The redeveloped McLaren Marsh viewing platform at Ken Reid Conservation Area north of Lindsay is also now accessible, allowing more people to enjoy the marsh and its wildlife. (Photo courtesy of Kawartha Conservation)
After more than five years, the redeveloped McLaren Marsh viewing platform at Ken Reid Conservation Area (277 Kenrei Rd., Lindsay) is now open to the public.
“The completion of this project has been a long time coming,” says Director of Stewardship and Conservation Areas Kristie Virgoe. “The viewing platform has always been one of the most recognized and favourite spots for visitors to Ken Reid Conservation Area.”
Kawartha Conservation and the Kawartha Conservation Foundation undertook a multi-year fundraising campaign to construct the new multi-tier, accessible viewing platform.
“We were extremely fortunate to receive a significant private donation which allowed us to move forward with the redevelopment of the viewing platform, as well as a grant from the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program,” Virgoe says.
“In designing the platform, we wanted to ensure it was accessible as well so that the marsh, waterfowl, birds and other wildlife can be enjoyed and appreciated by even more people.”
The new accessible viewing platform can be accessed from a variety of trails, including the Woodland Loop, Rabbit Hollow, Marsh Lookout Trail, and Marsh Boardwalk Trail.
“The addition of the multi-tier viewing platform will be a tremendous addition to Ken Reid Conservation Area,” says Julia Taylor, Chair of the Kawartha Conservation Foundation.
“The Kawartha Conservation Foundation’s mission is to support the vision of Kawartha Conservation by raising funds, promoting awareness, and engaging the community to restore and sustain a healthy environment for future generations, and we’re thrilled to be a part of this exciting redevelopment at Ken Reid.”
The viewing platform passed final inspection on Monday (May 14).
“Having the redeveloped viewing platform will be a wonderful, accessible attraction for visitors,” says Kawartha Conservation CAO Mark Majchrowski.
“This project would not have been possible without the generous financial support of private donors and the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program and, on behalf of all of our visitors, I would like to thank them for making this project possible.”
The inductees of the 2017 Junior Achievement of Peterborough, Lakeland, Muskoka Business Hall of Fame. This year's 11 inductees (Monika Carmichael, Sally Harding, Paul Bennett, Alf and June Curtis, Robert Gauvreau, Paschal McCloskey, Carl Oake, John James (Jack) Stewart, and John A. McColl and James. H. Turner) will be honoured at the induction ceremony and dinner on May 24, 2018 at The Venue in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Niki Allday Photography)
Food and fame are both on the menu for the Junior Achievement of Peterborough, Lakeland, Muskoka (JA) Business Hall of Fame and Induction Ceremony on Thursday, May 24th at The Venue in downtown Peterborough.
Junior Achievement of Peterborough, Lakeland, Muskoka presents 2018 Business Hall of Fame & Induction Ceremony
When:Thursday, May 24, 2018 from 5:30 – 10 p.m. Where: The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: $100
Tickets are available by phone at 705-748-0024 or in person at the JA office (270 George St. N., Peterborough) from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, or online anytime at eventbrite.ca.
Now in its third year, this evening is all about inspiring youth or the next generation of entrepreneurs from across the region by showcasing and sharing the success stories of those individuals whose accomplishments, leadership and commitment to excellence have strengthened our economy and our community.
The 2018 Business Hall of Fame inductees are Monika Carmichael, Sally Harding, Paul Bennett, Alf and June Curtis, Robert Gauvreau, Paschal McCloskey, and Carl Oake. Posthumous inductees include John James (Jack) Stewart, John A. McColl and James. H. Turner.
The Business Hall of Fame and Induction Ceremony has earned a reputation for fabulous food and delicious networking opportunities.
Organizer Marina Wilke — who is also emceeing along with Rosalea Terry — says this year’s event will build on the success of past events.
“The culinary showcase is my favourite part,” says Wilke. “It’s just all so delicious.”
Guests at the 2017 Business Hall of Fame & Induction Ceremony enjoying a selection of desserts. This year’s Culinary Showcase features food from Curry Village, BE Catering, The Imperial Tandoor, Fresh Dreams, La Mesita Restaurante, The Pin, Little Sweets, and Sweet Spirits and beverages from Amuse Coffee Co. and Publican House Brewery. (Photo: Niki Allday Photography)
With doors at the Venue opening at 5:30 p.m., guests are welcomed to enjoy the move and pick food and beverage stations and three different bars will be available for patrons to visit.
“There’s lots of time for the food,” Wilke says. “This is all about mingling.”
Even the Culinary Showcase participants are local entrepreneurs and Wilke says they all get lots of exposure during the party.
This year’s Culinary Showcase promises appetizers from Curry Village, including onion patty and a delicious cauliflower dish. BE Catering is offering their mini local organic shawarma (the vegan alternative is a chickpea and mint fritter) with lemony hummus, lightly pickled vegetables, and local sprouts, on their handmade grilled pita triangles.
Just like at last year’s event, there will be plenty of time to mix and mingle and enjoy food and beverages before the 2018 Business Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Photo: Niki Allday Photography)
Main dishes are being presented by The Imperial Tandoor, Fresh Dreams, Rare Grillhouse and La Mesita Restaurante will be serving their delicious cochinita pibil (Mayan Pulled Pork).
Wilke says to leave some room for dessert as well because The Pin is serving up their famous meringue nests with lemon curd and fresh berries. Little Sweets and Sweet Spirits also join the dessert team for the Showcase. Amuse Coffee Co and The Publican House Brewery round out the event with their popular beverages.
Once everyone is filled with food, the Hall of Fame and Induction rolls with the inspirational success stories of each of this year’s nominees inductees at 7 p.m.
Rosalea Terry and Marina Wilke are the co-hosts of the 2018 Business Hall of Fame & Induction Ceremony. (Photo: Heather Doughty Photography)
Since 2007, Junior Achievement of Peterborough, Lakeland, Muskoka has been offering financial literacy, entrepreneurial and workplace readiness education to students in an area that stretches from the Grey-Bruce Peninsula to the Quebec border.
Dedicated to spreading the entrepreneurial spirit in rural communities and to help young people stay in the small towns and villages where they grew up, Junior Achievement of Peterborough, Lakeland, Muskoka works with business partners to deliver inspiring programming to children and youth.
