Peterborough native Kate Suhr during a photo shoot at the Scarborough Bluffs for her new full-length album "Selkie Bride", which she will perform at an album release party on September 30 at Peterborough's Market Hall. (Photo: Jennifer Moher)
It was during a performance at Peterborough’s Market Hall in February that I heard beloved local musician and actress Kate Suhr first sing her song about the Selkie Bride. A haunting story about a mythical seal-like creature that comes from out of the sea, the selkie sheds her sealskin and takes human form to dance on the shore in the moonlight.
I was so enraptured by the song I immediately messaged Kate that night and told her that I hoped she would someday record the song, because I wanted to listen to it again and again.
Well, Kate hasn’t only recorded the song, but has made it the title track of her first full-length album Selkie Bride. She will be returning to the Market Hall on Saturday, September 30th to celebrate the release of her new record.
“Selkies are mythological creatures in Celtic, Scottish and Icelandic lore,” Kate says, explaining the album’s title. “They are said to live as seals in the sea, but they shed their skin to live as humans on the land.
“My song Selkie Bride is about a woman whose sealskin was stolen by a man, so she loses herself. It’s a metaphor for parts of my own journey. I lost myself in a relationship, and it’s about the journey to find myself again.”
VIDEO: The story of The Selkie Bride
The selkie is not the only mythical creature Kate has written a song about for Selkie Bride. She transformed an unfinished song that first appeared as an intro to her 2015 EP Something More into a composition called “Lady in White”, which talks about the ghostly white ladies said to haunt rural areas worldwide.
“Lady in White is one of my most favourite songs because it was a turning point for me,” Kate says. “It was a new chapter of diving into folk lore and fairy tales and storytelling, as opposed to my prior songs which were about me and my experiences.
“The story itself is based around these spirits called white ladies. They are many stories about these sightings of women haunting countries and towns in long white dresses. Usually they have been women who have been scorned by their husbands or lovers. I had read an article about the white ladies and it just stuck with me for a while. I couldn’t get it out of my head.”
The cover of Kate Suhr’s first full-length album “Selkie Bride”. (Photo: Jennifer Moher)
Another song on Kate’s album even takes on the Virgin Mary.
“Although I’m not a particularly religious person, I’ve become enthralled with the Virgin Mary,” she admits. “There is a beautiful piece I read about Stella Marie, which is the Virgin Mary that sailors pray to. They have their own Mother Mary, and she is a star in the sky and sailors pray to her when they get lost at sea.”
But not all the songs on Selkie Bride are mystical and mythical. Kate also includes some songs that are a bit more down to earth, but still cling close to the heart — including a song dedicated to local director and playwright Gillian Wilson.
“I wrote Til It Goes Away for my beloved friend Gillian Wilson. Gillian has been a huge inspiration in my life.”
Kate says there are also a couple of other “gutsy and gritty” tunes on the record.
“The album is a nice balance of dark and light. In the darkness, light is always found.”
Ally Boothroyd, Kate Suhr, and Jennifer Moher during the photo shoot for Kate’s new album. (Photo: Ally Boothroyd)
Selkie Bride is accompanied with haunting photos of Kate walking along the water in a white dress and wrapped in darkness, created with the help of photographer Jennifer Moher, who has also designed the CD package alongside Kate. Kate says that she and Jennifer, as well as their friend Ally Boothroyd, made an early morning trip to the Scarborough Bluffs to take these eerie yet beautiful photos.
“We got up at 4 a.m. because we wanted to take the photos during the sunrise,” Kate recalls. “The three of us were standing on the rocks with the waves crashing. It was the best time.”
Recorded throughout the summer of 2017, Selkie Bride was produced by James McKenty, who also plays guitars on the album, and features an all-star lineup of local musicians and performers including Loel Campbell, Greg Marshak, Jimmy Bowskill, Ian McKeown, Melissa Payne, Paul Crough, and Kate Brioux.
Although Kate currently lives in Toronto, where she has been pursuing a successful acting career and has appeared on stage and in commercials, Kate’s fan base still holds strong in Peterborough. With a heart as beautiful as her voice, Kate’s genuine kindness has endeared her to everyone whose lives she has touched and, in return, her friends and fans have continued to support her through every step of her career.
On her new record “Selkie Bride”, Kate Suhr explores storytelling as art with several songs based on folk lore and fairy tales. (Photo: Jennifer Moher)
In fact, only moments after Kate announced her album release party, the show announcement spread like wildfire throughout social media.
“I don’t take one second for granted,” Kate says. “I couldn’t do what I do without the support of the village. It makes me emotional often because I just don’t understand it. I can’t even begin to know how to thank everyone.”
And even though Kate is living in Toronto, her heart remains in Peterborough.
“It’s special what happens in our town. It’s easy to draw on the negative first: unemployment and hatred and homelessness. But I believe so fiercely in the arts, and that’s one thing I think we all are into together. We realize life is hard and it’s a journey, and there are things happening that are upsetting in our town. So we have to cling to the light, and we need to cling to each other and we need to cling to kindness and we need to cling to the arts.
“The arts is about being human. The arts is about storytelling. It’s a place where people can escape and feel inspired. That’s what Peterborough gives back to me. Peterborough really believes in the arts, and we believe in each other.”
On Saturday, September 30th, Kate will be performing the songs of Selkie Bride at the official album release party. Special guests include James McKenty, Kate Brioux, and Melissa Payne, along with opening act Tonya-Lee Watts. Tickets are $25 general admission or $50 for cabaret seating in front of stage (the $50 ticket includes one complimentary drink ticket).
Tickets are available at the Market Hall box office (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) or online at markethall.org. Tickets are also available (cash only) at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).
Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Steve Earle, known for his gritty rock, country, and folk tunes, performs at the Academy Theatre in Lindsay on September 18. (Photo: Chad Batka)
Welcome to September! The nights are a little cooler, the days are shorter, and everyone’s routines are a little more structured. And though there always seems to be a sharp edge to summer that begins with September, there is still plenty of great music happening indoors and out to ease the transition.
