Free WiFi is now available in some of the highest-traffic areas of downtown Peterborough,
Free WiFi is now available in downtown Peterborough.
The new wireless network is the first phase of a public outdoor wireless internet initiative from the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA).
“In 2014 we held a strategic planning session with our members and public WiFi was named as one of our top five priorities,” says Terry Guiel, DBIA Executive Director. “This network will be a big asset for our businesses as well as the patrons who support our local businesses.”
The wireless project is supported by Community Futures Peterborough, Peterborough Utilities Group, and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development.
“Peterborough Utilities Group is pleased to be part of the Downtown WiFi project,” says David Whitehouse, Peterborough Utilities Group Vice-President Customer/Corporate Services and Conservation Officer. “We hope that visitors to the downtown core will find this service to be convenient and enhance the experience of their time spent in our downtown businesses and our city.”
The first phase of the network covers some of the highest-traffic areas downtown, including sections of Hunter, Charlotte, and George streets.
Map of free WiFi coverage in downtown Peterborough. (Graphic: Peterborough DBIA)
To use the free service, look for the “DowntownPTBO WiFi” network on your mobile device. Selecting the network will bring you to a landing page where you can log in by agreeing to the terms of service. No password is necessary and it is 100% free to use.
“Access to public WiFi is becoming a priority for the business community as well as the thousands of tourists that visit Peterborough and the Kawarthas every year,” adds Rhonda Keenan, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development President and CEO. “Downtown Peterborough already has a lot to offer, but this will give visitors yet another reason to come and enjoy this beautiful city.”
Peterborough DBIA has also released a mobile app for Android and iOS devices (Graphic: acorn30)
While the free WiFi was officially launched today (May 30), the network has already been operating in various forms for the past two months. Despite no public advertisement, 30,000 logins have already been made on the network.
“Access to public WiFi is becoming a priority for the business community as well as the thousands of tourists that visit Peterborough and the Kawarthas every year,” says Rhonda Keenan, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development President and CEO. “Downtown Peterborough already has a lot to offer, but this will give visitors yet another reason to come and enjoy this beautiful city.”
In addition to the free WiFI, the Peterborough DBIA has also launched a mobile app for Android and iOS devices, which provides information and business information for downtown Peterborough. The app was developed by Peterborough company acorn30.
Alberta-based musician Leeroy Stagger performs at the Red Dog in downtown Peterborough on Friday, June 9th. (Photo: David Guenther)
June is the true beginning of summer and there is a lot of great music to get it started. There are weekly gigs, festivals, and as usual a ton of great one-off shows at venues across Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here are just a few of the excellent events and concerts that are taking place.
Tarantuela at The Garnet in Peterborough on June 1
Reunion shows are always fun, especially when it’s for local rock/roots band Tarantuela. The band, named after Bob Dylan’s novel, will play The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Thursday, June 1st at 10 p.m.
The group was made up of a number of talented Peterborough and area musicians, including Jay Swinnerton, Rob Viscardis, brothers Steve and Marty Kerslake, Ryan West, Jamie Muir, and Mike Duguay. Their sound was somewhere between The Band and Deadly Snakes.
Get there early, this one could get hairy. Opening the show will be the talented Laura Merrimen.
VIDEO: “Leave Us Strong” – Tarantuela
Live and Local Lunches in downtown Peterborough Fridays in June
The Peterborough DBIA and other sponsors are presenting Live and Local Lunches, running every Friday throughout the summer, in the Peterborough Square courtyard (340 George St. N., Peterborough). The music is free and runs from noon to 1 p.m.
Performers in June are Earl Wilfong (June 2), Rick Fines (June 9), Christine Atrill (June 16), Whitney Paget (June 23), and a special Canada 150 concert with Catfish Willie and Washboard Hank (June 30).
Audience members are encouraged to shop local for lunch and check out some great music.
VIDEO: “Deep Elm Blues” – Catfish Willie and the Buckle Busters
Country Wild Music Festival in Cobourg on June 3
For country fans out there, get your fill with the Country Wild Music Festival in Cobourg on Saturday, June 3rd in Victoria Park.
