Peterborough County now offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich agricultural history. The newly erected Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building at Lang Pioneer Village celebrates rural life and the history of families, farms, and agricultural advancements in the area.

The project, which culminated in the construction of a 1910-style barn with the capacity to hold 175 people, was funded in part by Community Futures Peterborough.

Community Futures Peterborough is a local organization that has been helping to develop sustainable employment opportunities in the City and County of Peterborough since 1985 and supports small businesses through flexible financing and business services. Community Futures Peterborough is the local branch of the Community Futures Program supporting similar organizations in 61 communities across the province.

For the Agricultural Heritage Building, the County of Peterborough accessed funding for a Project Manager employment position through the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP), a program that supports rural eastern Ontario to pursue the creation of a competitive and diversified regional economy.

Across Eastern Ontario more than $80 million has been invested through the EODP on more than 7,600 business and community development projects to date. The EODP provides funding to applicants for two streams: community innovation and business development. The County was granted funding for the Agricultural Heritage Building through the community innovation stream, allowing the museum to open the newly added facility’s doors to the public in April of 2017.

While the venture is one of Community Future Peterborough’s latest projects, the organization has been active in the community for decades.

Gail Moorhouse, Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough, says it is rewarding to “drive through the neighbourhoods and see the impact Community Futures Peterborough has had on the local business community.”

The impact the organization has had on the region is wide-reaching.

“Last year we assisted close to 400 businesses and organizations,” Moorhouse says. The County of Peterborough is one of those many organizations.

The roots of the Agricultural Heritage Building go back 12 years, when the International Plowing Match was held in 2006 in Mathers Corners. During the event, organizers received many inquiries related to agriculture in the area.

“As a society, we’ve become so far removed from agriculture,” says Karen Jopling, Project Manager of the Agricultural Heritage Building. “We realized there was a need to educate people on the importance of agriculture and the role that it plays, both from a community perspective but also from an economic impact perspective.”

Joplin points out that the common perception of farmers as simple labourers is a misguided understanding of their important role in society.

“Farmers are actually quite innovative and forward-thinking people,” she explains, emphasizing that communities exist because of the adaptability of the agricultural industry. “Farmers aren’t simply labourers. They are instrumental in developing communities and successfully respond to change. We wouldn’t be here without them.”

Sheridan Graham, Director of Corporate Projects & Services at Peterborough County, met with Pat Peeling, EODP Program Administrator at Community Futures Peterborough, to develop a funding application to present to the Community Futures Peterborough Board of Directors.

“We are fortunate the Board saw the County’s vision and invested in it,” Graham says. “They have been incredibly supportive throughout the whole process.”

The funding that Peterborough County received from Community Futures Peterborough went towards creating a Project Manager employment position.

Jopling filled this role and brought with her a wealth of knowledge and partnerships in the agricultural community from her farming background. Jopling grew up on a dairy farm and has strong emotional ties to the project, which she has worked on for the last four years.

The funding from Community Futures Peterborough not only helped with securing a position dedicated to the project, it was also instrumental in securing additional partnerships and community support. The remainder of funding for the project came from local organizations and community members, as well as the provincial government.

“When you ask community members to invest in a project, they wonder how many of their dollars are actually going to the project versus how many are going to administration,” Jopling says. “Having the position covered by Community Futures Peterborough was a strength and a benefit to the project. We were able to tell potential donors that 100 per cent of their dollars were going to the build.”

The finished building is a unique space that blends in well with the historical setting at Lang Pioneer Village while offering modern amenities, including accessible washrooms and a commercial kitchen.

The building was designed to be a multi-functional revenue generator. The County will run various educational programs year-round, such as cooking classes that focus on sustainable agriculture and farm-to-table practices. The County will also rent the space for weddings, conferences, meetings, and outdoor music events.

This is expected to result in significant economic spin-off for the community — in line with the mission of Community Futures Peterborough to generate and assist in the creation and maintenance of sustainable employment opportunities in the City and County of Peterborough.

Other attractions at the building include the Peter Hamilton Agricultural Collection, and ongoing development will see the installment of a Wall of Fame Gallery, displays of agricultural equipment and operations demonstrations, a large restoration workshop housing a steam engine, thrasher, and tractors, and a conservation lab with viewing window.

In 2017, 23,000 people visited Lang Pioneer Village, which has five full-time and four part-time staff members. During the busier months of the summer, they employ an additional 25 people.

With the opening of the museum, Graham and Jopling are expecting the number of visitors to increase, and with that, a greater economic impact on the local community — including additional jobs.

Peterborough County is well-positioned for tourism and offers an authentic experience of rural life. Jopling says more people are traveling for that authentic experience.

“People want to experience the history and culture of an area. That’s what Lang is. When you walk through the village and you see the Ayotte cabin, or the Milburn and Fitzpatrick houses, there are descendants of those families that are actually dressed in period costumes and talking to visitors about the history of the region. It is truly local and authentic.”