This month, there are music festivals, album releases, and some big shows to check out. Here are just a few of the amazing events happening in Peterborough and the Kawarthas in September.
Shelter Valley Folk Festival near Grafton until September 3
You know that summer is fading when it’s time for the Shelter Valley Folk Festival, taking place on the Labour Day weekend at the Henkel Family Lavender Farm (295 Vernonville Road, Vernonville).
The lineup is always quite diverse, extending a little beyond folk while including top-shelf folk music too. Artists this year include Amelia Curran, William Prince, Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar, Murder Murder, Siqiniup Qilauta Sunsdrum, and many more. The setting is idyllic and the music goes right along with that. There is camping for those who want to stay the whole weekend, and there are also tickets for each individual day as well.
For more information and specific ticket information, head to www.sheltervalley.com.
VIDEO: “Breathless” – William Prince
Mary-Kate Edwards at Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene on September 3
Head out to Elmhirst’s Resort (1045 Settlers Line, Keene, 705-295-4591 or 800-461-1940) on Sunday, September 3rd from 3 to 6 p.m. for the very last edition of their live music series for the summer.
It’s a special finale with a performance by the Peterborough Folk Festival 2017 Emerging Artist Mary-Kate Edwards. Her sweet songs will be a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon on Rice Lake. If it rains, the music moves from the patio indoors.
Admission is free and open to the public and there will be food and beverages available to those looking for refreshment.
VIDEO: “Ophelia” by Lumineers performed by Mary-Kate Edwards
Nick Ferrio album release at The Spill in Peterborough on September 8
Save the date because this could be the mother of all album releases. Local artist Nick Ferrio has reinvented his sound on his new record Soothsayer. It strays away from his previous sound of folk mixed with country and is described as having a “70s power-pop sound … wrapped in the fuzzy sweaters of rock and roll and psychedelia.”
Ferrio will release the new record on Friday, September 8th at The Spill (414 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-6167) along with rock ‘n’ roll pals Lonely Parade, Prime Junk, and Stacey Green Jumps.
The show begins around 9 p.m., but get there early to ensure a spot. Tickets are available at the door.
VIDEO: “Palace of Gold” by Blue Rodeo performed by Nick Ferrio
Voodoo Glow Skulls at the Market Hall in Peterborough on September 13
For those who like to move and like their music fast and full-throttle, you will want to check out Voodoo Glow Skulls on Wednesday, September 13th at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146).
The ska/punk group from California has been at it since 1988. Though they have featured many different members over the years, they continue to get people moving and play the same high-energy tunes that put them on the scene way back when. Opening the show are locals The Cheap Suits, featuring Chris Collins from Dub Trinity, as well as K-Man & The 45’s.
Put on your dancing shoes and your jean jacket with anarchy patches and get ready to move all night long. The show is $23 including fees and starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org. Tickets are also available (cash only) at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).
VIDEO: “The Ballad of Froggy Mcnasty” – Voodoo Glow Skulls
Steve Earle at the Academy Theatre in Lindsay on September 18
It is not often that I get the pleasure of mentioning Steve Earle in this live music column, but he’s coming to the Kawarthas! The great musician, a true hero of the alt-country genre, is returning to the Academy Theatre (2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay, 705-324-9111) on Monday, September 18th.
Though he may best be known on a broader scale for early tunes like “Copperhead Road” and “Guitar Town”, he has an epic catalogue that straddles many decades. His latest release So You Wannabe An Outlaw explores his country roots and features collaborations with Willie Nelson, Johnny Bush, and Miranda Lambert.
The show begins at 8 p.m. and costs $84. Tickets are available at the Box Office, by phone at 705-324-9111, or online at www.academytheatre.ca.
“So You Wannabe An Outlaw” – Steve Earle & The Dukes
Cultivate Festival in Port Hope from September 22 to 24
Head to beautiful downtown Port Hope for the Cultivate Festival taking place from Friday, September 22nd to Sunday, September 24th right downtown. Come for the music and stay for the great selection of micro-brewed beers, ciders, and wines as well as lovely local food selections.
The music line-up is always impressive at this festival, with two stages featuring some great acts. On the Friday, you’ll be able to see The Weber Brothers, Ahi, Zachary Lucky, Evening Hymns, and Digging Roots.
Saturday has a packed lineup with Said the Whale, Fred Penner, Terra Lightfoot, Alysha Brilla, Mayhemingways, The Kents, and many more.
Sunday features Andrew Queen and the Campfire Crew, Sheesham and Lotus, Yuka, Jenny Whiteley, and Cobourg rockers Gentlemen Husbands.
You can get tickets for the full weekend or choose your day, with prices ranging from $30 for Friday and Sunday day passes to $120 for a VIP weekend pass. For tickets and more information, visit cultivatefestival.ca.
VIDEO: “AK-47” – Digging Roots
Bruce Cockburn at Showplace in Peterborough on September 25
Another amazing musician and songwriter takes the stage on Monday, September 25th, when the great Bruce Cockburn plays Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469) for the opening show in Folk Under The Clock’s 31st season.
Cockburn will be touring his new record Bone on Bone, which will be released on September 15th. It’s hard to summarize Cockburn because he’s been so prolific over his 40-year career. He has released countless studio records, worked as an activist in Latin America, and has written some of Canada’s best-loved songs. His new studio album, produced by the great Colin Linden, plays on all that he has seen as a humanist and keen observer of the world.
His band will feature the rock-solid rhythm section of Gary Craig on drums, John Dymond on bass, and Cockburn’s own son on accordion. Opening the show is Hamilton roots rocker Terra Lightfoot, whose star is on the rise with her powerful voice and killer tunes.
The concert begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are $58. There are only a handful of tickets left as I write this, so don’t delay. Tickets are available in person and by phone at Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org
VIDEO: “The States I’m In” – Bruce Cockburn
The Marigolds at the Nexicom Studio at Showplace on September 29
An eclectic show featuring three great singer-songwriters takes place at the Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469) on Friday, September 29th at 8 p.m.
You are going to want to check out The Marigolds, featuring Gwen Swick, Suzie Vinnick, and Caitlin Hanford. Their music mixes blues, jazz, country, and bluegrass with their beautiful harmonies and full instrumentation. The gals will be joined by drummer Randall Coryell.