Bands include Cold Creek County, Runaway Angel, Kansas Stone, Colin Amey, Sacha, Sawmill Road, SweetGrass Band, Marc Ekins, and not-so-country-but-oh-so-good locals Gentlemen Husbands. Music runs from 3 to 10 p.m.
Jamie Hamburg, Frankie & Jimmy, C. Clarkin & The Residents, and Sideroad 17 at The Garnet in Peterborough on June 3
There’s a full and eclectic bill at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Saturday, June 3rd as four acts take the stage.
The show features Boston rock/blues artist Jamie Hamburg, along with Hamilton’s ‘demento’ blues duo Frankie & Jimmy, Peterborough indie rock band C. Clarkin & The Residents, and Uxbridge rockers Sideroad 17.
The show begins around 10 p.m. and costs only $5 at the door.
VIDEO: “Bones” – C. Clarkin & The Residents
Tuned Up Tuesdays begin at Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene featuring Fewings and Son on June 6
Tuned Up Tuesdays begin on Tuesday, June 6th at Elmhirst’s Resort (1045 Settlers Line, Keene, 705-295-4591 or 800-461-1940) with Peterborough’s Dan Fewings and Josh Fewings with special guests.
The series takes place on the boardwalk beside Rice Lake every Tuesday from June to August beginning at 7:30 p.m. Food service runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. with tasty beverages available throughout the show.
June’s lineup also includes the Al Black Trio (June 13), Emily Burgess from The Weber Brothers (June 20), and Washboard Hank (June 27).
VIDEO: “Dreamy Eyed Girl” – Al Black Trio
David Essig at The Garnet in Peterborough on June 8
There are few who can boast about their past endeavours as much as David Essig could, but that is simply not his style. The humble songwriter, guitarist, and producer has recorded countless albums himself, while also producing and engineering the late, great Willie P. Bennett’s first three records.
He returns to Peterborough on Thursday, June 8th for a show at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107). Essig’s own music is steeped in acoustic blues, and features elements of folk as well. Into his 70s now, Essig continues to record and tour. Emigrating to Canada in 1971, Essig became known to audiences as a performer at that year’s Mariposa Folk Festival. He also enjoys popularity in Italy where he has toured over 20 times.
The show begins shortly after 8 p.m. and Bobby Watson will be opening. Tickets are available at the door but if you want to reserve some, email bookingthegarnet@gmail.com.
VIDEO: “Woman in the Snow” – David Essig
Leeroy Stagger at the Red Dog in Peterborough on June 9
Head to the Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) on Friday, June 9th for a performance by B.C. born and Alberta-based artist and producer Leeroy Stagger.
His music is more complex than simple rock and roll, with elements of roots and pop in there as well. His new record Love Versus, his eleventh studio album, is the first made at his own studio in southern Alberta.
The show begins around 10 p.m. Tickets are $10, available in advance at ticketscene.ca or at the door. Mayhemingways will open the show.
VIDEO: “I Want It All” – Leeroy Stagger
The Legendary Downchild Blues Band in Bobcaygeon on June 10
As part of Bobcaygeon’s “Unlock the Summer” weekend, The Legendary Downchild Blues Band takes the stage at the Bobcaygeon area (51 Mansfield Dr., Bobcaygeon) on Saturday, June 10th.
Downchild has been making great music for decades and this is a rare opportunity to see them live. Whether you love the blues or you just want to dance, you’ll certainly enjoy this one.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $34 each or two for $62, available in advance online.
VIDEO: “I’ve Got Everything I Need (Almost)” – The Legendary Downchild Blues Band
Les Stroud at Gamiing Nature Centre in Lindsay on June 17 and 18
There will be a very special celebration of the summer solstice at Gamiing Nature Centre (1884 Pigeon Lake Rd., Lindsay, 705-928-0263) on Saturday, June 17th and Sunday, June 18th.
Les Stroud, best known as TV’s Survivorman, will be performing music and leading a hike as part of the celebration. There will be lots of activities for children and food and artisan vendors onsite as well.
Survivorman Les Stroud will be performing a concert and guiding a nature hike at Gamiing Nature Centre in Lindsay
Tickets for the concert are $30, $25 for the nature walk, or $70 for a weekend pass including overnight camping. Children eight and under are free. All proceeds from the event go to Gamiing’s outdoor education program.