The Agricultural Heritage Building will offer visitors a new and unique experience. Jopling emphasizes that the barn, while it is a new build, is continuing with and maintaining the authenticity of the village, even in its construction process.

VIDEO: Barn Raising in 2017

In April of 2017, the County hosted an old-fashioned barn raising ceremony. Over 400 people attended, including many who had been involved from the beginning, showing the degree to which the community became invested in the project.

“As we raised the walls, everyone was counting down together,” Jopling recalls. “That is a cool moment to reflect on.”

Graham agrees, referring to the project as a community builder with local people involved at every step of the way.

“Local people were on the fundraising and building committee … we had a local architect, a local builder, Trent University students wrote the background of the agricultural implements, and we partnered with Fleming College and their skilled trades program who built the external walls for the building,” Graham says, noting that Fleming students were present for the barn raising ceremony.

“Local champions came together to help make this happen. The commitment has been phenomenal,” says Graham, indicating that a donor wall is being constructed at the museum to identify everyone who has contributed to the project.

For other organizations looking to access Community Futures Peterborough financing, Graham says not to be afraid to ask.

“You might read online about a program, but when you actually meet with them and talk through your idea and receive input, they might have other ideas or know of other funding streams that you didn’t even know about.”

Jopling agrees.

“Sometimes people think they are going to say no, but they are in a position where they want to say yes. They want to see the positive impact on the community. It’s a benefit to both sides.”

There are many ways Community Futures Peterborough helps local organizations. Sometimes they simply share financial knowledge or refer people to community partners.

“Other times our conversations lead to financial assistance on some level,” Moorhouse adds.

“Last year, we helped 19 new startup businesses and 12 local businesses expand with loans as small as $2,500 to more than $150,000. The results are more than 200 jobs created and maintained in the City and County of Peterborough.”

For more information about financial assistance programs offered by Community Futures Peterborough, call 705-745-5434, email info@cfpeterborough.ca or visit communityfuturespeterborough.ca. You can also follow Community Futures Peterborough on Facebook and Twitter.

For rental information and rates for the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building, visit www.langpioneervillage.ca/pcahb/.

Kawartha Chamber Members Invited To Summer Social PBX next Tuesday – July 3rd

Members of the Kawartha Chamber have been invited to the Peterborough Chamber’s county fair-themed Summer Social Peterborough Business Exchange at Kawartha Lakes Construction.

The event will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3rd at 3359 Lakefield Road, Lakefield.

This is a great opportunity to meet and connect with fellow community members. There will be tons of games, prizes, and delicious refreshments to go around to celebrate the season and our community.

Register now.

Did you know?

Chamber members get preferred rates on merchant services with First Data.

First Data offers a variety of services to merchants including Ecommerce, wired and wireless terminals, gift card solutions and more. They will meet or beat your current provider’s offer, or pay you a $1000 pre-paid MasterCard.

Find out more about this and other great discount programs available to Chamber members on the Member Discounts page.

Tourism Industry Awards Nominations Open

The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario has announced nominations for various tourism organization awards:

• The Tourism Industry Awards of Excellence (TIAO)
• Culinary Tourism Awards of Excellence (Culinary Tourism Alliance)
• Ontario’s Choice Awards (Attractions Ontario)
• Tourism Marketing & Travel Media Awards of Excellence (Destination Ontario)

For more information on each organization’s awards, and to nominate a business, visit www.tiaontario.ca/cpages/2018ontariotourismawards.

Happy Canada Day! Canada Day Celebrations Sunday, July 1st

No matter where you are celebrating, the Chamber has you covered for Canada Day with events across the region:

The Buckhorn Community Centre is hosting a Canada Day Celebration at their location, 1782 Lakehurst Road.

• Daytime celebrations run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• There will be a petting zoo, market place, beer garden, and much more
• Evening Celebrations start at 8 p.m. with fireworks at 10 p.m.
• More information

There will be a Canada Day Parade in Douro-Dummer.

• The parade will begin at the intersection of County Road 4 and the Douro 4th Line
• Parade starts at 3 p.m.
• More information

A Lakefield Canada Day Celebration will be happening at Isabel Morris Park.

• Celebrations start at 3 p.m.
• Activities include a petting zoo, kid’s games, local vendors, fireworks and more
• More information

Another Lakefield Canada Day Celebration is being hosted by the Lakefield Legion at 10 Nicholls St. Lakefield.

• Celebrations run from 1 to 9 p.m.
• Activities include music, the Lions Club BBQ Trailer, and more
• More information

The Apsley Lions are hosting a Canada Day Parade & Celebration in Apsley.

• Parade at 3 p.m. on Burliegh Street in Apsley
• Food Booth from 4 to 8 p.m.
• Fireworks in Lions Park at dusk
• More information

Lang Pioneer Village is taking you back in time for Historic Dominion Day in Keene.