Tickets are $29 in advance or $31 at the door. Advance tickets are available in person and by phone at Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org.
VIDEO: “Sometimes I Think I Can Fly” – The Marigolds
Trent University students having fun in The Great Race Paint Up at Lady Eaton College during Orientation Week. (Photo: Trent University / Facebook)
Get ready, Peterborough. Almost 3,500 new students are about to arrive to begin studying at Trent University — one of the largest groups of incoming students in the university’s history.
Orientation Week 2017 begins on Sunday, September 3rd with Move-In Day and continues until Saturday, September 9th. The university is offering in a series of events and activities designed to welcome them to Trent and the Peterborough community.
“We’re very excited to welcome so many new students to Trent,” says Nona Robinson, associate vice-president, students at Trent University. “Our focus with Orientation Week is to provide a diverse mix of programming to meet the diverse needs and interests of students.
“Orientation is a great way to grow connections to the campus, meet new people, learn about academic and student supports, get excited about your studies, and build your confidence to make the most of your Trent experience.”
Students rowing on the Trent Canal. (Photo: Michael Cullen)
Orientation Week offers first-year students an opportunity to make important connections with the university and its services, meet faculty and staff from their department of study, prepare for classes with academic workshops and seminars, and enhance their university experience through fun and interactive activities.
More than 200 senior students and university faculty and staff will help time to coordinate and run the various events, including:
Orientation Week staff from all colleges and staff from housing services at Trent will be on hand to welcome and assist new students and their families with registration and their move into residence.
Draw the Line: Sexual Assault Prevention
Monday, September 4, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Wenjack Theatre
Every incoming student is required to take part in this sexual assault prevention session led by Trent Wellness and the Office of Student Affairs and is part of a new Ontario initiative called Draw the Line.
This session sets expectations for student conduct and reinforces what steps the university takes when approaching issues of sexual assault prevention.
Orientation Squads
All Week
On the first day, new students will begin to meet with their Orientation Squads — groups of between 30 and 40 on-campus and off-campus students. Together, groups will participate in academic preparedness sessions facilitated by Academic Skills Advisors, along with a number of other sessions which are either academic in nature or focused on community building.
The strong bonds new students form with their peers in their squads, along with the trust they build with the upper-year leaders, will provide students with a strong foundation to support them throughout their first year.
Tipi Talks
Monday, September 4 to Wednesday, September 6, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Gzowski College
Tipi Talks is an initiative created to provide opportunities for Trent students to learn about the Indigenous spaces on campus, most notably the Tipi and Traditional Area, the Ernest and Florence Benedict Gathering Space, and the Nozhem Theatre.
The Trent Excalibur men’s soccer team will take on the RMC Paladins in this year’s Orientation Week varsity game.
Flavours of Peterborough Food Festival
Thursday, September 7, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., LEC South Field
Students will kick off the first day of classes by enjoying great food from some of Peterborough’s finest food providers. The Flavours of Peterborough Food Festival is a fun event filled with music, games, activities and will feature some of the most popular food dishes in Peterborough and local vendors from the town’s Farmers’ Market.
Improv: Citiots
Tuesday September 5, 9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m., Wenjack Theatre
Peterborough’s very own improv team performs for all new students. Students can just watch or join in on the fun.
The Great Race, a time-honoured tradition at Trent, is run by the Trent Central Student Association and starts off with the annual cheering competition. Each college is assigned the task of creating a new cheer for their college and Trent University.
This giant relay race, which takes place at Justin Chiu Stadium, always brings out the college spirit in everyone. The race ends with a song by Unity, along with guest speakers who will congratulate the students on a successful Orientation Week, and prepare students for the start of the school year.
"Hill #1", of the Hills and Lines series by Jane LowBeer, will be on display at the Arts and Heritage Centre in Warkworth during September. (Photo courtesy of Jane LowBeer)
New art spaces are popping up around downtown Peterborough, and Friday, September 8th is the night to go and check them out. With openings happening in five downtown galleries and one new shop opening all on the same evening, the artists and makers, curators and arts enthusiasts will be out in force.
Not that there is nothing happening otherwise; that is far from true. A new mural is about to brighten up Peterborough’s Aylmer Street at the Greyhound parking lot, Jane LowBeer’s “Hills and Lines” exhibit is happening at the Arts and Heritage Centre in Warkworth, Peer Christensen is one of the artists featured in the Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour (happening at the end of the month on September 23rd and 24th), the Kawartha Artists’ Gallery and Studio celebrates some of Canada’s history with a members’ show, and the Art School of Peterborough launches their fall term.
There will be a series of site-specific performances, workshops, talks and film screenings commencing mid-month, backed by the combined forces of Public Energy, The Art Gallery of Peterborough, Artspace, and the ReFrame Film Festival.
Grand opening of Coeur Nouveau in downtown Peterborough featuring works by Paul Cade
A detail from “Dare to Dream” by Paul Cade, whose works will be featured in the inaugural exhibition of the new Coeur Nouveau gallery in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Coeur Nouveau)
A new gallery! That’s right, Coeur Nouveau (“New Heart”) will be opening in downtown Peterborough on Friday, September 8th. Coeur Nouveau is a member-run gallery that aims to promote contemporary art through the exhibition and promotion of work by gallery members.
The gallery’s inaugural exhibition “Cade” will feature a new series of abstract work by artist Paul Cade. Paul’s work uses many different materials and experimental processes, resulting in an ever-changing array of forms, textures, lines and colours.
This show has been curated by gallery members Connie Van Rijn and Andrew Cripps to represent some common themes that run through Paul’s work — namely humanity, optimism, interconnectedness and identity. Come out on the 8th and see for yourselves what the new space what the new space has to offer, and appreciate the nuanced work of Paul Cade.
The opening reception for “Cade” takes place from 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday, September 8th and the exhibition continues until September 30th.
Coeur Nouveau is located on the 2nd floor of the Commerce Building (129-1/2 Hunter St. West, Peterborough). For more information, visit the gallery’s Facebook page.
