpectrum has also worked with the Canadian military, including conducting trials of its Towed Reelable Active Passive Sonar system aboard Royal Canadian Navy vessels with the involvement of Defence Research and Development Canada.
In its statement to kawarthaNOW, Palestine Action Canada accused Elbit Systems and companies connected to it of contributing to Israel’s military operations in Gaza and elsewhere.
The group called for the federal government and Canadian companies to end business relationships with Elbit Systems, saying it would continue taking direct action in the absence of sanctions and an arms embargo.
“We take action to directly confront Canadian complicity in arming this genocide,” the group stated.
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Palestine Action Canada has previously claimed responsibility for similar actions against Canadian companies it says are connected to the Israeli defence industry.
In July, the group claimed responsibility for targeting Dishon Limited, a manufacturer in Concord, north of Toronto.
Days later, according to a July investigation by Juno News, participants in an online strategy session organized as part of the Arms Embargo Now campaign were directed to materials identifying dozens of Canadian companies that activists said supplied or were connected to Israel’s defence industry.
A document associated with that campaign included GeoSpectrum Technologies’ Peterborough location among companies identified in connection with Elbit Systems.
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The activities of Palestine Action Canada have also prompted calls for the federal government to designate the group as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code.
A House of Commons e-petition that closed in September called on the federal government to designate Palestine Action, including what the petition described as its Canadian chapter, as a listed terrorist entity.
The petition cited the July incident involving Dishon Limited as evidence the group’s campaign of direct action against businesses was operating in Canada.
Palestine Action was formally proscribed as a terrorist organization in the United Kingdom in July 2025 under that country’s Terrorism Act 2000. The designation followed a break-in and damage at Royal Air Force Brize Norton and other actions by the organization against defence companies and institutions. The UK Court of Appeal upheld the government’s decision in June 2026.
The Government of Canada has not listed Palestine Action or Palestine Action Canada as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code.
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Peterborough police said they have classified the incident at GeoSpectrum as a hate/bias crime incident and that the investigation remains ongoing.
“Hate has no place in our community,” said Peterborough police chief Stuart Betts in a media release.
“We thank the concerned citizen for alerting our officers to the damage to this business. The investigation is ongoing and any further details will be released when available.”
Anyone with information or video related to the incident can contact the Peterborough Police Service crime line at 705-876-1122 ext. 555.
Anonymous information can be provided through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or at stopcrimehere.ca.
With the 2026 municipal election taking place on Monday, October 26, internet and telephone voting is underway in the City of Peterborough and the eight municipalities in Peterborough County. (kawarthaNOW collage)
Prior to the municipal election on October 26, kawarthaNOW has published 29 stories about mayoral and councillor candidates in the City of Peterborough and the candidates running for office in each of the eight municipalities that form Peterborough County.
In the City of Peterborough, the stories include interviews with each of the seven mayoral candidates, along with questions for the mayor candidates on key issues affecting the city, with responses published in their own words. For the candidates running in each of the city’s five wards, the stories include introductions to the platforms of each candidate and questions on key issues affecting their wards and the city as a whole, with responses in their own words.
Similarly, for the candidates for mayor, deputy mayor, and councillor in each of the eight Peterborough County municipalities — Township of Asphodel-Norwood, Township of Cavan Monaghan, Township of Douro-Dummer, Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, Township of North Kawartha, Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan, Township of Selwyn, and Municipality of Trent Lakes — kawarthaNOW has published in-their-own-words responses to the question “Why are you running for council and what makes you a unique candidate?”
With internet and telephone voting underway in the City of Peterborough as of October 5 and, in the individual municipalities in Peterborough County, as of Tuesday (October 13), kawarthaNOW has consolidated its coverage below for the convenience of voters.
How will Peterborough’s next mayor tackle housing affordability and homelessness?
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | September 25, 2026
Ahead of the October 26 election, seven mayoral candidates share their approaches to neighbourhood growth, affordable housing, and mental health and addictions supports.
Questions for City of Peterborough ward candidates
Peterborough ward candidates lay out their visions for the city’s economic future
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | August 7, 2026
As part of a multi-story series on the municipal election, kawarthaNOW asks ward candidates how Peterborough should approach economic development strategies and opportunities.
Selwyn Township candidates tell voters why they are seeking office
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | September 1, 2026
One acclaimed incumbent and four candidates in contested ward races introduce their campaigns in Peterborough County’s most populous municipality.
Havelock-Belmont-Methuen council candidates make their case to voters
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | September 4, 2026
Election hopefuls in the Peterborough County township discuss community service, responsible decision-making, and planning for the municipality’s future.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the entire Kawarthas region for rain and thunderstorms starting Monday night (October 12) and continuing into Tuesday afternoon or evening.
