Children with the special older persons in their lives at the 2017 Grandparent of the Year awards celebration. Community Care Peterborough is accepting nominations for the 2018 awards until May 16, 2018. (Photo: Community Care Peterborough)
Nominations now open for the 2018 Grandparent of the Year awards, hosted by Community Care Peterborough.
This is the 31st year for the awards, which were introduced by Anne Innis, former volunteer and board member with Community Care, to bring different generations together and celebrate the influence they have on each other.
“By participating in this contest, children are encouraged to recognize the importance of older people in their lives,” says Danielle Belair, Community Care’s executive director.
Children from grades 2 to 6 are invited to nominate their grandparent (or another special older person in their lives) for the Grandparent of the Year Award.
Two awards will be presented: one for primary level (grades 2 and 3) and one for junior level (grades 4 to 6). There will also be honourable mentions in each category.
Community Care has distributed information packages, including applications, to all elementary schools in the County and City of Peterborough.
Children who are not participating through their school can get their information package and application online from www.commcareptbo.org.
Submissions are welcome in either English or French.
All entries must be received by May 16, 2018 at Community Care, either dropped off or mailed (Community Care, Attention: Tracy Kennedy, 185 Hunter St E, Peterborough, ON, K9H 0H1).
The award recipients will be announced and honoured at a celebration on June 6, 2018.
The event is sponsored by returning sponsors Nexicom and The Gardens of Peterborough as well as Bennett’s Home Furnishings and Grady’s Feet Essentials.
Erin McLean of McLean Berry Farm, pictured here with her 2017 Young Professional Award from the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, is one of the young professionals who will be part of the Business Owners Sharing Solutions (BOSS) panel on March 20, 2018.
Erin McLean of McLean Berry Farm with her 2017 Young Professional Award from the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism.
The next B.O.S.S. Business Owners Sharing Solutions session will focus on young professionals. The panel of young professionals includes Erin McLean of McLean Berry Farm. Erin is the Chamber’s most recent Young Professional recipient, receiving the honour at the Chamber’s Awards Gala in November 2017.
Erin wears many ‘hats’ in her successful business. From staffing to marketing to responding to phone calls, no day is ever the same. Responsible for all marketing, Erin has helped grow their social media accounts to thousands of followers. Erin voices all of their radio and TV.
Erin has this advice for other young professionals: “Try new things and don’t be afraid to share ideas. Get involved in the business so you see the whole picture, and get involved in the community; but learn your limits.”
Matt Logan of Logan Tree Experts will also be a panelist.
This BOSS seminar is being held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77, 10 Nicholls Street, Lakefield from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 20th. A hot breakfast will be provided by Jack’s Family Restaurant. Cost to attend is $15 for Chamber members and $25 for future members. Register now.
“We are dedicated to fast, accurate, and reliable service. Our Mission is to provide high quality services at an affordable cost and in a professional manner. Providing affordable, professional services in accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, government remittances, income tax and QuickBooks training.”
Rural Women’s Summit in Buckhorn – March 2nd
Maryam Monsef, MP Peterborough-Kawartha and the Minister of Status of Women, will be the evening keynote speaker at the Rural Women’s Summit on March 2, 2018. The goal of the free event, which also includes an afternoon panel and participant dialogue, is to discuss the empowerment of rural women and girls in Peterborough-Kawartha. (Photo: Office of Maryam Monsef)
Empowering Women & Girls in Peterborough-Kawartha
The first annual Rural Women’s Summit is taking place on Friday, March 2nd at the Buckhorn Community Centre from 2 to 8 p.m.
From 2 to 5 p.m., there will be an afternoon panel and participant dialogue, and from 5 to 8 p.m., the Honourable Maryam Monsef, MP Peterborough-Kawartha, will be the evening keynote speaker.
Networking and refreshments will be available throughout the day. Admission is free and all are welcome.
The Province of Ontario wants to hear your thoughts on how to cut red tape and make it easier to do business in Ontario.
Participate in the Red Tape Challenge and help the province identify the business regulations that need to be updated, improved or eliminated. They are currently consulting on regulations that apply to the tourism sector, but welcome ideas from those who work in other fields.
The amended PARG will be posted to the ministry’s website for six weeks, until March 23rd. After gathering further input, the final amended PARG will be released later in the spring.
All school boards and municipalities are encouraged to review the draft. Learn more.
The Lakefield & District Lions Club is hosting a fundraising dance, “February Beat”, at the Lakefield Legion on Saturday, February 24th.
The event runs from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. and features the “True Confessions,” a local four-member band playing music from the ’60s and ’70s.
Tickets are $20 and are available at the Chamber office, 12 Queen Street, under the town clock in Lakefield.
Public Meeting for Buckhorn Greenspace/Streetscape Design Plan
The Municipality of Trent Lakes Economic Development Committee invites you to attend a public meeting for the Buckhorn Greenspace/Streetscape Design Plan.