For a full listing of events and to get tickets, visit eventbrite.ca.
If you’ve been waiting for the annual spring Peterborough Police auction to snag a deal or two, you’ll have to go online this year.
For the first time, the Peterborough Police Service auction is being run by Police Auctions Canada, a website that features items from 19 different police services across Canada as well as four universities.
“A live auction is weather dependent, necessitates that people attend in person, and requires a sufficient number of items to attract many potential buyers in order to have competitive bidding prices,” says Inspector Lynne Buehler, Support Services Division.
“In an online auction bidders can be anywhere and can place their bid at any time. An online auction is less labour intensive for our property and evidence staff, will make it easier for people to purchase items, and will generate more revenue for the Peterborough Police Services Board auction fund.”
Bidding for all items starts at one dollar. For more information on the online auction, to see what items are available, or to place a bid, visit www.policeauctionscanada.com.
Note that items offered on the Police Auctions Canada website are not organized by police service, but by category. So you can’t search for items only offered by the Peterborough Police Service.
The items submitted by the Peterborough police include 93 bicycles, jewellery, electronics, and high-end designer clothing.
The revenue received from the auction items goes into the Peterborough Police Services Board Auction Fund. The police use auction funds for award and recognition programs, community policing consultations, rewards for major crimes, and similar non-operating costs in the public interest.
James Birrell with his sister Rebecca, who wasn't quite 10 years old when James died from neuroblastoma in 2001. Many young people who've lost a beloved brother or sister are at risk of serious depression or other mental health challenges; for Rebecca, depression first struck in her mid-teens. Some of the funds raised by the 10th Annual Nexicom James Fund Golf Classic on June 5 will support research at the University of British Columbia into the emotional and psychological effects on siblings of children with neuroblastoma. (Photo: The Birrell family)
At 23, Katie Brown has spent more time than most in the shadow of death, working with and learning about some of life’s greatest challenges during the course of her co-operative placements as an undergrad student in the Child, Youth and Family program at the University of Guelph.
Among five transformative experiences was her time at a Children’s Hospice in Ottawa where she gained an intimate understanding of the immense pressure families feel when a child is dying.
10th Annual Nexicom James Fund Golf Classic
When: Monday, June 5, 2017 from 12 – 9 p.m. Where: Kawartha Golf & Country Club (777 Clonsilla Ave., Peterborough) How much: $200 per golfer (includes lunch, oyster bar and dinner), $160 for club members, $80 dinner only, $250 hole sponsorship
Featuring a BBQ lunch at 12 p.m., shotgun start at 1 p.m., cocktail hour with oyster bar at 6 p.m., and dinner and entertainment at 7 p.m. To register for golf or dinner or for sponsorship and donation information, visit jamesfundfamilysupport.com.
Proceeds from the event will support the annual James Fund Family Retreat for families living with neuroblastoma, fund an information day in partnership with SickKids clinicians and researchers for neuroblastoma families in treatment or remission, and (funds permitting) contribute toward a new research project in partnership with UBC, studying the effects of childhood cancer on siblings.
With partial support from the 10th annual Nexicom James Fund Golf Classic on June 5th, Katie will explore the subject further as she prepares for a new research path focused specifically on the impact a child’s death from terminal disease has on siblings.
She was drawn to the field after falling in love with the Child Life Specialists at Toronto’s SickKids Hospital where she began treatments for newly diagnosed Crohn’s disease when she was barely a teenager. The entire focus of these specialists is on the children, helping them understand what they can expect from the hospital experience and offering them as much choice as possible in situations where control is often elusive.
“They really walk them through what’s going to happen in the hospital and be with them from beginning to end,” Katie explains. “I really fell in love with them and from there I wanted to be a Child Life Specialist.”
With great persistence, she secured the co-op placement at the Ottawa hospice and her life was transformed. There were incredibly difficult days but also amazing opportunities to support children and families and help them make the most out of every second they have together.
