Provincial All-Candidates Meeting – May 23rd

The Kawartha Chamber’s all-candidates meeting is today (Wednesday, May 23rd).

Peterborough-Kawartha riding candidates from the Green, Liberal, NDP, and PC parties have been invited to speak. In addition, candidates from the Libertarian and Trillium parties have been invited to be in attendance and display literature.

David Goyette will be moderating, and this event is open to the public.

The event will be held at the Lakefield Legion. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the meeting will run from 7 to 9 p.m. Come out and hear from the candidates that want to represent you!

B.O.S.S. Mental Health In The Workplace Resource Information

The Kawartha Chamber’s May 9th Business Owners Sharing Solutions (B.O.S.S.) session offered those in attendance an excellent and informative look at the importance of mental health in the workplace, as well as the resources available for employers and employees to address mental health.

Ashley Challinor from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce suggested the OCC’s Mental Wellness Toolkit as an excellent source of advice and resources for employers.

Jack Veitch from the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) made attendees aware of the breadth of programming available at the Peterborough CMHA HKPR offices to anyone who needs it (over 16 years of age), as well as the educational programming that employers can request for their businesses. The CMHA HKPR supports a 24/7 free crisis line (705-745-6484, 1-866-995-9933) for those in serious need of immediate mental health support.

Jack also provided his own email (jveitch@cmhahkpr.ca) for anyone with further questions about educational programs or for those wishing to set up a learning session or training for their own business.

David Pogue of Team 55 Tackling Suicide Awareness has been advocating for suicide awareness since his son took his own life in 2013. He recommends the Safetalk Program, a three-hour training course on suicide prevention.

Find more information on the session in the Chamber’s blog article.

Business After Hours Woodview Hop – June 13

Come out and join the Kawartha Chamber’s Business After Hours event in Woodview.

The Chamber will be visiting member businesses in the Woodview area, including Viamede Resort and Woodview on the Lake.

The event will be held on Wednesday, June 13th from 5 to 7 p.m.. Please register ahead of time. More details to follow.

Did You Know? Chamber members can market with kawarthaNOW

The Kawartha Chamber is partnered with kawarthaNOW to offer members the opportunity for editorial campaigns promoting their businesses!

The feature is subsidized by the Chamber, and packed with extra social media promotion and extensive digital reach. Offering professional writers to assist, kawarthaNOW will help you create a great promotion for your business.

Visit the Chamber’s Member Discounts page to find out more about this offer today.

Vote Prosperity – 2018 Election Platform of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s Provincial Policy Platform is a set of recommendations on how to address the challenges facing Ontario businesses and improve our global competitiveness while strengthening communities.

These recommendations are backed by thorough research and center around four “pillars”: Strengthening Business Competitiveness, Fostering Job Growth, Building Healthy Communities, and Improving Government Accountability.

Read the full platform article to learn more about the Ontario Chamber’s recommendations.

Send A Message To Queen’s Park

The Kawartha Chamber and the Ontario Chamber Network are looking for your insight on what matters to business in an election year.

The survey is open until Friday, June 8th at 5:00 p.m. and all responses will be kept strictly confidential.

The Ontario Chamber Network is committed to ensuring government understands the issues impacting business in this province. That’s why we need your help to express the voice of business loud and clear at Queen’s Park.

Follow this link, and in five minutes let the government know what’s important to you.

Lakefield Farmers’ Market Opens For The Season

The Lakefield Farmers’ Market is back this Thursday, May 24th!

It will be set up in the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre parking lot next to Isobel Morris Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday.

The market is MyPick verified, meaning all produce vendors only sell what they have grown themselves.

There are also a variety of prepared food vendors using local ingredients and artisans selling handcrafted wares. Fresh brewed coffee is available this year and will be offered free on opening day.

Chamber Members Receive Peterborough County Recognition Awards

Last week, Peterborough County Council announced the recipients for the 2018 Recognition Awards.

The awards are presented to residents or businesses in Peterborough County that have made significant contributions to the community or had a noteworthy accomplishment in the past year.

This year, four Chamber members have been recognized:

• Agricultural Leadership: Joyce Arscott – Molly’s Acres
• Business Leadership/Entrepreneurial Innovation: John and Paul Downs – Nexicom, Diana Carter – Style Boutique
• Environmental/Sustainability Recognition: Elmhirst’s Resort

Read the full press release for more category details and a full list of recipients. Congratulations to Member recipients on this accomplishment!