Tickets to the third Junior Achievement of Peterborough, Lakeland, Muskoka Business Hall of Fame and Induction Ceremony are $100 and can be purchased by phone at 705-748-0024 or in person at the JA office (270 George St. N., Peterborough) from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, or online anytime at www.eventbrite.ca/e/2018-ja-business-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremony-tickets-42952720744.
At the sold-out Mayor's Luncheon for the Arts on May 25, 2018, the inaugural Peterborough Arts Awards will be presented to recognize outstanding achievement in the arts. The awards were conceived by the late Liz Bierk and Su Ditta (second from left), championed by LLF Lawyers partner and photographer Bill Lockington (front centre), and have been sponsored over five years by (from left to right) Merit Realty Limited (represented by by Shelley Barrie), BrandHealth (represented by Paul Hickey), Kate and Alex Ramsay (represnted by Kate Ramsay, behind Bill Lockington), and Betty and Bill Morris (represented by Betty Morris). Also pictured are Bill Kimball of Public Energy (the charitable trustee for the Peterborough Arts Awards) and writer and performer Kate Story. Not pictured: sponsor Paul Bennett of Ashburnam Realty. (Photo: Tammy Thorne / kawarthaNOW.com)
At the Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts on May 25th, the Peterborough Arts Awards, which recognize outstanding achievement in the local arts community, will be presented for the first time.
While these are the inaugural awards, their roots run deep in the community.
Su Ditta, executive director of the Electric City Culture Council (EC3), recalls how she and Liz Bierk — the wife of renowned local artist David Bierk — first came up with the idea of awards to recognize the arts community.
“Liz and I originally recommended to the City that arts awards be established as a legacy project, for the City Centennial celebrations” Su says.
“I recall a summer day in 2005 in Liz’s backyard where she, Randy Read (artistic director of New Stages Peterborough), and I talked about arts awards. Liz took notes and typed them up. I saved them and we still use those as our core messages for material in organizing this event.”
Liz passed away in 2006 at the age of 52, four years after her husband, but her legacy lives on in through the Bierk Art Fund, Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, established in 2006 to honour her memory and celebrate her life as a patron and advocate for the arts. Six of the Bierk’s seven children, including local artist Alex Bierk, are involved in the arts and music.
The late Liz Bierk with her husband, the late renowned artist David Bierk, in an undated photo. Liz and Su Ditta conceived of the arts awards in 2005, a year before Liz passed away.
While she and Liz conceived of the awards, Su is quick to point out that Bill Lockington — a partner in LLF Lawyers, a photographer and photography teacher, and co-founder of the SPARK Photo Festival — quickly became their champion.
“Around four years ago at the time that EC3 was becoming established, Bill Kimball (of Public Energy) and I visited Bill (Lockington) to explore the idea of the arts awards,” Su recalls. “He immediately agreed and accepted the role of establishing sponsorship of the awards.”
“We had been involved together in the establishment of the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough where one of the pillars was arts and culture,” Bill adds. “About nine months ago, we got really serious about the awards, we set a date, and EC3 and At the sold-out Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts on May 25, 2018, the inaugural Peterborough Arts Awards will be presented to recognize outstanding achievement in the arts. The awards were conceived by the late Liz Bierk and Su Ditta (second from left), championed by LLF Lawyers partner and photographer Bill Lockington (front centre), and have been sponsored over five years by (from left to right) Merit Realty Limited (represented by by Shelley Barrie), BrandHealth (represented by Paul Hickey), Kate and Alex Ramsay (represnted by Kate Ramsay, behind Bill Lockington), and Betty and Bill Morris (represented by Betty Morris). Also pictured are Bill Kimball of Public Energy (the charitable trustee for the Peterborough Arts Awards) and writer and performer Kate Story. Not pictured: sponsor Paul Bennett of Ashburnam Realty. (Photo: Tammy Thorne / kawarthaNOW.com)Su established the criteria and core awards.”
EC3 executive director Su Ditta with awards champion Bill Lockington of LLF Lawyers at the announcement of the inaugural Peterborough Arts Awards, held March 15, 2018 at Art Gallery of Peterborough. (Photo: Tammy Thorne / kawarthaNOW.com)
Six awards of $2,000 each will be presented for artists at the early, middle, and late stages of their careers and for an oustanding Indigenous artist, along with two awards to recognize supporters and faciltators of the arts.
EC3, which is administering the awards, has received more than 50 nominations.
“We have an abundance of creative talent in this community,” Bill says. “What was missing was the recognition — an acknowledgment of the importance of the arts and a recognition of our arts excellence.”
The inaugural Peterborough Arts Awards will be presented during the Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts on May 25, 2018. (Graphic: Electric City Culture Council)
Bill, who points out that almost every community in Canada has an event that recognizes the contribution of the arts, took on the role of organizing the sponsorship of the awards. His goal was to establish a solid foundation of sponsorship for five years to allow room for the awards to grow.
“I had a list of ten businesses and patrons to approach,” he recalls. “Within three days I had received all affirmative responses. We had sponsorship of six awards for five years at a level of $60,000, and we have a sponsor of the event at $10,000. The awards will be self-sustaining for five years.”
“It’s also important that we demonstrate municipal leadership, and we have that through the support of the Mayor and a personal donation.”
The six awards, with their six sponsors, are as follows:
Outstanding Emerging Artist, sponsored by Merit Realty Limited
Outstanding Mid-Career Artist, sponsored by Betty and Bill Morris
Outstanding Senior Artist, sponsored by BrandHealth
Outstanding Achievement by an Indigenous Artist, sponsored by LLF Lawyers
Arts Champion, sponsored by Ashburnham Realty
Arts Catalyst, sponsored by Kate and Alex Ramsay
Peterborough artist and graphic designer Jeff Macklin is creating letterpress certificates for the inaugural Peterborough Arts Awards. (Photo: Jeff Macklin / Facebook)
Appropriately enough, the physical awards are being created by letterpress artist and graphic designer Jeff Macklin of Jackson Creek Press.
“They are letterpress certificates,” Su says. “We felt that it was important to be presenting a work of art by an artist.”
In addition to the awards themselves, The Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts is sponsored by Daryl Bennett: The Liftlock Group, Lett Architects, Basterfield and Associates Landscape Architects, Cherney Properties, and kawarthaNOW.com, with the Office of the Mayor, LLF Lawyers, Monkman Gracie & Johnston Insurance Brokers, BrandHealth and Engage Engineering Ltd. all as table sponsors. Public Energy Performing Arts is the charitable trustee for the Peterborough Arts Awards.