James (right) with his sister Rebecca and younger brother Ben. James was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when he was only four years old. After bravely battling the cancer over the next four years (he came up with the family slogan “Ya Can’t Let Cancer Ruin Your Day”), he died at the age of eight. The James Fund is his legacy. (Photo: The Birrell family)
It was here that she first encountered the sibling perspective, she says, “and I was struck by the amount of people wanting to help, but the fact was there wasn’t a lot of research into siblings. Yes, we definitely need to focus on the (sick) child and the parents for sure … but at some point we need to look at survivorship for children because when they’re little and they lose a sibling, that’s going to continue to affect them for a very long time.”
Rebecca Birrell, who will share her unique insights at the Nexicom James Fund Golf Classic, is all too familiar with the depth of loss felt when a sibling is taken from this life far too early.
In 2001, when Rebecca wasn’t yet 10 years old, her brother James died from a rare and little-understood childhood cancer, neuroblastoma.
The fund created in his name has since raised millions to support research, while in the past 10 years the Golf Classic has helped support hundreds of loved ones facing the disease. When Rebecca and her other brother Ben were little, however, there was practically nothing by way of specific support.
“I don’t think I ever knew what to expect,” Rebecca says, looking back to the terrible experience of watching her brother and family struggle in the face of hope and despair with the ultimate tragic end to follow. “I guess I kind of had the unconscious assumption that as I grew up, what was in the past would stay in the past and it wouldn’t affect me growing up.”
Siblings Rebecca, James, and Ben Birrell as children at Halloween. James was too ill to leave his wheelchair for trick or treating so a friend converted his wheelchair into this forklift costume. (Photo: The Birrell family)
She had no idea that she, like so many young people who’ve lost a beloved brother or sister, would be at risk of serious depression or other mental health challenges. Looking back, that knowledge would likely have had an immense impact in her formative years.
She may have recognized the signs earlier when depression first struck in her mid-teens; she may have been able to articulate the internal struggle rearing itself and felt compelled to seek help earlier.
“I had no reference point for what depression was or what the symptoms were,” Rebecca recalls. “I just didn’t know at first what I was experiencing and then when I figured it out, how to then approach people and say ‘ I think I’m experiencing these symptoms, I think I need help, but I don’t know what I need.’
“You get to a point where you know you need help but you don’t know what to ask for,” she says.
The Birrell family: Rebecca, Ben, Syd, James, and Pamela. When James was living with neuroblastoma, a rare and little-understood childhood cancer that ultimately led to his death at the age of eight, there was practically nothing by way of specific support for families dealing with the disease. While The James Fund has since raised millions of dollars for neuroblastoma research and has helped support hundreds of loved ones facing the disease, there has been little research on the impact of the disease on siblings who have lost a brother or sister. (Photo: The Birrell family)
There was guilt, of course, because she knew how deeply her parents felt the loss of James and she didn’t want to burden them with her own struggle. She didn’t want them to feel that anything was their fault or blame themselves. She wanted to protect them from the weight she carried.
She never blamed her parents, but she does suggest a deeper lack of preparation and understanding in society in relation to trauma, loss, and mental health existed then and still does today. Things are improving, she says, but there’s a long way to go and the work Katie will begin at the University of British Columbia this fall is one more positive step towards helping young people prepare for an experience like Rebecca’s.
“While the emotional and psychological effects on siblings of children with neuroblastoma is very evident to families and friends, there has been little research on what the specific effects are and how we can develop and mobilize resources to help siblings and their families,” says Dr. David Kaplan, Head of Research with the James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research at the Hospital for Sick Children.
“The goal of this unique collaboration between the University of British Columbia, SickKids, and the James Fund will be to perform the necessary research to develop the tools and resources that will help siblings throughout their lives to manage, cope, and thrive.”
Under the supervision of Dr. Judy Illes, Professor of Neurology and Canada Research Chair in Neuroethics, and Dr. Tim Oberlander, Medical Lead in Complex Pain Service at BC Children’s Hospital and a professor in UBC’s Department of Pediatrics and School of Population and Public Health, Katie will study the impact on siblings who’ve specifically lost a brother or sister to neuroblastoma or brain tumours.