The meeting is taking place on Wednesday, March 7th from 7 to 9 p.m. in Hartley Hall at St. Matthews Church, 1937 Lakehurst Road, Buckhorn.
Everyone is welcome to attend this public meeting to learn about this exciting project, meet the project representatives and, most importantly, to provide input.
Municipality of Trent Lakes Rural Small Business Survey
The Trent Lakes Economic Development Committee would like to hear from all Trent Lakes small and home-based business operators/owners by filling out a survey.
They would like to learn more about your challenges as a rural business. By understanding business owners, Trent Lakes is hoping to develop workshops, networking partnership opportunities and program outreaches that will help your business.
Buckhorn Hydro Project Public Consultation Meeting – February 27
Proposed location of Buckhorn hydro facility. (Map: Peterborough Utilities Inc.)
Peterborough Utilities Inc. is proposing the development of the Buckhorn Hydro Project between Buckhorn Lake and Lower Buckhorn Lake in the hamlet of Buckhorn.
A public consultation meeting will be held Tuesday, February 27th from 5 to 8 p.m. at Buckhorn Community Centre (1782 Lakehurst Rd., Buckhorn).
Notice of Public Consultation Meeting – Peterborough Utilities Inc. Dam 24 Hydro Project – February 28
Peterborough Utilities Inc. (PUI) is proposing the development of the Dam 24 Hydro Project on the Otonabee River in the Township of Selwyn.
Peterborough Utilities Hydro 24 LP (PUH) is a limited partnership with PUI and the Curve Lake Economic Development Corporation.
The project is located on the Trent Severn Waterway primarily on federal lands under the administration of the Parks Canada Agency (PCA).
PUH will be presenting information on the project and soliciting feedback from the public. A public consultation meeting is being held on Wednesday, February 28th from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre in the Neils Pind Room.
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.
Flooding on Mount Horeb Road on February 20, 2018 resulted in the closure of the road between Highway 35 and Hillhead Road. Kawartha Conservation has issued a flood warning for the entire watershed, in effect until February 23, 2018. (Photo: City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service / Twitter)
A flood warning is now in effect for the Kawartha Conservation watershed jurisdiction.
Precipitation gauges around the Kawartha Conservation watershed have recorded an additional 10 to 15 mm of rain since Tuesday morning. More rain (up to 5 mm) is forecast for today (February 21), and remnants of snow cover where existing will continue melting, contributing to the run off.
As predicted, water levels and flows in local rivers and streams within the watershed have increased significantly. Many watercourses have exceeded their bankfull levels.
Flooding has been reported in floodplains, low-lying areas, and areas with poor drainage and road ditches across the watershed — in some places causing flooding of private dwellings and properties. Exceptionally high water levels are occurring at Mariposa Brook.
Ice jams have been observed yesterday. Numerous instances of road flooding have been observed or reported.
In these watershed conditions, local watercourses will continue to run very high and fast. As precipitation moves out of the watershed this afternoon, it is expected that water levels will stabilize and start declining overnight. Furthermore, some smaller watercourses, especially in southern portion of the watershed have already peaked and started decreasing. However, it will take longer for larger rivers to respond and peak.
Under these circumstances, all local watercourses and water bodies should be considered extremely dangerous. Kawartha Conservation is warning all residents to stay away from all water bodies, as well as water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams. Children should be warned of dangerous conditions and caregivers should maintain a close watch on children who are outside.
Municipalities are advised to monitor areas historically known for flooding and be prepared to respond to high water situations as they occur. Residents are advised to contact their municipalities should a flood threat develop. Local municipalities are first to respond to and assist with flood emergencies.
Trent-Severn Waterway officials are monitoring situation closely and are prepared to adjust flows through water control structures accordingly.
Burnt and Gull River levels are monitored by staff from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). Residents along these two rivers are requested to direct any questions concerning water levels to the MNRF Minden office at 705-286-5207 or 705-457-6434 (cell).
For assistance in the event of a flood, and to obtain sandbags, please call your municipal emergency contact.
The flood warning will remain in effect until Friday, February 23rd. Kawartha Conservation will continue monitoring water levels and watershed conditions and notify the public and municipalities within its watershed jurisdiction of any changes. If you are aware of or have concerns about flooding, please contact Kawartha Conservation at 705-328-2271 (705-344-0155 after hours).
The Seasoned Spoon Café, Trent University's non-profit and cooperative vegetarian café at Champlaign College, celebrates its 15th anniversary with a full day of activities and food on March 9, 2018. (Photo courtesy of The Seasoned Spoon Café)
Seasoned Spoon, Trent University’s non-profit and cooperative vegetarian café at Champlaign College, is celebrating its 15th anniversary on Friday, March 9th with a full day of workshops, demonstrations, discussions, and food.
“It’s incredible to think we have already come this far on our journey as an organization and an inspiring moment in time to pause and look back at everything that has been built along the way,” says Seasoned Spoon general manager Aimee Blyth.