We asked Bill why he thinks it’s important to recognize artists and their contribution to the community.
“The arts are the most underestimated driver of economic development,” he says. “The arts are a huge driver in economic development. People come to our community to attend concerts, performances, to attend openings and studio tours — there is no doubt that the arts are a driver of development.
“Secondly, the value to our citizens is tangible. We enjoy our community more. Our lifestyle is enriched with support of arts and culture.”
Wanda Nanibush, Curator of Indigenous Art at the Art Gallery of Ontario, will be the guest speaker at the Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts on May 25, 2018, where the inaugural Peterborough Arts Awards will be presented. (Photo: Andrew Williamson)
The Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, May 25th at McDonnel St. Activity Centre (577 McDonnel St, Peterborough). Along with the awards presentation, the luncheon features guest speaker Wanda Nanibush, Curator of Indigenous Art at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
The event is sold out; if you want to be added to a waiting list, email electriccitycc@gmail.com.
Juno award-winning indie rock band Wintersleep from Nova Scotia will be performing at 2018 Peterborough Musicfest on Saturday, July 21. (Photo: Scott Munn)
Want some ’80s New Wave with your country? Have a thing for the music of Prince, Bob Seger, or Lady Gaga? Maybe you just want to rock out with The Trews or Big Wreck?
If so, Del Crary Park is the place to be this summer.
Peterborough Musicfest announced its 2018 summer concert series lineup on Tuesday (May 15): an 18-date feast for the ears which includes back-to-back shows by 1980s English new wave/synth pop hitmakers A Flock of Seagulls and Howard Jones.
For the first time since 1984, the four original members of A Flock of Seagulls (Mike Score, Ali Score, Frank Maudsley, and Paul Reynolds) are reuniting to release a new album, “Ascension”, in summer 2018. Most famous for their 1982 hit “I Ran”, the band will be performing at Peterborough Musicfest on July 11. (Photos: A Flock of Seagulls)
While two dates are yet to be filled — the Saturday, June 30th festival series opener and the Wednesday, August 8th performance — the following acts were announced before a large gathering at The Silver Bean:
Saturday, June 30 – Starship featuring Mickey Thomas (psychedelic rock)
Sunday, July 1 – The Jerry Cans (Inuit folk)
Wednesday, July 4 – The Trews (alt rock)
Saturday, July 7 – Magic! (reggae)
Wednesday, July 11 – A Flock of Seagulls (new wave)
Saturday, July 14 – Howard Jones (synth pop)
Wednesday, July 18 – Big Wreck (rock)
Saturday, July 21 – Wintersleep (indie rock)
Wednesday, July 25 – Scott Helman (pop)
Saturday, July 28 – The Reklaws & Tebey (country)
Wednesday, August 1 – JJ and The Pillars & Dwayne Gretzky (multi-artist tribute)
Saturday, August 4 – The Funk Frequency (Prince tribute)
Wednesday, August 8 – Alan Doyle (folk rock)
Saturday, August 11 – Against The Wind (Bob Seger tribute)
Wednesday, August 15 – Terri Clark (country)
Saturday, August 18 – The Legends Tribute (Adele/Lady Gaga/Paul McCartney tribute)
Wednesday, August 22 – Bobby Bazini (folk soul)
Saturday, August 25 – Classic Albums Live: CCR Chronicle Vol 3. (tribute)
[Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include the June 30th and August 8th acts, announced on June 1, 2018.]
VIDEO: “Ukiuq” – The Jerry Cans
“Can you believe it? Season 32!” shouted Musicfest general manager Tracey Randall, noting this year’s festival is being supported by 130 sponsors — 17 of those new.
“Peterborough is still offering free music to the community, one of the very few not-for-profits that runs concerts all summer long in Canada. No fence locking down Del Crary Park, no turnstiles to get in and no $200 concert tickets.”
Although entering her sixth summer as Musicfest general manager, Randall said later that her excitement prior to the lineup reveal is as off the charts as it was in year one.
“I barely sleep … the last two months have been really hectic,” she said, noting she has to secure sponsorship dollars before she knows what she has to spend on acts.
VIDEO: “Dancing in the Dark” (Bruce Springsteen) – Dwayne Gretzky
A huge challenge for her, and one that seems to be more arduous to overcome each year, are radius clauses that often come into play. If an artist is playing a ticketed event within a 100-mile radius of Peterborough, that artist is prevented from playing a free admission Musicfest show.
That, notes Randall, eliminates off the hop some acts she was eyeing for the Fred Anderson Stage.
As for the yet-to-be determined opening night act, Randall is hopeful that will be nailed down soon. She’s set a target date of June 1st to make that announcement. Meanwhile, an announcement regarding the August 8th show is imminent.
“We have to have a diverse lineup,” noted Randall.
“The last few years we’ve tried to get a younger demographic out to the park. Our regulars are going to be there no matter what — the 50 to 70 year olds. We’re trying to reach out to 30 to 45 year olds. We’ve done that this year … you can see that in the lineup.”
VIDEO: “I Cheated On You” – Terri Clark
For his part, Musicfest board chair David Feeley said “there’s a good mix” in the lineup, pointing specifically to the Canada Day concert featuring The Jerry Cans.
“Throat singers: how much more Canadian can you get than that? It’s an art form but it’s good entertainment. From a diversity standpoint, a legend like Terri Clark coming, what more can you ask for.”
Feeley added there are positives heading into the 32nd season, but challenges loom as well.
“The community is still fully behind what we’re doing. It’s supporting with sponsorships and volunteering. That’s growing. But there are so many venues now with so many concerts, which is fine because we’re still free, but radius clauses are a challenge. We really need to step on that a little bit but it’s hard. It really limits options for our stage.”
Feeley is quick to credit both Randall and Musicfest marketing/sales co-ordinator Tashonna McDougall — the only two paid staff — for making it all come together each summer.
Staff of Peterborough Musicfest (Tracey Randall, Tashonna McDougall, Chelsea Boyd, and Lindsay Norman) at the announcement of the 2018 summer concert line-up on Tuesday, May 15th at the Silver Bean Cafe at Millennium Park in Peterborough. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
“I don’t know if you’ve heard the adage about a duck floating along the water and how peaceful it looks, but if you look underwater it’s just going like hell. That’s the way Tracey operates.