A portrait by artist Shelley Alder. (Photo courtesy of Evans Contemporary)
Evans Contemporary kicks off its sixth season of presenting contemporary art to the community with “Inks”, a show of Shelley Adler’s portraiture. This series of large scale ink-on-paper portraits presents the viewer with a subtle spin on the female gaze, where women are depicted as individuals looking out at and connecting with the viewer.
The opening reception for “Inks” will be held at Evans Contemporary on Friday, September 8th from 6 to 11 p.m., and the exhibition will be on display during gallery hours until Saturday, September 30th.
To add to the festivities, there will be surf film classics from the ’60s projected onto the building after dark and multidisciplinary artist and DJ Joel Davenport will be manning the outdoor courtyard DJ booth. Bring your dancing shoes!
Star X presents “Strange Tales from Blue Fish Creek” by Paolo Fortin
One of Paolo Fortin’s new paintings that will be on display as part of “Strange Tales from Blue Fish Creek” for one night only at Star X. (Photo courtesy of Star X)
Star X gallery will feature a one-night-only showing of new work by the elusive artist Paolo Fortin.
“Strange Tales from Blue Fish Creek” will unveil three of his latest paintings. These paintings speak of ambiguity and draw our attention to grey areas in perception and comprehension. They are inspired by the ephemera of life, things seen in the periphery of vision, or from the window of a moving vehicle that are both present in the mind, and at the same time not fully perceived.
The opening reception for this special viewing will be held on Friday, September 8th, from 6 to 11 p.m.
Star X is located at 129-1/2 Hunter St. West, 3rd floor, in downtown Peterborough. Regular hours of operation are Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Acme Art and Sailboat Co. presents new drawings by Joe Stable
One of Joe Stable’s new drawings that will be on display at Acme Art and Sailboat Company beginning September 8. (Photo courtesy Acme Art and Sailboat Company)
Come out and see a new body of work by Joe Stable: drawings hot off the press with prints and originals available for purchase.
The opening reception will be on Friday, September 8th, from 6 to 10 p.m., featuring light refreshments and with the artist in attendance.
Acme Art and Sailboat Company is located at 129-1/2 Hunter Street West, 3rd floor, in downtown Peterborough. Regular hours of operation are Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The Arts and Heritage Centre of Warkworth presents “Hills and Lines” by Jane LowBeer
A detail from one for the works by Jane LowBeer on display at the Arts and Heritage Centre of Warkworth. (Photo courtesy of Arts and Heritage Centre of Warkworth)
Printmaker and mixed-media artist Jane LowBeer’s exhibit “Hills and Lines” at the Arts and Heritage Centre of Warkworth features a lovely series of Jane’s latest work. Shapes and lines create interesting textures and patterns as they represent the abstracted rural landscape.
Drop by and see the series at the opening reception, which will be held on Saturday, September 2nd at 6 p.m. The exhibition continues until Sunday, October 8th.
Ah! Arts and Heritage Centre of Warkworth is located at 35 Church Street in downtown Warkworth. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. For more information, please contact Rebecca Baptista, Arts Administrator, at info@ahcentre.ca or 705-925-4450.
Christensen Fine Art presents new work by Peer Christensen
“April Day, Rink St., Peterborough” (24″x60″, oil on canvas) by Peer Christensen. (Photo courtesy of Christensen Fine Art)
Peer Christensen is one of a multitude of talented local artists and artisans who are part of the Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour, and he will be showing his work in the main gallery of Christensen Fine Art for the month of September.
There will be an opening reception on Friday, September 8th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The opening will coincide with those of quite a few other downtown galleries and arts spaces, so it will be a great night to get out and mingle!
The show will be on display until the end of September, and of course during the Studio Tour happening on September 23rd and 24th.
Christensen Fine Art is located at 432 George Street North in downtown Peterborough. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, visit www.christensenfineart.com or call Peer Christensen at 705-876-9623.
Grand opening of Watson & Lou in downtown Peterborough on September 8
DIY queen Erin Watson and Lou Brown vintage artist Anna Eidt of Watson & Lou. (Photo; Watson & Lou)
Exciting times here in Peterborough with new art spaces popping up all over town! Watson & Lou is a gift shop and studio space showcasing over 30 local makers.
The new space at 383 Water Street is the collaborative project of Erin Watson and Anna Eidt, who made it to the top five in the Win This Space contest held earlier this year by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area.
The studio space is for rent by day, with fun workshops happening in the evenings. The grand opening is Friday, September 8th from 5 to 10 p.m.
For more information about membership and upcoming workshops, please visit www.watsonandlou.com.
Artspace selects Chrissy Poitras to paint “Floral Abstraction” mural
Mock-up of mural to be painted on the wall at 378 Aylmer Street facing the Greyhound Bus Terminal. (Image courtesy of Artspace)
The latest mural to be painted as part of the City of Peterborough’s Public Art Initiative has been selected! The winning design is called “Floral abstraction” by artist Chrissy Poitras and will be a colourful display with images of local flora over top of blocks of bright colour.
Parts of the mural will be done off-site on large sheets of plywood that will then be installed as the rest of the mural is painted on the wall. This will definitely spruce up the Greyhound parking lot, and add a splash of much-needed colour to Aylmer Street.
Chrissy should be starting to work on-site in the last two weeks of September, hoping to have it completed by early October.
In(Sites), a new site-specific performance series, begins this September
The In(Sites) series includes workshops, performances, film screenings, talks, and new exhibitions. (Image courtesy of Artspace)
In(Sites) is an interesting new endeavour hosted by a number of local arts organisations: Public Energy, Artspace, The Art Gallery of Peterborough, and the ReFrame Film Festival. The series will run from Saturday, September 16th to Friday, October 20th, and public participation is welcome.
First up is a month-long dance workshop for all ages and abilities within the community. The workshop will be led by dance artist Brian Solomon, and participants will then perform “Nogojiwanong Rite of Spring” on October 19th and 20th. The workshop will run on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7p.m. until 9 p.m. from September 11th until October 18th, at P.A.C.E. (formerly P.C.V.S.) and will culminate in a public performance in the Brock Street parking lot on October 19th and 20th. For more information visit www.publicenergy.ca.