“We are extremely grateful for the support we have received over the years, and look forward to celebrating with our extended Spoon family.”
In 2002, a group of students began offering locally sourced organic soup by donation to challenge the food service monopoly at Trent University. The Seasoned Spoon Café was launched in 2003 as a non-profit cooperative and today operates five days a week with 17 staff and dozens of volunteers and more than 400 cooperative members. (Photo courtesy of The Seasoned Spoon Café)
Seasoned Spoon evolved from a grassroots act of resistance in 2002, when the Peterborough chapter of the Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG) — a campus-based student organization fighting for social and environmental justice — launched a Stone Soup project through its Food Issues Group.
Aimee Blyth, general manager of The Seasoned Spoon Café. The cooperative is governed by an elected board of directors comprising Trent students, two faculty/staff representatives, and two community representatives. (Photo courtesy of The Seasoned Spoon Café)
Challenging the food service monopoly at Trent held by Aramark (an American corporation that supplies food services to educational, health care, and correctional facilities), student volunteers began serving locally sourced organic soup by donation every other week.
Eventually, the project elected a board of directors and created the Seasoned Spoon Café, which officially opened on February 25, 2003 in the Cat’s Ass Pub in Otonabee College. In 2009, the café relocated to its current location in Champlain College on the west bank of Trent University.
Today, the café is open five days a week with 17 staff, dozens of volunteers, and more than 400 cooperative members. It serves hundreds of affordable local meals every day, offers educational programming, and has cultivated relationships with a network of members, volunteers, eaters, growers, and good food advocates.
The Seasoned Spoon Café will mark its 15th anniversary with a full day of festivities on Friday, March 9th. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the café, there will be workshops, a collaborative art installation, spoon carving, root cellar tours, and soup (by donation, of course). From 5 to 8:30 p.m., celebrations will move to the Great Hall for a community feast, story sharing, and a panel discussion.
For more information about the Seasoned Spoon Café, visit www.seasonedspoon.ca. A full schedule of events on March 9th can be found on Seasoned Spoon’s Facebook page.
As well as offering healthy and locally sourced food, The Seasoned Spoon Café also hosts educational programming including regular workshops. (Photo courtesy of The Seasoned Spoon Café)
Megan Murphy is hosting a screening of her documentary 'Towns End', which tells the story of the PG Towns and Sons General Store in Douro, on March 18, 2018 at Showplace Performance Centre in Peterborough. The screening will raise funds for the owners of Towns and Leahy Mercantile and Deli, which opened in the location in 2017 only to be destroyed by a fire on February 2, 2018.
While it’s for a good cause, the irony is almost too much to bear.
On Sunday, March 18th at 2 p.m., filmmaker Megan Murphy is hosting a special benefit screening of her short documentary Towns End at Showplace Performance Centre.
Megan’s 2017 documentary tells the story of PG Towns & Sons General Store in Douro, which was operated by four generations of the Towns family before economic conditions forced it to close in September 2016.
When Megan first screened the documentary at Showplace on May 18, 2017, the event also included a celebration. Nancy Towns, along with Bernard and Lise Leahy, announced they were opening a new store — Towns and Leahy Mercantile and Deli — in the former PG Towns & Sons General Store, bringing new life to the landmark location.
Towns and Leahy Mercantile and Deli, operated by Nancy Towns and Bernard and Lise Leahy, reopening in the historic building last year. (Photo: Towns and Leahy Mercantile and Deli / Facebook)
Then, on February 2, 2018, a tragic overnight fire destroyed Towns and Leahy Mercantile and Deli, bringing to an end the store’s 125 year history.
Tickets for the March 18th screening are $20, with all proceeds going to the victims of the fire. You can order advance tickets at the Showplace box office ((290 George St. N., Peterborough), by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at showplace.org.
A short reception will follow the screening in the Nexicom Studio.
An early morning fire on February 2, 2018 destroyed Towns and Leahy Mercantile and Deli in the historic PG Towns and Sons General Store in Douro. (Photo: Harrison Perkins / Facebook)
"The Musical of Andrew Lloyd Webber in Concert" features 13 performers singing sones from all 16 shows written by Andrew Lloyd Webber during his career, including from hit shows like "Cats" (as shown here in the 2015 Peterborough Theatre Guild production) as well as more obscure productions like 2015's "The Likes of Us". Tickets are still available for the one-night-only performance on February 23, 2018 at Showplace Performance Centre. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)
On Friday, February 23rd, Emerald Sky Entertainment pays tribute to one of the world’s most celebrated theatrical legends when The Musicals of Andrew Lloyd Webber in Concert comes to Showplace Performance Centre in Peterborough for a special one-night-only show.
Featuring 13 performers from the Peterborough theatre community under the direction of Tim Jefferies, the show features numbers from all 16 shows written by Andrew Lloyd Webber throughout his illustrious career.