The special weather statement is in effect for Peterborough County, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, Haliburton County, and Hastings Highlands.
A moisture-laden low pressure system will push into the region Tuesday night, bringing with it showers and the risk for thunderstorms.
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Modest amounts of instability are expected to build in overnight through Tuesday. This will lead to the risk for potentially severe thunderstorms, as well as heavy rainfall, through the day on Tuesday.
Local rainfall amounts of 40 to 60 millimetres are possible. Water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas.
The rain and thunderstorm risk is expected to clear from west to east Tuesday afternoon or early Tuesday evening.
The logo for La Copa by Imperial, an upscale Spanish and Mediterranean social bar from the team behind Imperial Tandoor and Agave by Imperial, opening soon at 224 Hunter Street West in downtown Peterborough. (Graphic courtesy of Imperial Group)
Happy Thanksgiving, and welcome to this week’s edition of businessNOW.
Publishing on Thanksgiving Monday feels like the right time to say thank you. I hope you will join me in gratitude for communities that keep growing, with new businesses opening their doors, moving and expanding, and with Lakefield downtown rebuilding and showing the resilience that makes it such a special place.
I’m also grateful for how engaged our communities are heading into the municipal election. Whoever you’re supporting, thank you for asking questions, showing up, and caring about the future of Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
This edition is also full of milestones. The Venue Peterborough is marking five years of family ownership, Hard Winter Bakery is celebrating six years in East City, and Lakefield Rentals & Sales has reached 40 years in business. It’s a reminder that longevity in business is built on loyal customers, and every one of us who chooses to shop local plays a part in that.
Thank you for reading, and for supporting the local businesses you’ll meet below. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
La Copa by Imperial to bring Spanish and Mediterranean social bar to downtown Peterborough
Renovations underway earlier this fall at the former Kettle Drums restaurant location at 224 Hunter Street West in downtown Peterborough, which is the home of the new La Copa by Imperial, an upscale Spanish and Mediterranean social bar, expected to open in early November 2026. (Photo courtesy of Imperial Group)
The team behind two well-known Peterborough restaurants is preparing to add a new dining and social destination to downtown’s Hunter Street corridor.
La Copa by Imperial is expected to open in early November at 224 Hunter Street West, in the former Kettle Drums restaurant location. The new venture is from Imperial Group, the local hospitality team behind The Imperial Tandoor on Lansdowne Street and Agave by Imperial on George Street North.
The group is led by cousins and business partners Jim Grover and Manish Choudhry, who opened Imperial Tandoor in 2017 before expanding downtown with Agave by Imperial, a Mexican restaurant and bar.
The owners say the support they have received from customers since opening their first restaurant helped make the expansion possible.
“Every visit, recommendation, and celebration shared with us has helped make this next chapter possible,” they say. “With La Copa, we want to bring something fresh to Peterborough’s culinary scene, with Mediterranean and Spanish-inspired food, freshly prepared with the same care we put into our other two restaurants.”
Described as an upscale Spanish and Mediterranean social bar, La Copa will focus on food and drinks designed for sharing and lingering over. Early previews point to a menu featuring tapas and paella, mezze, fresh pastas, coastal seafood, artisan pizzas, fire-grilled meats, wine, and creative cocktails.
“Quality is at the heart of what we’re creating, from the food on your plate to the way you feel when you walk through the door,” the owners say.
The new restaurant is being positioned for both a glass of wine and a few small plates as well as longer dinners and evenings out with friends. The owners say they are creating a welcoming setting for birthdays, anniversaries, evenings with friends, and everyday occasions worth celebrating.
“Our hope is that La Copa becomes part of your memories, just as this community has become part of ours,” they say.
Imperial Group is currently recruiting its opening team, including bartenders, servers, cooks, pizza makers, prep cooks, and dishwashers. The owners say the new restaurant also represents their ongoing commitment to the community.
“We love Peterborough, and whenever we have the opportunity, we want to keep investing here,” they say. “We’re grateful to be opening another place where we can welcome you around the table.”
An exact opening date, hours, full menu, and reservation details have not yet been announced.
For more information on the opening, follow La Copa by Imperial on Instagram at @copabyimperial.
The Venue Peterborough celebrating five years of family ownership on October 14
The Venue, the event space at 286 George Street North in downtown Peterborough that Kevin and April Sendel purchased in 2021, will mark five years of family ownership with a reception on October 14, 2026. (Photo courtesy of The Venue Peterborough)
Kevin and April Sendel will celebrate five years of family ownership of The Venue Peterborough with an afternoon reception on Wednesday (October 14).