There will be multiple screenings of Aki at Curve Lake on Saturday, September 16th, presented by the ReFrame Film Festival. Aki, the Anishinaabemowin word for “land”, includes five short films selected by Cara Mumford about places within the territory of the Michi Saagiig (Mississauga) Nishinaabeg. Each outdoor 30-minute screening takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. behind the Whetung Ojibwa Centre (875 Mississauga St., Curve Lake First Nation).
On Saturday, September 23rd, artists Vanessa Dion Fletcher and Pearl Salas will present “Woven Wires”, with performances at 8 p.m., 8:45 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. (location is still to be announced). This will be followed on Sunday, September 24th by “Manifesto”, a workshop on policial action led by Vanessa Dion Fletcher in which participants write their own manifesto. The workshop takes place at noon at Artspace. For more information visit artspace-arc.org.
On Wednesday, September 27th, there will be a performance of “Pushing It” at 3 p.m. at Del Crary Park and at 5:30 p.m. at the Art Gallery of Peterborough. The performance involves artist Becky Walter-Nolan pushing a six-foot textile boulder in an exploration of site and labour. A reception will follow. The Art Gallery of Peterborough will also feature exhibitions by Becky Walter-Nolan and Brenda Francis Pelkey, with an opening reception from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 30th. For more information, visit agp.on.ca.
Moving into October, there will be two talks: one at 11 a.m. on Sunday, October 1st at the Art Gallery of Peterborough called “Call and Response: Site-Specific Practices”, a panel talk with Becky Walter-Nolan, Brenda Francis Pelkey, and Brian Solomon, and “Pine Tree Talk” from 12 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11th at the Nhozem Theatre at Trent University, featuring Brian Solomon and Aria Evans.
The In(Sites) series culminates with two public performances of “Nogojiwanong Rite of Spring” in the Brock Street parking lot on Thursday, October 19th and Friday, October 20th at 6 p.m.
The Kawartha Artists’ Gallery and Studio presents “150 Years of Canada’s History”
A detail from William Punt’s painting of Canadian peacekeepers, who have been active in UN-sanctioned peacekeeping operations since 1956, thanks to Lester B. Pearson. (Photo courtesy of Kawartha Artists’ Gallery and Studio)
“150 Years of Canada’s History”, a show of work by members of the Kawartha Artists’ Gallery and Studio, seeks to highlight the positive contributions Canada has made to the world, with a focus on the history of Peterborough County.
The opening reception will be held on Wednesday, September 13th from 1 to 4 p.m. and the show will be on display until Sunday, October 8th.
Kawartha Artists’ Gallery and Studio is a not-for-profit artist’s co-operative, located at 420 O’Connell Road in Peterborough. Hours of operation are Wednesday to Sunday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. and Thursdays from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.kawarthaartists.org.
The Art School of Peterborough begins its fall class schedule and the Launch gallery features work by board members
The Art School of Peterborough offers a variety of youth and teen courses in various mediums, including cartooning for youth instructed by Daniel Crawford. (Photo courtesy of the Art School of Peterborough)
This month, the Art School of Peterborough kicks off its fall term beginning on Monday, September 25th.
If you haven’t yet signed up, the Art School has classes for both children and adults and will be hosting an open house on Sunday, September 17th from 12 until 3 p.m.
Drop by and see what they have to offer this coming semester, and take in a show of art by the school’s board members at the Launch gallery, which will be on display until October 2nd.
The Art School of Peterborough is located at 178 Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough. For more information, please call 705-742-3221 or visit artschoolptbo.org.
A view of Victoria Beach on Lake Ontario in Cobourg. (Photo courtesy of Linda McIlwain)
As of September 1, 2017, the following beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming:
Douro – Peterborough City/County
Norwood – Peterborough City/County
Beach Park – Bobcaygeon Area – City of Kawartha Lakes
Bewdley Beach – Port Hope/Cobourg Area – Northumberland County
Wicklow Beach – Port Hope/Cobourg Area – Northumberland County
As municipal beach water quality testing has now ended, this is the final beach report for 2017.
Here are the complete results of water quality testing at beaches in Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County.
In the City of Peterborough, Peterborough Public Health Inspectors sample the beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead every business day, and public beaches in the County of Peterborough are sampled at least once a week (except for Chandos Beach, Quarry Bay Beach, and White’s Beach which are sampled at least once in June, July, and August).
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides weekly testing results for beaches in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County. Testing is based on the most recent test results from the provincial lab in Peterborough for water samples taken from these beaches.
Peterborough Public Health samples the water quality of popular city beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead every business day during the summer. The health unit will post signage if a beach is unsafe for swimming, such as this sign at Rogers Cove from last year. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)
Important note
The following test results may not reflect current water quality conditions. Water samples can take one to three days to process and heavy rainfall, high winds or wave activity, large numbers of waterfowl near a beach, or large numbers of swimmers can rapidly change water quality.
You should always check current conditions before deciding to use a beach. You should also monitor other factors that might suggest a beach is unsafe to use, such as floating debris, oil, discoloured water, bad odours, and excessive weed growth.
While we strive to update this story with the current conditions, you should confirm the most recent test results by visiting the local health unit websites at Peterborough Public Health and Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. As noted above, the beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead are tested every business day so the results listed below may not be current.
BC-based folk duo Chicken-Like Birds (Jasmin Frederickson and Ari Lantela) performs country blues, ragtime, and swing at The Garnet in Peterborough on Friday, September 1. (Photo: Kale Beaudry)
Every Thursday, we publish live music and performance events at pubs and clubs in Peterborough and The Kawarthas based on information that venues provide to us directly or post on their website or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, August 31 to Wednesday, September 6.
If you’re a pub or club owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our Nightlife Editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com.