“I’ve always loved the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber,” says director/producer Tim Jefferies. “I think it’s cool to have this kind of performance concert where people who may not have had a chance to see many of his musicals can see a little bit of a scene staged with music they will recognize.”
Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber’s autobiography “Unmasked” will be released March 6, 2018 to coincide with his 70th birthday. (Photo: Monica Simoes)
A living theatrical legend, Andrew Lloyd Webber needs little introduction. Writing his first musical Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat with lyricist Tim Rice in 1968, Webber has gone on to write some of the most important stage musicals of all time, while many of his songs have become standards that have been recorded and celebrated all over the world.
His shows have become so successful that even people who are not theatre regulars have been exposed to his musicals including Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, Evita, and Jesus Christ Superstar. In a career that has spanned 50 years, Webber has won nine Tony Awards, four Grammy Awards, six Olivier Awards, a Golden Globe, and an Oscar.
Emerald Sky Entertainment presents The Musicals of Andrew Lloyd Webber in Concert
When: Friday, February 23, 2018 at 8 p.m. Where: Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: $17.50
Produced and directed by Tim Jeffries. Featuring Nate Axcell, Roy Braun, Brenna Goldie, Tim Jefferies, Rachel Jewell, Cassidy LaRue, First Last, Brian MacDonald, Theresa McMullen, Gail Rowat, Tim Rowat, Larry Smoot, Kristin Taylor, and Tara Thompson. Tickets are available at the Showplace box office, by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at showplace.org.
“I think one of the things that makes Andrew Lloyd Webber so well known is that the music speaks for itself,” Tim observes. “Some of his story lines are not the strongest, but he knows how to write music that is pleasing to the ear.
“I saw an interview with him and he was talking about Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera. He played it in the key he wrote it, but then he did it in a few other keys to show how much they didn’t resonate with people. So to me, he knows how to touch the people and pull at the heartstrings.”
A passion project for Tim, The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber in Concert has been in production, in one sense or another, for approximately nine months.
Tim originally did a similar show 13 years ago, but on a smaller scale. Since that production, Tim appeared in the 2015 Peterborough production of Cats, in which he played Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat.
“As a kid the first musical I saw was Cats,” Tim recalls. “That must have been the late 1980s. But I remember seeing the poster for Phantom of the Opera with the mask and the words ‘Coming Soon.’ That’s all it said. It came to Toronto about a year after it opened on Broadway. About 1989 was when I first heard the music when the Canadian cast recording came out, and it has been my favourite musical ever since.”
In Friday night’s show, Tim will be performing the role of The Phantom with Ottawa-based performer Rachel Jewell in the role of Christine Daae.
“When I heard the music I liked the aspect of the romance between the Phantom and Christine, because the book is not romantic at all,” Tim says. “For me, the character there is a fine line between pity and madness. You need to pick up on things that have happened to him. For instance, he’s wearing a mask. That’s a big thing. He’s always been in hiding. For the character, you need to understand him and the situation.”
Producer and director Tim Jeffries will also be performing in “The Musical of Andrew Lloyd Webber in Concert” as The Phantom. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
Tim has hand-selected an eclectic group of performers, some of whom who are very familiar to me and others I have never seen before. Besides Tim and Rachel, the rest of the cast includes Brenna Goldie, Brian MacDonald, Nate Axcell, Roy Braun, Theresa McMullen, Tara Thompson, Larry Smoot, Tim Rowat, Gail Rowat, Cassidy LaRue, and Kristin Taylor.
“This cast is a cast that I asked for,” Tim says. “Every one of these people are people I’ve worked with on stage, either in one of my own productions or somewhere else. Some of them haven’t been on stage for years, but are happy to be back on stage doing it.”
What may prove interesting for audiences is just how many of Webber’s musicals they are not familiar with. Going through the list of shows being included in the performance, I’ll admit I knew less than half of the shows being represented. In fact, one show in the performance, 2005’s The Likes of Us, is so obscure that finding any music from it became a challenge for Tim.
“The Likes of Us was a play about Doctor Bernardo that has very rarely been performed,” Tim says. “I had every other song, except anything from The Likes of Us, and I can’t say that we are doing every one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s songs without including it.
“I had to track down the music through The Really Useful Theater Company. They gave me the directions to go and find a music book that had one song from it that was available to the public. The book cost over a hundred dollars just to get that one song.”
As one of theatre’s most beloved composer, the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber is always a hit with audiences, and ticket sales have proved successful. Over 400 tickets have already been sold to the performance, but there are still seats available for this one-night-only performance.
“I think there will be something that’ll appeal to everyone,” Tim says. “Musical theatre is not for everyone. Opera is not for everyone. But with Andrew Lloyd Webber, there is at least something that people will connect with. They might like the singing, or the directing, or the way that the show flows. There will be something that will entertain everyone.”