“You know if you get a call from Tracey and she has a concern about something, she has a reason to be. She’s got a handle on the event side of Musicfest as well as the business side. Her and Tashonna have gelled so well.”
These seven local small business owners shared $27,000 in grant money in the last intake of Starter Company Plus, a business training program offered through the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre with funding from the Government of Ontario. Applications are currently open for the next intake of the program; before applying, interested entrepreneurs must attend one of the two remaining Starter Company Plus orientation sessions on May 22 or May 29, 2018. (Photo: Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)
In this week’s business news, applications are being accepted for the next intake of Starter Company Plus in Peterborough, iMake iMove offers computer literacy camps for kids this summer, the City of Peterborough moves its bids to a third-party e-procurement solution, aviation services company Flying Colours plans an expansion at the Peterborough Airport which will create 60 new jobs, Harbour Town McCracken’s Landing on Stoney Lake is up for sale, Hannah Keating is the new artistic producer of Artsweek 2018, and MP Jamie Schmale recognizes the Bobcaygeon Chamber Awards of Excellence winners in the House of Commons.
New business events added this week include the May 23rd deadline for nominations for the Peterborough Business Excellence Awards, an Innovation Cluster seminar on “Futurpreneur” on May 23rd, the Lakefield Farmers’ Market opening for the season on May 24th, and the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce’s annual Evening of Excellence on June 1st in Bobcaygeon.
Still time to apply for second intake of Starter Company Plus, with orientation sessions on May 22 and 29
If you have a business idea you want to make a reality, you still have time to apply for the next intake of Starter Company Plus, a business training program offered through the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre with funding from the Government of Ontario.
The free program is designed for aspiring to experienced entrepreneurs 18 years and old in the City and County of Peterborough who are launching a new business, or expanding an existing business that has been operating for five years or less.
VIDEO: Starter Company Plus – Success Stories
If you want to apply, you must first attend one of two remaining Starter Company Plus orientation sessions: from 2:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22nd or on Tuesday, May 29th.
Both sessions take place at the VentureNorth Boardroom (270 George St. N., Peterborough). No registration is required for either of the drop-in orientation sessions; you just need to show up.
The orientation session will provide all the information you will need to apply for the program, including important deadlines, topics that will be covered in the program, the lean canvas, and more. You must attend an orientation session prior to applying to the Starter Company Plus Program.
In addition to receiving guidance and support from Business Advisory Centre staff, business training through a series of interactive workshops, and support in creating a formalized business plan, participants in the program will have the opportunity to submit their business plan and pitch your business idea to compete for one of seven micro-grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.
For full details on Starter Company Plus, including application dates, program description, eligibility requirements, terms and conditions for the program, visit peterboroughed.ca/starter-company-plus.
iMake iMove summer camps make computer literacy fun for kids
An example of a screen-free activity for kids offered at iMake iMove camps: matching computer parts with their names on a magnetic poster. (Photo courtesy of iMake iMove)
Speaking of Starter Company Plus, computer literacy expert Claudia Foung was one of the seven entrepreneurs who shared in the grant money from last year’s program.
Now she is launching her first summer camp programs for children.
Foung is the founder of iMake iMove, which offers unique after-school services for children ages 6 to 12 that blend STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) curriculum with creative and artistic flair.
Kids will learn to code with Microsoft’s Makecode on BBC Micro:bit. (Photo courtesy of iMake iMove)
Her camp’s unique approach is designed to integrate physical activity and art making into the learning of computational thinking for school-aged children. It’s the only camp of its kind in the Peterborough-Kawartha region.
Foung’s computer background includes cloud computing and database and customized desktop application development. Foung has worked for small businesses, corporate enterprises, and a national not-for-profit organization. She is a member of Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator since 2016.
At her iMake iMove camp, children will enjoy creative and active play and learn how computers work. Using real-life analogies, Foung will explains programming concepts in an interesting way that children can understand. Campers will have the opportunity to get hands-on with a variety of resources designed for different age levels, including Makey Makey, littleBites, BBC Microbit, Dash robots, Ozobots, and Chibitronics.
Claudia Foung (far right) was one of seven enterpreneurs who shared $25,000 in micro-grants from the Starter Company Plus program in 2017. (Photo: Tyler Wilson)
“As a mom of two children, I believe it is important to teach my kids computational literacy and inventor skills,” Foung explains. “Kids need to learn future-ready skills for new jobs that many of us can’t even imagine at this moment. At the same time, I am also worried about my children’s physical, mental, and social development when they are exposed to digital devices.”
That’s why Foung has also planned activities that take children away from screens and outside into the fresh air to ensure a happy and healthy experience.
For more information about iMake iMove, including camp dates and prices and registration, visit www.imakeimove.ca
City of Peterborough moves to third-party e-procurement tool for bids
As of today (May 14), the City of Peterborough has officially joined Bids and Tenders, a digital procurement platform.
Phase 1 of the project will allow bidders to view, register, and download bid opportunities online including Requests for Tenders, Quotes and Proposals. Phase 2 will include the ability for bidders to submit bids entirely online and will be introduced in the Fall of 2018.
bids&tenders™ is based on an unlimited-use model that cuts costs for suppliers and allows agencies, such as the City of Peterborough, to use all of the platform’s features.
Suppliers must register and either purchase an annual subscription fee or pay-per-bid at a lower cost. Once vendors subscribe, they have unlimited easy access to up-to-date information relevant to their bids including addenda, reminders, and more. Not only do they have access to all City of Peterborough bids, but every international bid opportunity on the platform as well.
Many municipalities in Ontario are already using bids&tenders, including the County of Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, and the County of Northumberland.
Flying Colours expansion at Peterborough Airport to create 60 new jobs in Peterborough
Flying Colours Corp. is investing $30 million in its facility at the Peterborough Airport, includes construction of a new manufacturing and operations hangar. (Graphic: Flying Colours Corp.)
Flying Colours Corp., a global privately owned and operated aviation services company based in Peterborough, will be investing $30 million in its facility at the Peterborough Airport.
The expansion, which will create 60 new jobs over the next several years while helping to retain 250 existing jobs, includes construction of a new manufacturing and operations hangar. The new hanger will enable increased global business and expanded technical capabilities.
The Province of Ontario is contributing $1 million to the project through a grant under the Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF).