The awards will be presented this Friday, May 25th at the Otonabee-South Monaghan Memorial Community Centre in the Village of Keene at 7 p.m.

4th Annual Discover Trent Lakes Event

The Municipality of Trent Lakes has organized its 4th annual Discover Trent Lakes event. The event consists of six outdoor attractions in the Trent Lakes region where participants can take a Discovery Log card and punch each location with a unique hole punch available there.

The log can then be dropped off or mailed to the Municipal Office or brought to one of the Trent Lakes Libraries. Log books are available at the Kawartha Chamber Office, the Trent Lakes Municipal Office, the Trent Lakes Libraries, and numerous other locations.

The Discover Trent Lakes event runs from May 18th to October 31st this year, so pick up your log book and start exploring.

Canadian Canoe Museum Receives $7.5 Million Gift

The Canadian Canoe Museum recently received a huge donation of $7.5 million, marking the largest known one-time private donation in Peterborough history.

The donation was made by the W. Garfield Weston Foundation, which has supported the museum since its opening and was a key player in its founding.

This money goes towards the $65 million campaign for a new building to house the museum, to be located next to the Peterborough Lift Lock.

Learn more about the campaign at canoemuseum.ca/museum-on-the-move/.

Still Some Tickets Left For Lobsterfest

The Lakefield & District Lions Club still has some tickets left for their popular Lobsterfest & Show event.

The event will be held Saturday, June 2nd at the Lakefield Fairgrounds and will feature a fresh lobster dinner with all the fixings, and the Indian River Band as live entertainment.

Tickets are $65 each. Call 705-652-0639 to secure yours before they’re gone.

Chamber Members are Hiring

• Selwyn Public Library – Community Engagement Assistant
• Pine Vista Resort – Summer Housekeepers
• Camp Kawartha – Maintenance Assistant (summer contract)
• Camp Kawartha – Assistant Head Chef
• Camp Kawartha – Cook, Year-Round
• Camp Kawartha – Tripper

Lakefield 4th Annual Fairy And Dragon Festival – June 9 and 10

Celtic Connection is proud to present the 4th annual Lakefield Fairy and Dragon Festival. The festival turns the Village of Lakefield into a magical realm of fun for a weekend.

This year will be a two-day event: Saturday, June 9th will be a free costume event at Cenotaph Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, June 10th will be at Isabel Morris Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will cost $10 for adults, $5 for children, and free for children under six.

There are countless activities, entertainers, demonstrations, and vendors coming together to make this magical weekend one to remember. Find out more about the daily schedules and who is coming.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this event, email mary@celticconnection.ca.

Trent-Severn Waterway Announcements

The Trent-Severn Waterway (TSW) opened for the sesason this past Friday, along with a number of other announcements regarding their services.

This year, the TSW will be offering a 50 per cent discount on seasonal lockage passes for paddlers of canoes and kayaks. These passes will allow passage through all of Parks Canada’s historic canals. There will also be two free lockage days, on June 24th and on July 1st.

In addition, the TSW recently launched their Ontario Waterways Water Management InfoNet. The portal contains background information on water management practices, water management updates, frequently asked questions about water management, various reports on water management, and the most recent water levels of lakes along the waterway.

The Twitter Boater Information Service (@TSWBoaterInfo), launched last year, will continue this year to provide real-time information regarding waterway conditions, as well as useful information.

RTO8 Looking to Hire a Partner Communications Lead

Regional Tourism Organization 8, servicing Kawarthas Northumberland, is looking to hire an experienced Partner Communications Lead on a contract basis with an option to renegotiate to permanent full-time at contract end.

Any interested parties can find the job description here. Applications are accepted until Friday, May 18th at 4 p.m.

Upcoming Events

• Lakefield Farmers’ Market Opening Day – May 24th
• Classy Chassis 12th Anniversary BBQ Bash – May 26th
• Tour de Lion – May 27th
• Dandelion Day Festival – May 27th
• Camp Kawartha Summer Camp Open House – May 27th
• Buckhorn Annual Golf Tournament – May 31st
• Lakefield Lobsterfest & Show – June 2nd
• Lakefield Fairy & Dragon Festival – June 9th-10th

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.