The Musicals of Andrew Lloyd Webber in Concert will be performed on Friday, February 23rd at 8 p.m. Tickets are $17.50 and available by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at showplace.org.
The City of Peterborough is asking residents to reduce water consumption because of ongoing rainfall and increased snow melt.
A significantly increased volume of water is entering the city’s wastewater treatment plant. As a result of the current conditions, the plant is now in secondary by-pass mode.
Secondary by-pass mode means that all of sewage will be screened and will receive primary treatment and UV disinfection, but will not receive secondary polishing treatment.
To help alleviate the volume of water flowing through the plant, the city is asking residents to reduce their water consumption by taking short showers instead of baths, limiting or delaying loads of laundry, and turning off taps while brushing teeth and doing dishes.
The city is also advising residents downstream of Peterborough who draw their water from the river to take necessary precautions and boil water.
Property owner Mieke Schipper (third from left) has donated a conservation easement agreement to the Kawartha Land Trust (KLT) to protect the family's 100-acre Pigeon Lake property, home of the Gamiing Nature Centre, in perpetuity. Also pictured (left to right): Eva Kennedy, KLT Board of Directors; Ian Attridge, KLT Volunteer; Amy Elliott, Gamiing Nature Centre Board of Directors; Thom Unrau, KLT Land Stewardship Coordinator; Tara King, KLT Development Coordinator; and Mike Hendren, KLT Executive Director. (Photo courtesy of Kawartha Land Trust)
Mieke Schipper and her family have donated a conservation easement agreement to the Kawartha Land Trust on their 100-acre Pigeon Lake property.
The Schipper’s property between Emily Park and Bobcaygeon is the home of Gamiing Nature Centre, which is named for the Ojibwa word for “near the shore”.
The agreement was celebrated at the Gamiing Nature Centre’s annual Family Day Winterlude event on Monday (February 19), which was attended by around 200 people.
The Schipper family purchased the 100-acre property in 1984 when it was an abandoned farm. They first allowed the land to revert to its natural state, and then — with the help of environmental organizations, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Rsources, and volunteers — planted hundreds of native trees on the property every few years.
When the property was sufficiently forested, trails were cut for hiking, skiing, horseback riding and for nature walks under a tree canopy. Later, with the Pigeon Lake Environmental Association, Mieke established Gamiing Nature Centre as a separate, charitable organization with a Board of Directors to guide the activities on the property.
The conservation easement agreement with Kawartha Land Trust protects the natural conservation values but continues to allow private ownership of the land.
“Thank you for your vision and generosity to conserve nature for future generations,” said Eva Kennedy of the KLT Board of Directors. “It’s wonderful to see so many kids and families here today having fun while learning about nature. Thank you for your passion in bringing people together.”
Features of the newly protected Schipper / Gaming Nature Centre property. (Graphic courtesy of Kawartha Land Trust)
The Schipper property includes 1,200 feet of undeveloped shoreline on Pigeon Lake, 30 acres of wetland that harbors species at risk including Least Bittern and Blanding’s Turtles, and is both a provincially designated Area of Natural and Scientific Interest and a Provincially Significant Wetland.
Seven kilometres of trails on the property are open to the public and are used for education and events run through the Gamiing Nature Centre, which is owned and operated separate from the Kawartha Land Trust.
“I want my granddaughters to drink fresh, healthy water, breathe fresh healthy air and eat fresh and healthy food,” Mieke said. “I’m just so happy to know the land that I love will be protected in perpetuity for generations yet to come.”
Kawartha Land Trust is a non-governmental organization and registered charity dedicated to conserving the natural environment and enhancing quality of life in the Kawarthas. Since its formation in 2001, the organization has secured 13 properties comprising 3,217 acres of diverse and significant landscapes with a donated land value of $6.9 million.
Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett cutting the ribbon at the official grand opening of Dragon Yan at 422 Braidwood Avenue in Peterborough on February 16, 2018, whose owner Ron Kam (seated) also made a donation to the New Canadians Centre. Also pictured are city councillors Dan McWilliams and Lesley Parnell, Kam's daughter Heidi, and Hajni Hos, executive director of the New Canadians Centre. (Photo: Daryl Bennett / Twitter)
This week we feature the official opening of Dragon Yan Chinese food restaurant in Peeterborough, the one-year anniversary of Tiny Greens in downtown Peterborough, the return of the PTBO Game Jam for video game developers, the inaugural Engineering Awards winners, a new low-interest loan program for building and land improvementsd in the City of Kawartha Lakes, and upcoming business events including Rhonda Keenan at the Peterborough DBIA Breakfast Network on February 21, a tax preparation seminar for startups on February 28, the official opening of the Hello, Baby! pregnancy and parenting hub in downtown Peterborough on March 2, and more.