• Celebrations run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, historical battle reenactments, educational pieces on confederation, schoolyard games, and live music
• Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, free for children under five, and $30 for a family pass.
• More information

Lakefield Jamboree This Weekend

Organized by the Lakefield Agricultural Society, the 7th annual Lakefield Country Jamboree is happening this weekend from June 28th to July 1st.

The Jamboree is hosting a great lineup of musicians, including James Ryce, Percey Kinney, and John Milner, and featuring the Tim Sander Band as the Main Stage backup.

Enjoy or participate in an Open Mic on Thursday evening, or Friday and Saturday afternoon with Paul Wasson Burnt River Band. And come for Gospel Hour on Sunday from 11 a.m. to noon.

Camping and walk-in passes are available. Read more information.

Lakefield Jazz Festival – Saturday, July 7th

The Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival and Selwyn Township invite you, your friends and family to come to a breezy day of outdoor summer living beside Lakefield’s scenic Otonabee River.

Enjoy a wide variety of Jazz music, colourful works for sale by artisans and crafters, local food vendors, Black’s Distillery, and Publican House Brewery.

Arts and crafts exhibits open at 10 a.m. Musicians begin performing at 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Find out more.

Lakefield Literary Festival 2018 To Offer Writing Craft Talk

The Lakefield Literary Festival is taking place July 13th to 15th.

This year, authors Barbara Mitchell, Michael Redhill, and Kyo Maclear will be offering Writing Craft Talks on non-fiction, fiction, and picture book writing respectively.

These 90-minute sessions will include talks and discussion of the craft of writing, as well as optional practice exercises. Tickets are $30 (not included in festival pass).

Tickets for the festival and these talks are available online or at Happenstance Books & Yarn.

Visit lakefieldliteraryfestival.com for details.

Craftworks Cruise Nights Every Thursday

Craftworks at the Barn is hosting a Cruise Night every Thursday this summer.

Featuring tons of unique vintage, retro, classic, sporty and many more different kinds of cars, each week you also have the chance to win a trip to Las Vegas and the 50/50 draw, Great food and crafts are also available.

Cruise nights run from 4 to 8 p.m.

Read more. Craftworks also hosts a Farmers’ Market on Saturdays,

Family Paddle Day

Family Paddle Day is this Wednesday, June 27th.

Join Adventure Outfitters, Paluski Boats, The Lakefield Pantry, Lakefield Herald, and the Lakefield Trail Committee at Family Paddle day at the Lakefield Beach for an evening paddle on Katchewanooka Lake, in celebration of National Canoe Day.

Bring a canoe or kayak if you have one, Adventure Outfitters will have extra if you don’t.

The paddle starts at 5:30 p.m., there will be a beach bonfire afterwards. Read more.

Marlin Travel Early Booking Savings

Summer is here but its time to take advantage of the early booking savings for winter holidays.

Transat Holidays has extended their early booking specials to mid July. Low deposits of just $100 per person, free upgrades and price guarantees — it pays to book early with Marlin Travel. The group tour lineup for 2019 will see escorted tours go on the Douro River in Portugal, Scotland, Italy, Ireland and the Jewels of Europe from Amsterdam to Budapest. The 2020 Viking River cruise to Russia is now booking.

Located in store at Marlin Travel is the new Travel n Style Cruise and Leisure wear featuring Rapz. Colourful patterns and styles for everyone — and best of all its made in Canada. Check it out today. Call Marlin Travel to find out more about our private shopping parties.

Chamber Members are Hiring

• Nexicom – Web Application Developer
• Pine Vista Resort – Summer Housekeepers

If your business or organization has a job opportunity you would like to advertise, you can add them to the Chamber’s website through your Member Information Centre account (or submit the description to info@kawarthachamber.ca) and the Chamber will share them in its next Newsflash.

Great Canadian Giving Challenge on Now until June 30th

The Great Canadian Giving Challenge is on now until June 30th.

Give to any registered Canadian charity by the end of June and they will be automatically entered to win $10,000! Note that donations must be made through the charity’s donation challenge page.

This challenge makes it a great time to donate to a cause you believe in! Visit the Challenge website at givingchallenge.ca for more details and to donate.

Check the Chamber’s business directory and keep an eye out for some member organizations that are charities.

Upcoming Events

• Buckhorn Farmers’ & Craft Market Opens – June 26th
• Tek Savvy Seniors Seminar – June 27th
• Warsaw Cruise Night – June 27th
• Lakefield Farmers’ Market – Every Thursday
• Cottage Country Farmers’ Market at the Barn – Every Saturday
• Gallery on the Lake Mark Berens Exhibit Opens – June 30th
• Church-Key Summer Concert Series: Queen & Son – June 30th
• Canada Day Celebrations – July 1st

For more information about the businesses and events listed above, please visit the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism website at kawarthachamber.ca.

All photos supplied by Kawartha Chamber of Commerce except where noted.