This week’s business news includes a $100,000 donation by Unimin Canada Ltd. to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation, the Downtown Peterborough Vibrancy Project’s plans to convert waterfront “dead space” into greenspace, and the official opening of the Venture13 innovation and entrepreneurship centre in Cobourg.

We also feature the opening in Lakefield of the only store in North America for German-made Leguano barefoot-style shoes, the announcement of Dr. John Beamish as Medical Director for the new Hospice Peterborough residence, and the rebranding of Peterborough Family Resource Centre as Peterborough Child & Family Centres.

New regional business events added this week include the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce hosting Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock all-candidates meeting on May 28, Next Level Peterborough featuring Ribbett, Teatro, and OUTDOORsmart! on May 30, and the Artspace annual general meeting on June 13.

We publish businessNOW™ every week. If you have business news or an event you want us to feature, please email business@kawarthanow.com.

Unimin Canada Ltd. donates $100,000 to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation

Unimin Canada Ltd., one of North America’s leading producers and distributors of non-metallic industrial minerals, has donated $100,000 to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation in support of the hospital’s regional cancer care
programs.

“Many of Unimin’s employees and their families have experienced the first-class care of this great community healthcare centre,” said Carl Horvat, Regional General Manager of Unimin Canada. “As our company makes further investments to secure our long-term sustainability in the Peterborough region, we also want to help sustain important pillars of the communities in which our employees live and work.”

Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO, said that the donation will support PRHC’s Centre of Excellence for Cancer Care by supporting fast, accurate cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment through investment in laboratory innovation.

Unimin Canada Ltd. representatives visited the hospital last Tuesday (May 15) where they presented a cheque in PRHC’s Breast Assessment Centre. where a room has been named in honour of the company’s generosity.

Heighway commented that the placement of their recognition plaque was particularly appropriate, given that the company’s support will also greatly benefit breast cancer patients.

“It’s incredible the number of tests that must be performed in order to support a patient during their cancer journey,” Heighway told the Unimin Canada Ltd. representatives.

“It’s hard to imagine the kind of stress they and their loved ones are under while they wait for results. Your investment will help decrease wait times for test results and treatments, increasing patients’ chances of overcoming this terrible disease. Thank you.”

Plans unveiled for Downtown Peterborough Vibrancy Project

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and partners are planning to transform around 300,000 square feet of “dead space” on the Peterborough waterfront into new greenspace.

The plan, described at the DBIA breakfast meeting last Wednesday (May 16), would affect the southern portion of Water Street behind the No Frills grocery and adjacent to the Rotary trail between Millennium and Del Crary Park.

The Downtown Vibrancy Project, which is being proposed by a group of DBIA members including Michael Gallant of LETT Architects and partner organizations, would beautify that section of the Peterborough waterfront and create new sustainable greenspace.

The plan would include the removal of 12,000 square feet of pavement that is no longer being used, as well as installing public art on street corners.

As well as LETT Architects, Peterborough GreenUP, Public Energy, and Basterfield & Associates landscape architects will be contributing time and expertise to the project.

The DBIA has earmarked $87,000 for the proposed redevelopment, which would need to be approved by Peterborough City Council (the Mayor and several city councillors attended the DBIA breakfast meeting). The group is planning to make a presentation to city council in June.

If approved, the work would commence immediately with a planned completion date by the end of summer.

Venture13 innovation and entrepreneurship centre opens in Cobourg

Northumberland County’s new innovation and entrepreneurship centre, Venture13, officially opened in Cobourg last Thursday (May 17).

The facility, located at 739 D’Arcy Street in Cobourg at the former “Building 13” site, includes The VentureZone, a flexible co-working and business accelerator space for technology startups and entrepreneurs supported by the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation.

There’s also The MakerLab, a full-service lab with cutting-edge equipment that can be used for custom desktop manufacturing and 3D printing, prototyping and engineering that will be the home for the Northumberland Makers community organization.

Venture13 also features an 80-seat lecture hall with adjoining seminar rooms that offers a community space for discussions and workshops.

Cobourg Police Services will be locating heir administrative operations and growing technology business unit on the second floor.

Fleming College will deliver a technical programming component at Venture13, offering courses in Business and Leadership as well as Trades and Technology.