Dragon Yan Chinese food restaurant hosts official opening
City councillors Dan McWilliams and Lesley Parnell, Dragon Yan and Wee Wok Express owner Ron Kam, New Canadians Centre executive director Hajni Hos, and Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett as the official opening of Dragon Yan on February 16, 2018. (Photo: Daryl Bennett / Twitter)
Dragon Yan, a dine-in Chinese food restaurant located at 422 Braidwood Avenue in Peterborough, hosted its official grand opening on Friday (February 16).
While the restaurant has been open for business since December, they hosted the official opening to coincide with the beginning of the Chinese New Year.
Owners Ron Kam and wife Yun Lian (Cherry) also own and operate the popular Wee Wok Express take-out restaurant on George Street in downtown Peterborough.
Ron’s family originally came from Hong Kong 34 years ago. They went on to work and live in Canada, owning a number of restaurants in Ontario. As an adult, Ron returned to China to pursue his teaching career with his education degree. He taught English on Chinese television, becoming a local celebrity in Guangzhou. With the birth of their daughter Heidi, Ron and Yun Lian moved back to Canada and opened Wee Wok Express four years ago.
At the official opening of Dragon Yan, which was attended by Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett, City councillors Dan McWilliams and Lesley Parnell, New Canadians Centre executive director Hajni Hos, Kam also made a donation to the New Canadians Centre.
Tiny Greens celebrates one-year anniversary of winning the Win This Space competition
Tiny Greens owner Tina Bromley (centre) with Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett and Peterborough DBIA executive director Terry Guiel. Bromley launched her store in downtown Peterborough after winning the inaugural 2017 Win This Space competition last February. (Photo: Tiny Greens)
Tina Bromley, who won a year-long lease of a downtown Peterborough storefront in the inaugural Win This Space competition, celebrated her one-year anniversary of winning the contest on Friday (February 16).
As a result of winning the 2017 competition, which included thousands of dollars in additional prizes, Bromley opened her microgreenery and healthy hub in downtown Peterborough on July 26 2017: an urban farm-to-table environment where people can buy local microgreens, vegetables, herbs as well as other foods from local farmers. Tiny Greens also offers education and workshops as well as sales of supplies and products for growing indoor and vertical gardens.
The finale of the 2018 Win This Space entrepreneurial competition takes place on Thursday, March 1st at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).
PTBO Game Jam for video games developers returns to Fleming College February 23 to 25
PTBO Game Jam 04, which brings together video game developers for a 32-hour game development marathon, takes place at Fleming College from February 23 to 25. Host dotBunny will reveal the theme of PTBO Game Jam 04 through “BREATHE”, an exclusive game set on a beautiful and mysterious island that was developed during a previous games jam. (Graphic: dotBunny)
The bi-annual PTBO Game Jam returns to the Kawartha Trade & Technology Centre at Fleming College (599 Brealey Dr, Peterborough) from February 23rd to 25th.
The event aims to provide education, promote exposure of video game developers, and connect industry professionals with talented individuals interested in game development. It brings together game programmers, designers, artists, and others who participate in a 32-hour challenge to create video games.
It’s estimated that more than 19 million Canadians identify themselves as “gamers” participating in an industry expected to grow to a $100 billion market value by 2019.
The fourth PTBO Game Jam begins with educational blocks for youth and adults on the evening of Friday, February 23rd, with the game jam running from 8 a.m. on Saturday until 6 p.m. on Sunday. To keep the jammers motivated, organizers will be providing a midnight break with free pizza and will have a new mini-putt green station to compete for prizes. On Sunday. when the challenge is finished, participants and media are welcome to see the creations made throughout the Game Jam.
Hosted by dotBunny, an independent game studio based out of Peterborough, the event is sponsored locally by dotBunny, Fleming College, Innovation Cluster, and Community Futures Peterborough, along with international sponsors Funky Rustic and Unity.
For more information about PTBO Game Jam, including a complete schedule, visit ptbogamejam.com.
Professional Engineers Ontario Peterborough Chapter announces inaugural Engineering Awards winners
Robert Rehder, who spent 47 years as an engineer with GE in Peterborough, was also the director of the Hope Mill Restoration Project. He will be honoured with the Engineering Lifetime Achievement Award from the Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) Peterborough Chapter. (Photo: Rotary Club of Belleville)
The Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) Peterborough Chapter has announced the inaugural winners of their 2018 Engineering Awards:
Local engineeers Charles Kidd and Peter Stumpf have each won the Engineering Citizenship Award for society betterment within an engineering context, and Robert Rehder has won the Engineering Lifetime Achievement Award.
The recipients will be honoured and celebrated at the at PEO Peterborough Chapter Annual General Meeting and Awards dinner on Friday, February 23rd at Persian Empire Distillery (636 Queensway Court, Peterborough).
Local improvement loans for businesses coming to City of Kawartha Lakes
The City of Kawartha Lakes will be working with the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation (KLCFDC) to develop a program offering low-interest loans to support commercial building improvements in various communities across the municipality.