“This investment will accelerate the timing of our project and ensure that new employment opportunities will be created in the Peterborough area,” says John Gillespie, President of Flying Colours. “Flying Colours is excited to build on the Peterborough region’s commitment to the aerospace sector by investing in another expansion that will continue to grow our business with the support of our dedicated employees and partners.”
This project includes the purchase of new equipment, as well as significant engineering and design for customer-specific aircraft requirements.
This is the third and largest such project at Flying Colours in recent years, building on recent investments totaling more than $20 million at its Peterborough site, and will bring its total workforce in Peterborough to over 300.
Harbour Town McCracken’s Landing on Stoney Lake is for sale
Harbour Town McCracken’s Landing on Stoney Lake is on the market for $3.5 million. (Photo: Red Home Media)
Harbour Town McCracken’s Landing on Stoney Lake is for sale, with an asking price of $3.5 million.
The marina includes 68 rental boat slips with hydro service, boat rentals and a water taxi service, a boat launching ramp, and two residential cottages.
The location also a licenced restaurant with waterside patio, a bakery, a small convenience store, and water sports equipment and rentals at Cottage Toys (these businesses have rental leases).
Hannah Keating appointed artistic producer of Artsweek 2018
Hannah Keating is the new Artistic Producer of Artsweek 2018. (Photo courtesy of Electric City Culture Council)
The Board of Directors of the Electric City Culture Council (EC3) has appointed Hannah Keating as Artistic Producer of Artsweek 2018.
Artsweek is Peterborough’s biennial festival of the arts and includes more than 100 artists presenting work in numerous locations around the City of Peterborough. It takes place this year from Friday, September 21st to Sunday, September 30th.
Keating was born and raised in Peterborough. After completing an undergraduate degree in Art History, she acquired her MA in Art History at Carleton University, writing her thesis on a recent body of work by Ottawa-based artist Leslie Reid. She subsequently served as the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s Curatorial Intern of Canadian Art, a position funded by the Canadian Museums Association’s Dr. Shirley L. Thomson Award for Young Curators.
She went on to work at the University of Manitoba School of Art Gallery, where she managed gallery communications and outreach, as well as collections research and curation. Keating returned to Peterborough in May 2017, when she accepted the position of Programming Assistant at Artspace. She has also worked for EC3 and the Art Gallery of Peterborough.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead a project that makes art more visible and accessible to the wider community,” Keating says. “I am also thrilled to take part in a project with such a vibrant legacy and to celebrate the creativity of local artists.”
MP Jamie Schmale recognizes Bobcaygeon Chamber award winners in House of Commons
Jamie Schmale, Conservative MP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, rose in the House of Commons last Wednesday (May 9) to publicly recognize the recipients of the Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Awards of Excellence.
He congratulated all the winners by name and thanked the staff, sponsors, and others involved in organizing the event.
Schmale also congratulated the winners of the recent Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition in Peterborough.
Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area Breakfast Network with Michael Gallant of Lett Architects on May 16
Michael Gallant, Design Principal and Architect of Lett Arhitects, will be speaking about the the downtown vibrancy visionary project at the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area’s Breakfast Network on May 16, 2018. (Photo: Lett Architects)
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is hosting Michael Gallant as the guest speaker at its next Breakfast Network meeting on Wednesday, May 16th at at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
Gallant, a partner with Lett Architects and a member of the DBIA board, will be speaking about the downtown vibrancy visionary project.
Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with Gallant speaking at 8 a.m.
Tickets are $5 at the door and everyone is welcome to attend.
Video interview techniques workshop with Birchbark Media on May 16
The Innovation Cluster’s next “Hands-ON” workshop will be on video interview techniques from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16th at the Innovation Cluster (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Scott Adams, founder of video production and content marketing agency Birchbark Media, will explain how to properly stage and shoot an interview. Topics covered will include lighting, backdrops, camera techniques, framing and composition, and audio setups.
Participants are welcome to bring their cameras but Adams will be providing all necessary gear.
Peterborough-Kawartha all-candidates meeting on housing and small business on May 16
Liberal incumbent Jeff Leal, PC candidate Dave Smith, NDP candidate Sean Conway, and Green Party candidate Gianne Broughton are vying to become the next Peterborough-Kawartha MPP in the June 7, 2018 Ontario election.
Peterborough and the Kawarthas Association of Realtors (PKAR) and the Peterborough & The Kawarthas Home Builders Association are hosting a meeting of Peterborough-Kawartha candidates for the upcoming Ontario election.
The meeting takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16th at the Peterborough Lions Community Centre (347 Burnham St. Peterborough).
Liberal incumbent Jeff Leal along with PC candidate Dave Smith, NDP candidate Sean Conway, and Green Party candidate Gianne Broughton will present their views on housing and home ownership as well as their support of small business.
The panel discussion wil be moderated by 2018 PKAR president Kristi Doyle.
The event is free, and doors open at 6:30 p.m.
As part of the 2015 electoral redistribution, the Peterborough provincial electoral district was renamed Peterborough-Kawartha. The new dictrict no longer includes the Townships of Otonabee-South Monaghan and Asphodel-Norwood and the Hiawatha First Nation (all which are now part of the new Northumberland-Peterborough South riding), but now includes the townships of Trent Lakes and North Kawartha.
Peterborough-Kawartha all-candidates debate on business issues on May 17
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is also hosting an a meeting of Peterborough-Kawartha candidates from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 17th at the Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront (150 George St. N., Peterborough).
Liberal incumbent Jeff Leal, PC candidate Dave Smith, NDP candidate Sean Conway, and Green Party candidate Gianne Broughton will all be attending.
The debate will focus on issues affecting the business community.
Peterborough Business Excellence Awards Deadline on May 23
The winners of the 2018 Peterborough Business Excellence Awards will be announced at the awards ceremony at Showplace Performance Centre on October 17, 2018. (Photo: Peterborough Chamber Of Commerce / Facebook)
The deadline for the Greater Peterborough Chamber Of Commerce’s 2018 Peterborough Business Excellence Awards is 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23rd.
Awards for businesses include Entrepreneurial Spirit, Skilled Trades, Tourism, Hospitality, Micro Business – Fewer Than 5 Employees, Retail, Professional Services, Customer First, Local Focus, Innovation / Research & Development, Commercial Development or Renovation, Marketing & Promotion, Environmental Practices, Health & Wellness, Not-For-Profit, and Employer Of The Year.