Thursday, September 7 9pm - Borderless Music & Arts Festival Kick-Off Party ft Partner, Germ Sperman ($15, $10 with festival pass)
Friday, September 8 Borderless Music & Arts Festival - Deconstructing Borders & Community Healing with
Spoken Word and Poetry
Saturday, September 9 Borderless Music & Arts Festival TBA
George & Orange Taproom & Kitchen
67 Orange St., Cobourg
(289) 252-0227
Thursdays
8-11pm - Open mic
Golden Wheel Restaurant
6725 Highway 7, Peterborough
(705) 749-6838
Wednesdays
7-9pm - Line Dancing Lessons w/ Marlene Maskell ($7 per person, all levels welcom
Coming Soon
Friday, September 8 8-11pm - Oldies Dance w/ DJ ($10)
Gordon Best Theatre
216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 876-8884
Coming Soon
Friday, September 15 8pm - Ivory Hours w/ Heartless Romantics and Paper Shakers ($10 in advance, $15 at door)
Hot Belly Mama's
378 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 745-3544
Thursday, August 31
8pm - The Quickshifters ft Dave Mowat and Tyson Galloway (PWYC)
Junction Nightclub
253 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 743-0550
Sunday, September 3
10pm - Country Night w/ DJ Bill Porter ($5 cover
Coming Soon
Saturday, September 9 10pm - DJ Brody Jenner
Marley's Bar & Grill
17 Fire Route 82 Catalina Bay, Buckhorn
(705) 868-2545
Friday, September 1
6-9pm - Lotus Wight
Saturday, September 2
6-9pm - Kayla Howran
McThirsty's Pint
166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220
Thursdays
10pm - Jan Schoute
Fridays
10pm - Brian Haddlesey
Mondays
10pm - Trivia Night
Tuesdays
9pm - Topper Tuesdays w/ DJ Jake Topper
Wednesdays
9pm - Cody Watkins
The Mill Restaurant and Pub
990 Ontario St., Cobourg
(905) 377-8177
Thursday, August 31
7pm - Rob Vance
Muddy's Pit BBQ
3247 County Rd. 2, Keene
(705) 295-1255
Sunday, September 3
3-6pm - Washboard Hank & The Wringers
Murphy's Lockside Pub & Patio
3 May St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-1100
Tuesdays
7-9pm - North Country Express
Oasis Bar & Grill
31 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-6634
Thursdays
6:30pm - Live music
Sundays
5:30pm - PHLO
Wednesdays
6:30pm - Live music
Pattie House Smokin' Barbecue
6675 Highway 35, Coboconk
(705) 454-8100
Saturday, September 2
9pm - The Rootmen
Red Dog Tavern
189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 741-6400
Saturday, September 2
7:30pm - Peterborough LIVE fundraiser ft Something Extra, Bridget Foley, Knightshift, Nicholas Campbell ($10, $15 for reserved table seating, available in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/19020/)
Tuesdays
10pm - Open mic w/ Matt Diamond
Coming Soon
Friday, September 8 10pm - BA Johnson, Crossdog, Beef Boys ($4 before 10pm, $7 after)
Saturday, September 16 Borderless Music & Arts Festival Pride Queer Social & Dance Night
Thursday, September 27 7pm - 20th Anniversary Celebration ft food, DJs, and special guests
Shots
379 George Street K9H 3R2, Peterborough
(705) 749-9315
Wednesdays
10pm - Wednesday House Party
Southside Pizzeria
25 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough
(705) 748-6120
Fridays
9am-12pm - Open mic ($2);
The Spill
414 George St., Peterborough
(705) 748-6167
Friday, September 1
8pm - Sludgehammer, Snake River Redemption, Marion Cinder, Skeleton Lake ($5)
Saturday, September 2
3-6pm - Max Mouse & The Gorillas fundraiser for Animal Rescue Krew (ARK) in Lakefield; 8pm - Borderless Music & Arts Festival presents Sparklesaurus ($5, all ages)
Coming Soon
Saturday, September 8 9pm - Prime Junk, Nick Ferrio, Lonely Parade, Stacey Green Jumps ($10 or PWYC)
The Venue
286 George Street North, Peterborough
(705) 876-0008
Coming Soon
Saturday, September 23 7pm - Benefit for Hospice Peterborough ft Black Sabbath tribute band Brookdale Mafia ($20, tickets available at The Venue, Hospice Peterborough, Eastbank Variety, and Moondance)
Friday, September 29 7-11pm - Rebel Tour ft Anthony Tullo and Nicole Ray ($10)
Friday, November 10 8pm - Produce for Veterans presents Ambush, Dean James, Austin Carson Band, Sticks N' Tones ($25 til August 31, $30 advance, $35 at door)
Dynacast manufactures precision engineered metal components at its plant at 710 Neal Drive in Peterborough, just beside Highway 115. (Photo: Google)
Jeff Leal, MPP Peterborough and Minister Responsible for Small Business, announced today (August 31) an investment of $137,700 into Dynacast’s Peterborough operation.
A die casting and metal injection molding company, Dynacast operates 25 manufacturing plants in 16 countries around the world, including the United States, China, Italy and Tunisia.
The company is upgrading its Peterborough facility to accommodate new equipment. It will also provide training to staff on the use of the new machinery. This will help the company boost its productivity and efficiency, increasing exports and creating jobs.
Ontario is investing $137,700 from the Eastern Ontario Development Fund for this project, supporting an additional investment of $1,009,800 from Dynacast.
The project is expected to be completed by December 31, 2019.
Dynacast is a leading manufacturer of precision engineered metal components. The company specializes in die casting and customized small component assembly systems, with products ranging from cell tower parts to gaming headsets. Its products are used around the world in various industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, and health care.
Dynacast’s Peterborough plant was originally operated by FisherCast Global, founded as Fisher Gauge in 1942 by Bill Fisher. At its peak, FisherCast Global employed 750 people in five countries, including 300 in Peterborough.
The impact of the 2008 economic crisis on the automotive sector, which accounted for over half of FisherCast Global’s business, resulted in the company entering bankruptcy protection. It was acquired in 2008 by long-time competitor Dynacast, which then downsized the workforce at the Peterborough operation.
Today’s announcement is unlikely to assuage fears of the health of Peterborough’s manufacturing industry, since General Electric Canada announced last week the closure of its manufacturing division in Peterborough, resulting in the loss of almost 360 jobs.