The Sendels purchased the downtown event space in 2021 from Michael and Catia Skinner, bringing more than a decade of event-industry experience through their Personal Touch Catering and Personal Touch Banquet Hall businesses. They continue to operate both businesses alongside The Venue.
Over the past five years, The Venue has continued to host weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, community initiatives, and celebrations for clients across the region.
Community leaders, business partners, clients, and local organizations are invited to join the celebration from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at The Venue at 286 George Street North in downtown Peterborough.
The event will include welcome remarks, community highlights, guided venue tours, and light refreshments. RSVP by email to tiffany@venueptbo.ca.
Kawartha Apparel launches T-shirt of the Month Club on October 15
Kawartha Apparel is launching a T-shirt of the Month Club on October 15, 2026, offering subscribers 12 exclusive T-shirts over 12 months. (Graphic courtesy of Kawartha Apparel)
Erin Shannon-Hill owner of Kawartha Apparel is introducing a T-shirt of the Month Club, offering subscribers 12 exclusive T-shirts over 12 months, with a new design released each month.
The club launches on Thursday (October 15) with the brand’s Christmas drop. Subscribers can select their size but will not see designs in advance, adding an element of surprise to the subscription. Each club-only design will remain exclusive and will not be added to Kawartha Apparel’s regular collection.
The first shirt is expected to ship at the end of January, making the new subscription a locally inspired holiday-gift option for Kawartha apparel fans.
One year after the fire, Kawartha Home Hardware prepares to rebuild in downtown Lakefield
Kawartha Home Hardware general manager Garnet Hinds at the site of the former historic Kawartha Home Hardware building at 24 Queen Street in downtown Lakefield, which was demolished after being severely damaged in a fire on October 9, 2025. In a video posted on social media on October 8, 2026, Hinds says construction on a new building is ready to proceed. (kawarthaNOW screenshot)
It was one year on October 9 since a fire destroyed the historic Kawartha Home Hardware building at 24 Queen Street in downtown Lakefield, and the business says its rebuild is about to begin. In a video posted at the vacant site, general manager Garnet Hinds thanked the community for its support over the past year and said the business is “inches away from digging our new hole.”
Since December, Kawartha Home Hardware has operated from a temporary store across the street at 25 Queen Street. The owners have been clear from the start that they intend to rebuild at the original location and stay in Lakefield. The fire also affected neighbouring businesses and displaced the residents of the apartments above the store, and the community rallied around all of them.
Congratulations to the team on reaching this milestone, and here’s to watching a new building rise on that corner.
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Lakefield Rentals & Sales marks 40 years as a Lakefield mainstay
Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark, Lakefield Rentals & Sales owner-operators Sue and Dave Garrett, and Selwyn Township Mayor Sherry Senis recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of the family-run business. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough County)
Lakefield Rentals & Sales is celebrating 40 years in business, marking four decades as a trusted local resource for equipment rentals and sales.
Owner-operator Dave Garrett and his wife Sue were recently joined by Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark and Selwyn Township mayor Sherry Senis to mark the milestone.
Operating from 94 Queen Street in downtown Lakefield, the family-run business offers a broad range of equipment, including Bobcats, mini excavators, chainsaws, floor sanders, scaffolds, concrete mixers, portable generators, air compressors, and power tools.
For 40 years, Lakefield Rentals & Sales has been an important part of the Lakefield business community, helping customers tackle projects while building the lasting relationships that underpin a strong local economy.
Hard Winter Bakery celebrates six years in Peterborough’s East City
Fresh loaves of bread at Hard Winter Bakery, which is celebrating six years of its East City storefront at 133 Hunter Street East in Peterborough, which opened on the Thanksgiving weekend in 2020. (Photo courtesy of Hard Winter Bakery)
Hard Winter Bakery is celebrating six years in Peterborough’s East City.
Located at 133 Hunter Street East, the bakery thanked customers for making it part of their daily routines and special meals.
Owners Graham Thoem and Jessica Arsenault originally launched Hard Winter Bread Company in Lakefield in 2014. The couple, who have been married since 2006 and have two young sons, had no storefront location and were selling their products at local farmers’ markets and selected restaurants and specialty food shops.
That all changed when they opened their bakery in East City, just across the street from the Liftlock Foodland, on the Thanksgiving weekend in 2020. Since then, Hard Winter Bakery has been a popular destination for locals.