New Leguano shoe store opens in Lakefield

The new Leguano shoe store officially opened on Saturday (May 19) at 55 Queen Street in Lakefield.

Previously unavailable in North America, Leguano barefoot shoes are designed in Germany by a group of movement specialists and barefoot professionals. They re designed to protect the wearer’s feet without restricting their full range of motion.

The machine-washable shoes have highly flexible wear-resistant soles, making them suitable for a wide variety of outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and camping.

VIDEO: Leguano Barefoot Shoes

The store is operated by Karl and Debbie Kustor, who also own Harbour Town McCracken’s Landing on Stoney Lake (which is currently up for sale).

“Recently when my wife and I were visiting Germany we came across the a true natural barefoot shoe know as Leguano,” Karl writes on his LinkedIn profile. “They were the most comfortable shoe I had ever worn. After buying several pairs of Leguano, I inquired as to their availability in North America.”

The Kustor’s Lakefield store is now the exclusive importer and distributor of Leguano for Canada, USA, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

For more information, visit leguanoshoes.com.

Dr. John Beamish announced as Medical Director for new Hospice Peterborough residence

Hospice Peterborough has announced that Dr. John Beamish has accepted the position of medical director for the new Hospice Peterborough residence being constructed at 325 London Street in Peterborough.

The 10-bed Hospice Residence will provide around-the-clock, active, end-of-life care in a supportive environment for Hospice clients and family members — a first for the Peterborough community.

Dr. Beamish was one of the founding members of Hospice Peterborough in 1988 and has been a continuous presence with the organization since that time, offering support to staff and volunteers, and most lately as a member of the organization’s Every Moment Matters Campaign Cabinet.

In his role as medical director, Dr. Beamish will provide medical insight and leadership to both the Hospice Residence and the Peterborough Palliative Care Community Team.

Peterborough Family Resource Centre is now Peterborough Child & Family Centres

Peterborough Family Resource Centre has rebranded as Peterborough Child & Family Centres.

The charitable and non-profit organization has offered programs and services for families of young children — from parent education to parent-child programs to breastfeeding clinics, — for more than 30 years.

The rebranding includes a new name, logo, updated website, and tagline “Share, Learn, Grow”.

Peterborough Child & Family Centre is an EarlyON Centre for Peterborough City and County, and the local site of the federally funded Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program and Community Action Program for Children.

Peterborough Business Excellence Awards Deadline on May 23

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.

To submit your nomination, visit www.excellencepeterborough.ca.

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 walkthrough 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.

The event is free, but advance registration is required at www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-on-futurpreneur-tickets-45801732214,

Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism hosts Peterborough-Kawartha all-candidates meeting on May 23

The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is also hosting a meeting 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.

Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce hosts Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock All-Candidates Meeting on May 28

The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting an all-candidates meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, May 28th at Pinestone Resort (4252 Haliburton County Rd. 21, Haliburton).

Hear from the candidates for MPP in Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock. The event is free and open to the public.

Next Level Peterborough featuring Ribbett, Teatro, and OUTDOORsmart! on May 30

The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting Next Level Ptbo from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).

This month’s event will feature Sana Virji and Ribat Chowdhury from Ribitt, Lynn Teatro from Teatro, and Cameron Taylor from OUTDOORsmart! Inc.

Learn how these three Peterborough entrepreneurs are taking their operations to the “Next Level”.

The event is free for Chamber members, or $15 for non-members. To register, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.

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.

Update May 22, 2018 – The meeting is now sold out, but will be lived streamed on the Innovation Cluster’s Facebook page. The event is free to attend, but registration is requested at www.eventbrite.com/e/the-innovation-cluster-annual-general-meeting-tickets-45475696031.

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 and 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.

Artspace hosts its Annual General Meeting on June 13

Artspace, Peterborough’s non-profit artist-run centre that assists artists with the presentation of new work, is hosting its annual general meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13th in the main gallery at Artspace (378 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough).

Artspace will review the previous year’s operations and the organization’s audited financial statements, and will seek nominations for new members for the board of directors.

All members of the community are invited to attend, but only members in good standing with the centre are eligible to participate in voting.

The meeting will be held in a physically accessible space, and a cash bar and light refreshments will be provided.

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

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.