Awards for individuals include Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year, 4-Under-40 Profiles, and Business Citizen of the Year.
Finalists will be announced on Thursday, August 9th with the winners announced at the awards ceremony on October 17th at Showplace Performance Centre in Peterborough.
Innovation Cluster hosts Futrepreneur seminar in Peterborough on May 23
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas is hosting “Futrepreneur”, its next Hands-ON seminar, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23rd at the Innovation Cluster (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Ryan Ounjian, Business Development Manager at Futurpreneur Canada, will teach you everything you need to know about what Futurpreneur has to offer, a walk through of their business plan writer, breaking down sections of a business plan, characteristics of an entrepreneur, and more.
Ounjian has extensive knowledge in business operations, specializing in marketing activities and business strategy and business start-ups.
Peterborough-Kawartha all-candidates meeting on May 23
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is also hosting a mmeeting of Peterborough-Kawartha candidates for the upcoming Ontario election from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23rd at the Lakefield Legion (10 Nicholls St., Lakefield0.
Liberal incumbent Jeff Leal, PC candidate Dave Smith, NDP candidate Sean Conway, and Green Party candidate Gianne Broughton will all be attending.
The meeting will feature a question-and-answer session moderated by David Goyette.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and everyone is welcome to attend.
Lakefield Farmers’ Market opens for the season on May 24
The Lakefield Farmers’ Market opens for the season from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 24th in the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre parking lot beside Isabel Morris Park.
This season, the Lakefield Farmers’ Market will be selling freshly brewed coffee as a fundraiser for the market, and will be offering it for free on opening day along with tasty treats.
The market will be featuring the work of Nourish Lakefield in its community booth. After having been involved in launching a community garden at the school, Nourish Lakefield is extending its reach through cooking and canning workshops and this year vendors at the Lakefield Farmer’s Market will redeem Nourish Market Dollars.
Peterborough and Kawartha Tourism will also be at market on opening day with a mobile visitor center showcasing all the great things to see and do in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, and the musical duo of Ean & Eleanor will be providing market customers with lively music throughout the day.
The Lakefield Farmers’ Market is verified by the MyPick program, so all the farmers at the market have been third-party verified as selling only what they have grown. The market also has a wide variety of prepared food vendors who use local ingredients and artisans selling their handcrafted wares.
Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas hosts its annual general meeting on May 31
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas is hosting its annual general meeting from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 31st at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Beginning at 2 p.m., the public can tour The Cube, the Innovation Cluster’s 10,000-square-foot business incubator, and meet some of the region’s most promising start-ups.
The annual general meeting, which is open to the public, takes place at 3 p.m. and will include highlights from 2017.
Lindsay Chamber of Commerce 2018 Evening of Excellence on June 1
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Evening of Excellence from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, June 1st at the Lakeview Arts Barn (2300 Pigeon Lake Rd., Bobcaygeon).
The 2018 award nominees are Lindsay Little Theatre, VCCS, Kawartha Care Wellness, Graham Bashford, Stewart Morrison Insurance Brokers, Days Inn & Suites Lindsay, Mariposa Dairy, Happy Days House Boats, Kawartha Art Gallery, Horizon Family Dentistry, A Place Called Home, Randy Burke, Pawz & Company, Di Bello Towing, Adelaide Clinic, and Adam Hawyard.
The evening will feature networking and a silent auction with a gourmet dinner ands award presentations. Catering will be provided by Lakeview Arts Barn with photography by Laura Elizabeth Photography.
Tickets are $120 per person or a table of eight for $800. Tickets are limited and must be reserved by Friday, May 25th. To register, visit www.lindsaychamber.com/ or call 705-324-2393.
Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area Annual General Meeting on June 27
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is hosting its annual general meeting on Wednesday, June 27th in the Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
Networking starts at 5:30 p.m. with business at 6 p.m. The meeting will include updates on what’s happening in downtown Peterborough, as well as a general election of the board.
Everyone is welcome to attend, although only DBIA members can vote.
For more information on joining the board, contact Joel Wiebe at the DBIA at 705-748-4774 or joelwiebe@peterboroughbia.com.
Kawarthas Northumberland annual tourism partner meeting on June 20
Todd Lucier, co-founder of Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre, a retreat designer and IGNITE facilitator will be the guest speaker at the Kawarthas Northumberland annual tourism partner meeting. (Photo: Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre)
RTO8’s Kawarthas Northumberland is inviting tourism operators from within the Kawarthas Northumberland region (City of Kawartha Lakes, City and County of Peterborough, and Northumberland County) to its annual partners meeting (annual general meeting) from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20th at Iron Horse Ranch (804 Ontario 7A RR1, Bethany).
The meeting will provide tourism operators with the opportunity to meet Kawarthas Northumberland board members and staff, along with representatives and advisors from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and to network with other tourism operators.
The guest speaker at the session will be Todd Lucier, co-founder of Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre, a retreat designer and IGNITE facilitator. Lucier will speak on how tourism operators can leverage their own resources to build new and exciting visitor experiences, with an appreciation for the importance of community collaboration.
The event is free, but advance registration is required by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 8th. Register at Eventbrite.
A Sichuan takin, the Riverview Park and Zoo acquired Quentin in the spring of 2014 from the Assiniboine Zoo in Winnipeg. The zoo announced the death of Quentin on May 14, 2018. (Photo: Riverview Park and Zoo / Facebook)
The Riverview Park and Zoo has announced the death of Quentin, a male Sichuan takin, at 15 years old.
“With his gentle nature and enigmatic appearance, Quentin was very popular with our visitors,” writes the zoo in a media release. “The first of our Sichuan takin, he came to Riverview in the spring of 2014 from the Assiniboine Zoo in Winnipeg.”
According to the zoo, Quentin was suffering from severe metacarpal osteoarthritis for more than a year. Despite treatment, his health and mobility deteriorated significantly and he was no longer responding to medication.
Quentin was humanely euthanized after suffering from severe arthritis that left him unable to stand or walk, except for short periods. (Photo: Riverview Park and Zoo / Facebook)
The degenerative arthritis left Quenin unable to stand or walk, except for short periods. The zoo’s consulting veterinarian humanely euthanized Quentin this morning (May 14).