Sometimes families feel that with going back to school, summer activities must come to an end, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Keep the fun activities going for trips to school: walking or biking and being active on the way to school can help students get some needed exercise and then settle in and concentrate in the classroom. (Photo; GreenUP)
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Jaime Akiyama, GreenUP Transportation & Urban Design Programs Coordinator.
The end of August is always a conflicting time. Families are switching into back-to-school planning mode, organizing indoor shoes and school supplies, scrubbing out lunch boxes, and helping to prepare little ones for new classes and teachers. There is the excitement of heading back to school, but there is also the feeling of not wanting to let go of the good times of summer.
Many families are trying to squeeze in just a little more outdoor summer fun. Sometimes we feel that with going back to school, summer activities must come to an end, but it doesn’t have to be that way — we can keep the fun activities going for trips to school.
Being active throughout the summer is great for kids’ health and well being (adults too), so keep it up by committing to being active when travelling to school. ParticipACTION’s 2015 Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card on Physical Activity found that only 9 per cent of five to 17 years olds are getting the minimal 60 minutes for recommended physical activity. Walking, biking, or scooting to and from school can add needed activity into a student’s day.
Going back to school can be exciting, but it can also be difficult for students to transition from the carefree days of summer to the demands for focus and concentration at school. Walking or biking and being active on the way to school can help students get some needed exercise and then settle in and concentrate in the classroom. A Danish study (2012) found that students five to 19 years of age performed measurably better on tasks demanding concentration, after walking or biking to school.
Children who ride a bus can also fit some activity and fun into their journey. Families can commit to walking or biking on the way to and from the bus stop. Students can be active and have fun by meeting up with friends and getting some fresh air while waiting for the bus.
Walking, biking, or busing to school is beneficial to students’ health beyond getting their needed physical activity; it can also have positive impacts on their air quality and safety. A study in the scientific journal, Atmospheric Environment, which focuses on looking at air pollution found that, “At times vehicle emission levels in school zones were similar to conditions that you would experience if you were standing within about 100 meters of the 401 during rush hour.”
School zones are busy places during drop off and pick up times. Committing to walk, bike, or ride the bus will help decrease traffic congestion.
Some families may have great intentions to walk, bike, or bus to school but when the reality of the busy morning routine sets in, good intentions can go out the car window. A little planning can go a long way in moving from intention to action. Most families will have kids stocked up and ready to enter school on the first day, but have they planned how to travel to school on the first day? Are they ready for a new travel routine?
This last week of August is a great time to plan for travelling to school. While the weather is great and your family is eager to get out for walks or bike rides, why not check out the route to school? Grab a Peterborough & the Kawarthas Cycling & Trails Map, available at the GreenUP Store or at peterboroughmoves.com, and plan out a route that suits your family. You’ll want to consider your child’s age, ability, and the built environment of your neighbourhood.
One common barrier preventing families from walking, biking, or busing is that adults have time restraints and need to get to work. Test out the journey. You might be surprised that walking or biking doesn’t take up as much time as perceived, and it’s definitely more fun.
Time how long it takes for your practice walk or ride, and talk with your kids about how to navigate any tricky areas. Discuss how to be ready for all types of weather. The beautiful days of summer will help motivate your travel, but be prepared to embrace the upcoming cooler mornings and the fun, puddle-jumping rainy days of fall.
If you’d like some help making these plans or would like to meet some other families who are doing the same, join GreenUP and B!KE on Thursday, August 31st for Bike Night: Bike to School Route Planning. We can help you prepare with maps and tips! Register at peterboroughmoves.com.
Once you are set, share your plans and commitments with your friends and neighbours. Maybe they’ll want to join you for the walk to school! Meeting up with friends adds to the fun, helps build a sense of community, and can decrease parents’ safety concerns if students are travelling without adults.
If driving is absolutely necessary, consider parking and striding; park away from the busy school zone and enjoy a walk for the last few blocks to and from school. Meet up with friends, get to know the surrounding community, and add some physical activity to your trip.
Active and Safe Routes to School promotes the use of active and sustainable transportation for the daily trip to school with the Car Free Wednesdays program. Schools are provided with promotional material and supports that motivate students to walk, bike, scoot, and roll to school. Schools that register and submit monthly travel surveys are eligible for prizes. Interested schools or parents can find out more information at peterboroughmoves.com.
For more information and to register for Car Free Wednesdays, please contact Jaime Akiyama, Active and Safe Routes to School Coordinator at 705-745-3238 ext 210 or visit peterboroughmoves.com.
Participants in the second round of Starter Company Plus, a program offered through the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre with funding from the Government of Ontario, held over the summer. Starter Company Plus is designed to provide business training for aspiring to experienced entrepreneurs. On September 14 at Elmhirst's Resort, seven of the 15 entrepreneurs who participated in the second intake will be selected to get a share of $25,000 in grant money. A third intake Starter Company Plus opens in September, with the deadline to apply September 29th.
With a pot of gold at the end of the Starter Company Plus rainbow, 15 small business owners participating in the second round of this program delivered by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre recently competed against each other for a share of the riches.
But a strange thing happened in their quest to secure a chunk of grant money up for grabs: they unselfishly helped each other in their bids to be one of seven participants taking home a cheque.
“The support and the feedback within the group was awesome,” says Shelley King, the owner of Puppeteria.
“We all came with our own strengths and experiences. There was a lot of sharing between participants in the development of business plans. Other people noticed things that might not have even occurred to me.”
Back in 2013, after several years working as a social worker and educational assistant, King called upon her expressive arts experience to use puppets as a means of connecting with others to assist them with problem solving, conflict resolution and other life challenges.
Buoyed by her plan to develop an online course component as part of her business, King was one of more than 30 who applied to be among 15 accepted into the second intake of the entrepreneurship program funded by the Government of Ontario.
On Thursday, September 14th at Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene, King will be among those anxious to see if their business start-up or expansion pitch impressed enough judges to secure a portion of the $25,000 available.