Under the community improvement plan, which was approved by city council, KLCFDC would provide an interest-free loan of up to $500,000 to the city, with matching loan funding from the city for a total of $1 million available under the program.
These funds would be administered through the City in a multi-year program for building and land improvements such as heritage district building restoration and improvements, accessibility improvements, affordable rental housing private space retrofits in mixed-use buildings, derelict building repairs and improvements, and downtown main street revitalization and enhancements.
The loan program will be developed and administered by the city, with guidance from the KLCFDC, and will involve committee oversight. Application intake is forecasted for fall 2018.
The Community Improvement Plan will outline the eligibility criteria for applicants and projects. The Plan will also detail how the loan program will be administered and eligibility requirements. This program will not impact the tax levy as City funds will be paid back with cost recovery over a defined period of time.
Rhonda Keenan guest speaker at Peterborough DBIA Breakfast Network on February 21
Rhonda Keenan, President and CEO of Peterborough & the Kawartha Economic Development, with Stuart Harrison of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce. (Photo: Peterborough & the Kawartha Economic Development)
Rhonda Keenan, resident and CEO of Peterborough & the Kawartha Economic Development, is the guest speaker at the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) Breakfast Network on Wednesday, February 21st at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
Keenan, who has been leading Peterborough & the Kawartha Economic Development since February 2016, previously worked in the City of Oshawa’s Economic Development Services branch.
Breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m. with the guest speaker at 8 a.m. The event is open to everyone and tickets are $5 at the door.
Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Annual General Meeting on February 21
The 2017 Chamber AGM at The Village Inn in Lakefield. This year’s AGM also takes place at The Village Inn on February 21.
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is holding its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, February 21st, at The Village Inn (39 Queen St, Lakefield).
The meeting will include highlights from the past year, and the nominating committee will present the slate of directors for the coming year.
Networking and refreshments will begin at 5 p.m. The meeting will run from approximately 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Peterborough Chamber “Power Hour” evening with elected officials returns on February 21
MP Maryam Monsef, County Warden Joe Taylor, Mayor Daryl Bennett, and MPP Jeaf Leal listen to a question from moderator Sandra Dueck at the “Power Hour” event hosted by the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce on January 25, 2017. (photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s annual “Power Hour” — an evening with Peterborough’s elected officials — returns on Wednesday, February 21st.
The event takes place from 5:30 to 9 p.m at The Venue in downtown Peterborough.
There will be a full hour of questions and answers with Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef, MPP Peterborough Jeff Leal, County of Peterborough Warden Joe Taylor, and City of Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett.
Tickets cost $65 for Chamber members and $75 for non-members (or $450 for a table of seven for members and $525 for non-members). HST will be added to the ticket price. Register here.
GE employees career fair on February 23
A career fair where employers can explore potential opportunities with more than 300 employees transitioning from GE in Peterborough is taking place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, February 23rd at the Evinrude Centre (911 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough).
Employers will have the opportunity to showcase their companies and employment opportunities while meeting with GE employees from a wide range of fields including engineers, programmers, production workers, lab technicians, and much more.
Bill 148 and the construction industry breakfast session on February 27
The Great Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and the Peterborough Construction Association are hosting a breakfast session about the impact of Bill 148 on the construction industry.
The session takes place on Tuesday, February 27th at Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront (150 George St., Peterborough).
Experts from Sherrard Kuzz LLP will discuss changes to employment law resulting from Bill 148 and what they mean to the construction industry.
This presentation will go beyond changes to minimum wage to address all aspects of the new law and how it impacts business.
The breakfast buffet opens at 7 a.m. with speakers presenting from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. There will be time for questions after the presentation.
Tax preparation seminar for startups on February 28
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas is hosting a “Hands-ON” session with Adam Crowley of Gauvreau & Associates on Wednesday, February 28th.
The seminar will cover the tax differences between sole proprietorships and corporations, the tax return for sole proprietors including the Statement of Business Activities, special rules for deductible business expenses, how to record capital assests, filing deadlines and more.
The 10 finalists in the 2018 Win This Space entrepreneurial competition. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
The finale of this year’s Win This Space entrepreneurial competition takes place on Thursday, March 1st at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).
Ten businesses are competing to win a storefront for one year lease-free in downtown Peterborough, along with other prizes.
The 10 finalists are The Bicycle Museum by Dandyhorse Media, Bonita’s Ballroom & Latin Dance Studio, The Willow’s Bark, StayFit LifeStyle, Argania Natural Health Clinic, Alexander Frames, Best Wishes in a Basket, Baby Bop Teething Accessories, Escape Maze, and Scars and Strops Ltd.
The evening will begin with a cocktail hour and networking from 5:30 to 6 p.m., followed by the finale from 6 to 8 p.m.
Hello, Baby! officially opening in downtown Peterborough on March 2
Stephanie Hayes and Jennifer Avis, owners of doula and prenatal education service Hello, Baby!, will be opening their new pregnancy and parenting hub in downtown Peterborough on March 2, 2018. (Photo: Hello, Baby!)