The Sichuan takin is a large goat antelope native to Tibet and the provinces of Sichuan, Gansu, and Xinjiang in the People’s Republic of China. Both males and females have thick and curled horns that extend back above the head.
The species’ thick blonde coat is thought to have inspired the Greek legend of Jason and the Golden Fleece.
City of Peterborough councillor Lesley Parnell with Meg Seabrook, the winner of a painting by Quebec artist Yvon Lemieux donated by Cavan art gallery Galerie Q to support the rebuild of Brock Mission. Paying it forward, Seabrook has decided to donate the painting, valued at $7,500, to hang in the new Brock Mission when it is completed. (Photo courtesy of Lesley Parnell)
The winner of the raffle for a $7,500 painting, donated by Galerie Q in Cavan to support the new Brock Mission, is paying it forward.
Peterborough’s Meg Seabrook will be donating her prize to hang in the new Brock Mission once the new facility is completed in 2019.
Fundraising is currently underway for the Brock Mission Rebuild Project. The original Brock Mission building, at 217 Murray Street in Peterborough, was deemed unsafe last year and has been demolished.
Construction of a new $8-million facility will begin the summer, with occupancy in summer 2019. While the new facility is being built, Brock Mission continues to operate is programming in a temporary location at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church at 120 Murray Street.
The new facility, to be managed by the Peterborough Housing Corporation, will host 30 emergency shelter beds, 15 single resident occupancy apartments, a commercial kitchen, storage, consulting spaces, and the Forecast Addiction Services program. During the rebuild project.
In March, Galerie Q donated this billboard on The Parkway to raiseg awareness of the Brock Mission rebuild project. Pictured are Brock Mission board members Dennis Shebib and Carol Rennick, Galerie Q PR manager Christine McCulloch, Councillor Lesley Parnell and her husband Don. (Photo courtesy of Lesley Parnell)
Galerie Q wanted to help raise awareness of the rebuild project and, along with donating several billboards in the Kawarthas, donated a 40″x48″ acrylic painting by Quebec artist Yvon Lemieux (who the gallery represents outside of Quebec) entitled “La partie de cartes” (“Card Game”), valued at $7,500.
Lemieux drew the winner of the painting on Saturday (May 12) at the Peterborough Farmers’ Market. Seabrook, who purchased her winning ticket at the reception desk at Peterborough’s City Hall, had intended to make a donation to Brock Mission. After a surprise visit was made to her home to deliver the painting, Seabrook decided to donate the painting to hang in the new facility once it is completed.
Sales of raffle tickets for the painting raised more than $15,000. In addition, more than $30,000 has been raised through the in-kind donations of goods, services. and gift cards, including from donations coming directly through Brock Mission as well as donations from the recent reopening of Milltown Mini Golf and the ground-breaking ceremony for the new Hampton Inn Suites by Hilton Hotel to be built by Roshan.
Galerie Q is a premier sponsor of Brock Mission. As well as donating billboard advertising and Lemieux’s painting, the gallery brought Lemieux and his wife to Peterborough for the draw and pledged an additional $2,500 for Brock Mission on the draw date.
A solo exhibition of Lemieux’s work called “Souvenirs de jeunesse” (“Memories of youth”) is currently on display at Galerie Q (1521 County Road 10, Cavan) until Thursday, May 31st.
Cobourg's ZAP Records is opening a second location in downtown Peterborough, in the former Moondance record store, in June 2018. (Photo: Derek Bernat)
Tim Horgan, owner of ZAP Records in Cobourg, is opening a new record store in downtown Peterborough this June.
And he’s opening the store in the former location of Moondance, which closed at the end of April, at 425 George Street North.
“We’ve known Mike at Moondance forever, shopping his collection like every other record collector, and we were just as surprised when he announced his retirement,” Horgan says.
“After watching the response and talking with people in Peterborough, we knew we had to do what we could to make sure the location continued to be an independent record shop.”
Owner Tim Horgan pictured in front of ZAP Records at its previous 14 King St. E. location. Horgan, who opened his independent record store in 1991, moved to a larger location at 45 King St. E. in 2016. He is now opening a second location in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Ray Kies)
Horgan currently operates ZAP Records at 45 King St. E. in downtown Cobourg. Horgan opened the independent record store in 1991, originally located at 14 King St. E. He moved to the current 1,900-square-foot location, in the former Hoo Lee Gardens restaurant building just west of Victoria Park, in February 2016.
“Mike and Moondance will be missed, and we can obviously never replace him,” Horgan says. “But we hope that Peterborough will be just as excited as we are to keep the torch burning for independent record shops in downtown Peterborough.”
Horgan expects to open ZAP Records Peterborough location before the end of June 2018. He will sell new and previously owned vinyl records, CDs, collectibles, and more. Horgan will also do special orders for customers.
Horgan is also planning to launch an ecommerce website as well as a mobile app later this summer.
Zap Records in downtown Cobourg will continue to operate.
Representatives from the Peterborough Regional Farmers Network and several local farmers at Circle Organic Farmi in Millbrook on May 11, 2018 where they announced the creation of a new Peterborough farmers' market. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Regional Farmers Network)
Local farmers — including several who were ousted from the Saturday Peterborough Farmers’ Market — are starting a new Peterborough farmers’ market in June.
The Peterborough Regional Farmers Network (PRFN) made the announcement earlier today (May 11) in Millbrook at Circle Organic Farm.
Along with representatives from the PRFN board, Andrew Flaman and Julie Fleming of Circle Organic were joined Erin and Sam McLean of McLean Berry Farm and Astrid Manske of OtonaBEE Apiary. They are three of the five vendors whose applications for space at the Saturday Peterborough Farmers’ Market were not renewed this year by the board of the Peterborough & District Farmers’ Market Association.
The location of the new market is to be determined.
“We have received overwhelming support from the community and we have multiple offers of locations for the new farmers’ market,” Erin McLean says.
The not-for-profit PRFN will lead the development of the new market. The PRFN board has already created best practice governance models and will consult with members of the community.
“PRFN is looking for people to join various committees to create the new Peterborough farmers’ market,” says Neil Hannam, president of the PRFN board. “Community members and local farmers will join together to run the day-to-day operations of the market and plan for the future.”
The new market will use will use the “Verified Farmer” banners developed by the PRFN and will use the organization’s third-party verification program to ensure it maintains at least 51 per cent local farmers.
The PRFN says the market will have prepared food vendors, artists, musicians, and other vendors.