Rebecca, James (wearing hearing aids as a result of chemotherapy killing his auditory hair cells), and Ben Birrell. Researcher Katie Brown will begin work at the University of British Columbia this fall to study the impact on siblings who’ve specifically lost a brother or sister to neuroblastoma or brain tumours. (Photo: The Birrell family)
The Nexicom James Fund Golf Classic, which is focused entirely on family support for neuroblastoma families, has offered a $5,000 grant this year and next to support this work.
It will be a complex study based in large part on in-depth interviews, but if it could be distilled to one easy reference point, Katie says she hopes to identify some of the key, unanswered questions a young person asks when faced with the mortality of their beloved.
Ideally, the study will lead to the creation a template of sorts to help guide young people through the tragic experience they’re facing and prepare them for future challenges that are almost sure to arise.
The impact of such loss, Rebecca says, “doesn’t go away and we shouldn’t expect it to.”
Perhaps this study, created in the wake of her brother’s legacy, will help others come to this realization, and for that Rebecca is grateful.
Simplify your to-do list this summer so you can spend more of your outdoors time at home relaxing and entertaining. Get a worry-free long-lasting metal roof from Lifestyle Home Products, a low-maintenance yard or an outdoor room from Kawartha Lakes Landscaping, or build the deck of your dreams (pictured) with plans and materials from Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre. (Photo: Home Hardware).
Time outdoors should be spent relaxing, not tackling a massive to-do list. In this column, we bring you solutions that last from three local businesses. There’s a roof with a lifetime guarantee, landscaping solutions that are virtually maintenance free, and DIY project packages that make it easy to get your dream project done right the first time.
A roof that lasts a lifetime from Lifestyle Home Products
Lifestyle Home Products metal roofing is guaranteed for 50 years, four times longer than asphalt shingles. (Photo: Lifestyle Home Products)
Four-way interlocking metal shingles from Lifestyle Home Products look similar to conventional shingles. (Photo: Lifestyle Home Products)
Lifestyle Home Products metal roofing comes in a variety of colours to suit different homes. (Photo: Lifestyle Home Products)
Lifestyle Home Products metal roofing is quiet, economical, and critter proof. (Photo: Lifestyle Home Products)
Keith Carroll, co-owner of Lifestyle Home Products, wants you to replace your roof only once — and have it last for the rest of your life.
Lifestyle’s metal roofs are an environmentally friendly, economical solution that Keith says will provide peace of mind for years to come.
“The beauty of a metal roof is there’s absolutely nothing to worry about once it’s installed. It’s done.”
Lifestyle Home Products manufactures sunrooms, windows and exterior doors from its 150,000-square-foot facility located at 944 Crawford Drive in Peterborough. Lifestyle is also a respected supplier and installer of metal roofs, as well as outdoor awnings.
Before Lifestyle Home Products began installing metal roofs, it offered conventional asphalt shingles. Keith found it frustrating: often manufacturers would find reasons not to back their warranties.
In 2013, Lifestyle Home Products started installing Wakefield Bridge steel shingles and other metal roofs. The metal shingles match the look of a traditional shingled roof, but they interlock four ways and are made of durable steel to withstand the elements for years to come.
Calm in the storm
Many of us can recall the sound of rain falling on a metal roof. Older styles of metal roofing had to be mounted on a surface such as wood.
That wood creates a space in the roof. It’s what can also create that metal roof rain sound. With older metal roofs, Keith says, “you get a drum.”
A Lifestyle roof with Wakefield Bridge steel shingles is much quieter than a traditional metal roof, due to both the installation process and the product.
Cost-effective lifetime solution
Keith estimates that, while his metal roofs cost about twice as much as regular shingles, they last for 50 years — much longer than the 12-to-14 year lifespan of many conventional shingles.
Also, you don’t need to pay to dispose of your old asphalt shingles; the new steel shingles are installed right over top.
A green roof, no matter what colour you choose
Imagine four roof loads of asphalt shingles. That takes up a lot of landfill space. Installing steel shingles instead is an environmentally friendly method of construction, adding up to a third layer to an existing roof system.
In addition, Lifestyle’s metal roofing products contain between 25 and 95 per cent recycled content.
Keep critters out
For those looking to keep out squirrels and starlings, a Lifestyle metal roof can prevent these pests from moving in. There’s an interlocking strip around the entire perimeter of a Lifestyle metal roof.