Hello, Baby! is hosting the official opening of its new pregnancy and parenting hub in downtown Peterborough on Friday, March 2nd.
Located at 239 Charlotte Street at Aylmer, just across the street from the Shoppers Drug Mart, the hub includes “The Gathering Space”, a safe and inviting place or you to feed babies, take a workshop, or join a club or group, and “The Wellness Studio”, which will host speakers, yoga and fitness classes, and mini-retreats.
Before opening their first brick-and-mortar location, owners Jennifer Avis and Stephanie Hayes were previously renting space for classes and events at Peterborough Living Yoga and The Monocle Centre for the Arts. In December 2017, they received a grant under the Starter Company Plus program administered by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre.
The baby and toddler friendly official opening will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7 p.m., followed by a celebration featuring music, cake and refreshments, and goody bags.
“Bridges Out of Poverty” workshop for employers on March 7
The City and County of Peterborough Social Services, along with Agilec, Employment Ontario, Employment Planning & Counselling, Fleming Crew Employment Centre, and the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge, are hosting a free workshop for employers on “Bridges out of Poverty”.
The Bridges out of Poverty framework, which originated in the U.S. and has been adopted by other communities in Canada, aims to help people who grew up in poverty and educate the agencies who assist them. The workshop will provide information on the framework as well as the variety of financial incentives available for employers in the community. It will also provide information on understanding and retaining employees.
The free workshop takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7th at Agilec Peterborough office (Brookdale Plaza, 863 Chemong Rd, Unit 20-A). Refreshments will be served.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) along with local conservation authorities have issued a watershed conditions statement (flood outlook) for the Kawarthas region.
A flood outlook gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds, or other conditions.
MNRF and local conservation authorities will continue to monitor water conditions. If necessary, they will issue a flood watch (meaning there is a high potential for flooding) or a flood warning (meaning flooding is imminent or already occurring).
Here are the conditions as of February 20, 2018, across the Kawarthas region:
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Bancroft District – Flood Outlook
Water levels and flows across the Bancroft District are generally in the normal range for this time of year. Forecast precipitation and associated snow melt are likely to produce high water levels and flooding. There may be potential for minor ice jam related flooding on some rivers.
Residents of Bancroft District should keep a close watch on conditions, regularly check for updated messages and exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and streams. Please alert any children under your care to these dangers and supervise their activities. Residents who have a historic susceptibility to flooding should take appropriate precautions to protect their property, such as ensuring sump pumps are functioning and securing items that may float away as water levels rise.
Kawartha Conservation – Flood Outlook
At this time, rivers and streams within the Kawartha Conservation watershed are flowing in the normal range for this time of year. A majority of the watercourses are frozen.
Forecast precipitation and associated snow melt will produce significant run off and high water levels and velocities in local watercourses. Ice breakup due to rapid increase of water flows, along with the potential for ice jam formation and related flooding on some watercourses can be expected. It is anticipated that water accumulation will occur in low-lying areas, road ditches, and areas with poor drainage. Rivers and streams may reach or exceed their bank full conditions in some locations. Smaller steams will react fast, while it takes longer for larger watercourses to respond.
Under expected watershed conditions all local rivers, streams, and lakes should be considered extremely dangerous. Riverbanks are slippery and unsafe; ice cover may become unstable and hazardous. Kawartha Conservation is warning all residents to stay away from water bodies, as well as water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams. Children should be warned of dangerous conditions and caregivers should maintain a close watch on children who are outside.
Municipalities are advised to monitor areas known for minor flooding and be prepared to respond to high water situations as they occur. Residents are advised to contact their municipalities should a flood threat develop. Local municipalities are first to respond to and assist with flood emergencies.
Lower Trent Conservation – Flood Outlook
Stream flows and levels across the Lower Trent Conservation watershed region are generally in the normal range for this time of year.
There is currently 60 to 80 mm of water equivalent existing in the current snow pack. Runoff from rain combined with snow melt may result in flooding issues on small creeks and streams across the watershed region, including Mayhew, Cold, Rawdon, Mill, Trout, Butler, Salt, Colborne, and Shelter Valley Creeks. Water levels are expected to remain stable for the Trent River.
Ice break up on local waterways could also result in ice jamming and cause further flooding concerns. Under these mild conditions, all local rivers, streams, and lakes should be considered extremely dangerous. Ice cover will become unstable and hazardous, and should be considered unsafe. Parents are urged to keep children away from all waterways. Areas around water control structures should be avoided at all times.
kawarthaNOW.com offers two enews options to help readers stay in the know. Our VIP enews is delivered weekly every Wednesday morning and includes exclusive giveaways, and our news digest is delivered daily every morning. You can subscribe to one or both.
Submit your event for FREE!
Use our event submission form to post your event on our website — for free.
To submit editorial content or ideas, please contact us.