Foundry Pizza brings Detroit-style pan pizzas to downtown Peterborough
A Detroit-style pan pizza at Foundry Pizza at 379 Water Street in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Foundry Pizza)
Foundry Pizza has opened at 379 Water Street in downtown Peterborough, specializing in Detroit-style pan pizzas and stuffed sandwiches.
The new venture comes from the local family behind the former Revelstoke Café and Bar 379 in the same location. Revelstoke Café began as a plant-based café in 2019, while Bar 379 opened in the Water Street space in 2024, making Foundry Pizza the group’s newest addition to Peterborough’s food scene.
Foundry Pizza’s deep-pan pizzas and stuffed sandwiches are made fresh daily. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 8 p.m., with pickup orders available at 705-741-2222 and delivery through Uber Eats.
For more information and regular updates, follow Foundry Pizza on Instagram at @thefoundrypizza.
Downtown Peterborough welcomes a wave of new businesses
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) recently shared a roundup of new businesses opening in downtown Peterborough. (Graphic courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
Foundry Pizza is just one of a number of new businesses that have opened or are opening in downtown Peterborough and East City, according to a recent roundup from the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA).
Other new businesses include Curate & Co. by KDI at 386 Water Street, Malabar Kitchen at 221 Hunter Street, Oogeema Ganoo at 410 Chambers Street, Chowk at 343 George Street, and Desi Dugout at 197 Hunter Street.
Two more businesses are also on the way: Copa by Imperial in the former Kettle Drums location at 224 Hunter Street West (see our story above) and Living Local Marketplace in East City in the former location of Take Cover Books, which recently moved across the Hunter Street bridge to 391 Water Street in downtown Peterborough (covered in a previous edition of businessNOW).
Together, the additions expand the city’s growing mix of retail and food and drink offerings.
Lift Lock Therapy moves to 260 Milroy Drive
Evan Coghlan, registered psychotherapist and clinical director of Lift Lock Therapy, during a play-based therapy session. The practice has moved to 260 Milroy Drive in Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Lift Lock Therapy)
Lift Lock Therapy, a family psychotherapy practice serving Peterborough and offering online appointments across Ontario, has moved to a new location at 260 Milroy Drive after four years at 398 McDonnel Street.
The larger space will allow the practice to expand its services and welcome more families at a time when many are struggling to access mental health care locally.
“We are a local practice, but more importantly, we are a part of this community,” said Evan Coghlan, registered psychotherapist and clinical director, in a media release.
To celebrate the move, the practice hosted a free family skate on Thanksgiving Monday at the Miskin Community Complex, where therapists were on hand to chat with families.
Lift Lock Therapy supports children, teens, and parents with challenges related to growing up, parenting, relationships, school, and work. Learn more at liftlocktherapy.com.
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People on the Move
Nancy Wiskel joins Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region as project manager
Nancy Wiskel. (Photo courtesy of Nancy Wiskel)
Nancy Wiskel, owner of DJC Modern Apparel, has joined Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region as a project manager.
The new role brings Wiskel back to the construction industry, where she will support the planning and delivery of affordable housing projects across the Kawarthas.
“I’ll continue operating my clothing store, DJC Modern Apparel, while taking on this new professional opportunity,” Wiskel wrote on LinkedIn. “I’m grateful for the support of everyone who has helped me along the way and excited for what’s ahead.”
Former Peterborough mayor Diane Therrien-Hale joins Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness
Diane Therrien-Hale. (Photo courtesy of Diane Therrien-Hale)
Former Peterborough mayor Diane Therrien-Hale has begun a new role as municipal government relations specialist with the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness.
In announcing the position on LinkedIn, Therrien-Hale said it brings together her experience in government, the non-profit sector, and community activism, while aligning closely with her own values. She will support the national organization’s work toward ending homelessness in Canada.
After serving as Peterborough mayor from 2018 to 2022, Therrien-Hale was senior reearch officer at the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) since February 2023.
Nic Gagliardi of Rise + Run Co. becomes newest tenant at downtown Peterborough’s Commerce Building
Nicole Gagliardi. (Photo courtesy of Nicole Gagliardi)
Nic (Nicole) Gagliardi, owner of Rise + Run Co., is the newest tenant at Ashburnham Realty’s Commerce Building in downtown Peterborough.
Gagliardi was previously co-executive director of the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, joining as a program coordinator in 2014 and taking on increasingly senior leadership roles at the organization until she was appointed as a member of the foundation’s executive team in 2019.
In 2021, she left the foundation to focus on Rise + Run Co., a social enterprise she co-founded with her partner Jason Stabler that supports nonprofits across Canada with strategy, governance, and human resources solutions. The consultancy takes a values-driven, equity-focused approach to helping organizations create systems that are practical, effective, fair, sustainable, and human-centred.