The market will use the “Verified Farmer” banners developed by the PRFN and will use the organization’s third-party verification program to ensure it maintains at least 51 per cent local farmers. A list of third-party verified local farmers will be made publicly available and will be continually updated.
“The community can come to the new farmers’ market and not wonder where the food came from,” says PRFN board member Peter Hughes. “Instead they can shop with confidence and enjoy all the community benefits of a real local farmers’ market.”
The PRFN says people who are interested in joining the PRFN board or committees should prepare their resume and cover letters for application. Information will be made available on the PRFN website at ptbofarms.com.
Through the website, the PRFN is also welcoming suggestions from the public on the location for the new farmers’ market. The organization will be making further announcements over the next week.
With the addition of this new farmers’ market, there will be three independent farmers’ markets operating in the Peterborough area. The other two markets are the Saturday Peterborough Farmers’ Market, located at the Morrow Building, and the Wednesday Downtown Peterborough Farmers’ Market, located on Charlotte Street.
If you enjoy naturally flavoured vanilla ice cream, you might be disappointed this summer.
There’s a global shortage of vanilla beans from Madagascar, the world’s largest vanilla producer, and the price of natural vanilla extract and paste has skyrocketed — creating a problem for ice cream makers who rely on the natural flavouring for their products.
In fact, some restaurants are reportedly dropping naturally flavoured vanilla ice cream from their menus due to the high cost.
But it’s not just vanilla ice cream that’s threatened.
“It goes in around 22 of our 38 flavours,” explains Shelley Westgarth, owner of Belly Ice Cream in Huntsville. “It’s a key ingredient.”
Westgarth depends on vanilla to flavour her all-natural ice cream, which is available in the Kawarthas at One Fine Food in Peterborough and Foodland in Haliburton.
While artificial vanilla extract is available — it’s used in 95 per cent of commercial foods that have vanilla flavouring — it doesn’t have the same taste as natural vanilla, which is also used by bakeries.
Shelley Westgarth, owner of artisanal ice cream maker Belly Ice Cream in Huntsville, appeared on the 11th season CBC’s Dragons’ Den. (Photo: CBC)
In addition, the artificial version isn’t a great option for artisanal ice cream makers and bakers who market their naturally flavoured products.
Most artificial vanilla extracts are made from synthetic vanillin (vanillin is the chemical in the vanilla bean that creates the flavour). Synthetic vanillin is made from guaiacol or lignin, naturally occurring organic compounds in wood, that come mainly from by-products of the paper industry.
Still, that’s more palatable than what happened in the olden days, when artificial vanilla flavouring came from castoreum — a musky liquid secreted from the anal sacs of beavers.
For Westgarth, the high cost of natural vanilla is definitely affecting her business. It now costs around $800 per kilogram, 12 times more than it cost a few years ago and $120 more than the price for a kilogram of silver.
This gallon jug (3.79 L) of Madagascar vanilla bean paste, which would flavour around 96 gallons of vanilla ice cream, costs $510. This is significant cost for smaller ice cream factories, which might produce several hundred gallons of ice cream in a day.
“I’ve resorted to buying small amounts in retail, rather than bulk, which is the most expensive way to buy it,” Westgarth says. “To give you some perspective, one bottle of Costco Madagascar vanilla extract used to sell for $7.99. Last time I was there, it was $38.99.”
There a few reasons why natural vanilla is in such short supply and so expensive.
The tropical island nation of Madagascar, off the southeast coast of Africa, produces 80 per cent of the world’s vanilla. Crop yields this year are lower than expected, after a cyclone last March damaged many of the plantations.
Climate change — which has resulted in cooler temperatures and less rain — has also affected the crops. And there are also fewer farmers growing vanilla. Between 2005 and early 2014, there was a glut and many farmers in Madagascar switched to other crops.
Like the world’s most expensive spice saffron, vanilla is a spice harvested from a species of orchid. Also like saffron, vanilla is one of the most labour-intensive crops in the world — grown, harvested, and processed entirely by hand.
Vanilla comes from the fruit of the vanilla orchid. After the orchid’s flower is hand-pollinated, it produces the vanilla bean eight months later.
Vanilla comes from the fruit of the vanilla orchid (the only edible orchid fruit), which grows best in the moist tropical regions near the equator. It takes up to two years before a newly planted vine of the vanilla orchid flowers. The short-lived flowers must then be hand pollinated, producing the vanilla bean months later.
The vanilla beans remain on the vine to ripen for nine months before they are harvested by hand. The harvested beans then go through a curing, drying, and resting process that takes up to six months.
The beans remain on the vine to ripen for up to nine months before they are harvested by hand. The harvested beans then go through a curing, drying, and resting process that takes up to six months. In total, it takes up to 15 months from when the orchid flowers to when the vanilla beans are ready for sale.
The vanilla orchid is native to the Americas, originating in what is now Mexico, Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean. The bean was sacred to the Indigenous peoples of the area, who used vanilla as a fragrance in temples and as a flavouring in beverages.
In the 19th century, Mexico had a monopoly on vanilla production but today it only produces 30 to 35 tons of unprocessed vanilla annually. Other countries producing small amounts of vanilla include Costa Rica, Guatemala, Uganda, Kenya, China, India, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii and other Pacific Islands.
And don’t blame the farmers in Madagascar for the high price of vanilla. As with many crops grown in third-world countries, farmers make pennies on the dollar for their beans. Most of the price is due to profits taken by middlemen and speculators who invest in vanilla.
A woman sorting vanilla beans in Sambava, Madagascar. In total, it takes up to 15 months from when the orchid plant flowers to when the vanilla beans are ready for sale. The farmers themselves make pennies on the dollar for their beans.
For her part, Westgarth is still looking for other ways to secure a vanilla supply.
“I’ve been looking around for decent options and there are none,” she says. “We might just need to get really creative and find other ways of flavouring things.”
Hopefully Westgarth can find a flavouring alternative, but ice cream makers and bakeries who rely on vanilla may only have two options left: either increase their prices to cover the higher cost of vanilla, or switch to artificial vanilla flavouring.
We also asked the two largest ice cream makers in the Kawarthas — Kawartha Dairy in Bobcaygeon and Central Smith Creamery in Peterborough — for how the higher cost of vanilla is affecting their businesses, but neither replied. We will update this story if we receive further information.
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