Madeleine Hurrell, Starter Company Plus Program Coordinator at the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre, shares information with Starter Company Plus participants at a summer workshop.
According to Starter Company Plus program co-ordinator Madeleine Hurrell, seven program participants will be awarded.
“Seeing the transformation of participants from the first workshop to the pitch competition,’ says Hurrell, when asked what aspect of the program brings her the most satisfaction.
“A lot of that transformation comes from the participants structuring and gaining a little bit of control over their business. We had a lot of participants where the business was running them, rather than them running their business.
“Having that structure, having processes in place — maybe they had to create new policies, maybe they performed a bit more market research — and then seeing them come up and pitch confidently, that’s the exciting part for me.”
King says she would “highly recommend” the program to any entrepreneur, new or seasoned. She admits to never having had a business plan when she started Puppeteria.
“I always thought ‘I know what I’m doing, I know what I want, I know how to get there’ — which is true to a point. But going through this process of developing a business plan and doing the cash flow sheet really forced me to to look closely at the actual cost involved in delivery, to re-assess that and make adjustments.”
Aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs participating in a workshop day in July hosted by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre. Workshops included topics such as market research, marketing, finances, customer relations, and networking.
Maureen Brand echoes a similar experience. The owner of Buckhorn-based Garden of Eden, which sees her create, market, and sell reusable cloth menstrual, incontinence, and nursing pads, Brand admits she started her enterprise last year with little to no business experience, her aim being to simply “keep the bank account on the plus side.”
“At first, Starter Company Plus was a bit intimidating. You’ve got this huge spreadsheet, this Lean Canvas [a one-page business plan template], these are all the things you’re going to do. You’re a bit overwhelmed. You just work through everything methodically.
“There were great conversations with the other business owners. It was a huge investment of time but I never felt like it was wasted time. There was something I got out of every class.”
Adding “it was nice to meet people who are doing really cool things,” Brand also came away very impressed with how supportive each participant was of each other — “We all wanted each other to succeed.”
With business partner Ben Carlsen, Devin LeBel owns and operates Rhyzosphere, which sees them grow and harvest vegetables at a half-acre micro farm in Cavan and deliver weekly, in a box they produce, vegetables to customers.
While searching online for local initiatives that help small businesses, he stumbled upon Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre and applied for entry into the second Starter Company Plus intake just before the deadline.
“Coming from a university background, I was expecting a lecture where you would sit down and learn whatever you could,” LeBel says. “But it turned out to be way more interactive than that, with lots of people contributing to the information I was learning.
“There were lots of chances for specific questions that pertained to me and my business. There was lots of time to work on a business plan. Anything you were struggling with, you could brainstorm a solution. I was a little bit surprised at how nervous I was in front of the four judges, but it was a great experience to talk about our business in such a high-pressure situation.”
As he waits to find out if Rhyzosphere will share in the grant money, LeBel says the outcome won’t change the fact that he’s now equipped with a business plan “we can go forward with” — a tool that he says will prove invaluable in the pursuit of other grant opportunities.
In the Starter Company Plus program, everyone competes equally. There’s no preference given whether you’re starting up a new business or expanding an existing one.
Of the seven businesses that will be awarded grant money, Hurrell notes that two are new start-ups and five are expanding existing enterprises.
“Everyone competes equally,” she ssays. “There’s no preference given whether you’re a start-up or an expansion.”
As part of the announcement at Elmhirst’s Resort, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre will host “BAC At The Bonfire”, a networking event that will see both aspiring and established entrepreneurs share their stories and, as Hurrell puts it, “stoke the flames of inspiration.”
A third application period for Starter Company Plus opens in September 2017. Applicants are required to attend one of four Starting Point sessions, being held September 6th, 11th, 18th, and 25th, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce boardroom (175 George St. N., Peterborough).
A third intake for Starter Company Plus opens in September. To be eligible for Starter Company Plus, you must be 18 years of age or older, not attending school, and either starting a new business or expanding an existing business operating for five years or less. You must also attend one of four Starting Point sessions being held in September.
You don’t need to register in advance to attend a session, but you must be 18 years of age or older and not attending school, as well as interested in starting a new business or expanding an existing business that has been operating for five years or less. The deadline for third intake applications is Friday, September 29th at 4 p.m.
Successful applicants will participate in the program through October and November, with grant recipients announced in December.
“I highly recommend it,” Puppeteria owner King says. “It was so jammed full of information. There was a lot of work involved in between sessions as well. The learning that comes from that is certainly something I’m going to keep coming back to.”
Garden of Eden owner Brand concurs, if for no other reason “just to see if what you have flies, if it really makes economic sense.
“For people who are just starting out and have no formal business acumen, it’s so helpful. It told me that what I’ve got going on here is pretty good and this is how I can improve it.”
Owners and renters of detached, semi-detached, town and row homes can register to have a new smart thermostat installed. (Photo: Green Ontario Fund)
Note: As of June 19, 2018, incoming Premier Doug Ford has cancelled this program.
If you want to save money for your home heating and cooling costs, you can now get a free smart thermostat installed in your home courtesy of the Ontario government.
Ontario has launched the Green Ontario Fund, a new not-for-profit provincial agency that will deliver programs and rebates to help reduce energy costs in homes and businesses.
The agency is part of Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan and is funded by $377 million in proceeds from the province’s cap on pollution and carbon market.
“Taking strong action on climate change means making it as easy as possible for people and businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at home and work, while also saving money,” says Chris Ballard, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change.
“That’s why our government created the Green Ontario Fund, which will give homeowners and small and medium-sized businesses improved access to low-carbon technologies and services.”
This includes the new GreenON Installations program, which opened early registration today (August 30). Interested and eligible households can register now to have a Green Ontario Fund-trained technician visit and install a smart thermostat at no cost.
The technician will also provide advice and tips as well as personalized suggestions for additional energy-saving upgrades.
The offer is open to both owners and renters of detached, semi-detached, town and row homes (renters must have their landlords’ permission to register).
More GreenON programs for residents, businesses and industry will be announced in the coming months.
For more information about the Green Ontario Fund, visit www.greenon.ca.
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