Laken Macfarlane accepts development services coordinator role with City of Peterborough
Laken Macfarlane. (Photo courtesy of Laken Macfarlane)
Laken Macfarlane has accepted the position of development services coordinator with the City of Peterborough’s Planning, Development & Urban Design team.
Macfarlane said the past year with the team has brought new challenges, responsibilities, and valuable learning opportunities. In her permanent role, she looks forward to continuing to support planning processes, improve services, and learn from colleagues across the department.
Earlier this year, Macfarlane received United Way Peterborough & District’s Spirit of the Community Award in recognition of her leadership of the City of Peterborough’s workplace campaign. She has returned to the United Way Cabinet for the current campaign.
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Upcoming Events – October 13 to 27, 2026
Tuesday, October 13 – October Chamber AM with T-Elle Boutique
Host: Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce
Time: 8 to 9 a.m.
Location: T-Elle Boutique by VSL, 131 Charlotte Street, Peterborough
Monthly morning networking for local entrepreneurs and business professionals, hosted by downtown retailer T-Elle Boutique.
Thursday, October 15 – Thinking of Starting Your Own Business? County Tour – Havelock-Belmont-Methuen
Host: Community Futures Peterborough and Peterborough County Economic Development
Time: 8:30 a.m. to noon
Location: Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa Street East, Havelock
Cost: Free
An introductory entrepreneurship session followed by networking and access to financing and advisory resources.
Monday, October 19 – From Startup to Succession
Host: Kawartha Financial Services
Time: 4 to 6 p.m.
Location: Canadian Canoe Museum, 2077 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough
John Kehoe discusses business financial planning from launch and growth to ownership succession.
Monday, October 19 – Kawartha Lakes Small Business Week Kick-Off
Host: Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Bobcaygeon; venue to be confirmed
Tuesday, October 20 – AI for Retail: Work Smarter, Market Better & Get Holiday Ready
Host: Town of Cobourg Economic Development Department
Time: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Venture13, 739 D’Arcy Street, Cobourg
Sofie Andreou leads hands-on AI training for retailers preparing holiday marketing and promotions.
Tuesday, October 20 – The Modern Entrepreneur Experience
Host: Community Futures Peterborough and the Business Advisory Centre
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: The Roy, 380 George Street North, Peterborough
Cost: Free
Small Business Week event featuring workshops on storytelling, e-commerce, local advantage and entrepreneurship, plus networking and lunch.
Tuesday, October 20 – Record Keeping Essentials: Keeping Your Business on Track
Host: Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland
Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Online via Zoom
Carey McMaster covers practical record-keeping, tax documentation and financial organization for small businesses.
Tuesday, October 20 – Your Business Is Making Money… So Where Is the Cash?
Host: Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Location: Hampton Inn Port Hope, 80 Henderson Street, Port Hope
Cost: Free
Shaelene McInnis explains how owners can track and improve business cash flow.
Wednesday, October 21 – How to Build a More Resilient Business
Host: Innovation Cluster – Peterborough and the Kawarthas
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Online
Cost: Free
A webinar on adapting customer relationships and business strategy as AI changes purchasing decisions.
Wednesday, October 21 – Coboconk, Norland and Area Chamber of Commerce AGM
Host: Coboconk, Norland and Area Chamber of Commerce
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Venue to be confirmed
The annual general meeting of the Coboconk, Norland and Area Chamber of Commerce.
Thursday, October 22 – Peterborough and the Kawarthas Business Excellence Awards Gala
Host: Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce
Time: 5:30 p.m. reception; 6:30 p.m. dinner
Location: Kawartha Downs, 1382 County Road 28, Fraserville
Cost: Ticketed (SOLD OUT)
Annual awards recognizing regional businesses, entrepreneurs and organizations.
Thursday, October 22 – Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce AGM
Host: Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Bobcaygeon; venue to be confirmed
The annual general meeting of the Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce takes place during Small Business Week.
Thursday, October 22 – Fenelon Chamber Cocktails and Conversations
Host: Fenelon Falls & District Chamber of Commerce
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Fenelon Falls; venue to be confirmed
Informal business networking during Small Business Week.
Tuesday, October 27 – Women in Business Networking Event
Host: Community Futures Development Corporation of North & Central Hastings and South Algonquin
Time: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Location: Community Futures, 26 Chemaushgon Road, Bancroft
Cost: Free
Networking and discussion on promoting businesses and products for the holiday season, with guest speakers Sofie Andreou and Carolyn Barker Brown.
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