It’s completely sealed with metal on all sides so, according to Keith, “critters can’t get through it.”
The last roof you’ll ever need
All Lifestyle Home Products metal roofs come with a transferable 50-year warranty so, no matter who is living under it, your roof is guaranteed to last.
“Once you get a Lifestyle metal roof, you have real peace of mind,” says Keith.
Outdoor design trends and tips with Kawartha Lakes Landscaping
Armourstone has big design impact, and can look either natural or modern. (Photo: Kawartha Lakes Landscaping)
Low-maintenance landscaping means less work and more time enjoying your yard. (Photo: Kawartha Lakes Landscaping)
Create the outdoor retreat you've imagined with Kawartha Lakes Landscaping. (Photo: Kawartha Lakes Landscaping)
Kawartha Lakes Landscaping offers a variety of services including water features and pools. (Photo: Kawartha Lakes Landscaping)
Whether you’re thinking about a beautiful outdoor kitchen with wood fireplace, a modern armourstone oasis, or just of spending more time enjoying your outdoor space instead of maintaining it, Kawartha Lakes Landscaping (917 Kelly Blvd., Bridgenorth, 1-888-451-5550) can make it happen.
Owners Allan Hancock and Kevin Kingsbury are celebrating their 13th year in business. Kevin’s been in the construction industry for over 20 years and Allan has been a landscaper for his whole career, and has a diploma in landscaping design and construction. As Allan notes, “we’ve always been in the industry one way or another.”
Part of what Allan enjoys about the work is the creativity of doing something unique.
“You never know what someone’s going to ask for. Someone will have a really off-the-wall idea and we can tweak it to what can be done.”
Bringing his clients vision to life is satisfying work.
“At the end of the day, every day, we get to see something we’ve created.”
Natural stonework
As specialists in armourstone, flagstone, steps and interlock, Kawartha Lakes Landscaping has everything you need to hardscape the outdoor space of your dreams. One of their most popular products is armourstone, according to Allan.
“Armourstone is always in such high demand. It’s become a staple, but there are always people wanting to add their own twist on it to make it look modern. It can look very modern or very natural: everyone has their own taste.”
Maintenance-free landscapes
Looking to spend less of your outdoor time maintaining and more time relaxing? Allan points out that Kawartha Lakes Landscaping specializes in virtually maintenance-free landscape design.
“We bring in slow-growing plants, hard surfaces, river rock instead of mulch. It cuts down on what you have to look after on a weekly basis, so it may be something where you’re doing maintenance on it twice a year and spending an hour. Two hours a year doesn’t seem like such a bad landscape to look after.”
For larger projects they even offer maintenance packages.
“Once a year, we’ll come back in the spring and make sure everything’s perfect.”
No more outdoor chores? Sounds perfect to me.
Outdoor rooms
Allan says that one of the biggest landscaping trends this year is outdoor rooms, particularly outdoor kitchens. He says that this is the perfect place to host guests.
“Think about where you hang out when it’s Christmas time. You’re in your kitchen. Your outdoor kitchen is where you’re going to be when you’re outside and you have people over.”
You can make your outdoor kitchen complete with a bar, a food prep area, or a fireplace; there are many ways to make outdoor cooking comfortable and stylish.
So many options
In addition to the services previously mentioned, Kawartha Lakes Landscaping offers shoreline services, retaining walls, pools stamped concrete, excavation, basement waterproofing, clearing, water features, golf greens, lighting… the list goes on.
Allan suggests that no matter what landscaping project you want to pursue, you come into the project with a clear idea of what you’re looking for.
“Have an idea of the things that you like and don’t like. It’s always good for somebody to have an idea of what they’d like to see, and then we can kind of steer them in the right direction of what can be done and what makes sense.”
Do your dream project yourself with help from Merrett Home Hardware
Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre can provide the plans and materials to build the deck of your dreams. (Photo: Home Hardware)
Build your own portable mini golf course: Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre has the plans and materials. (Photo: Home Hardware)
Customer service is key at Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre on Lansdowne Street. (Photo: Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre)
Drew Merrett offers friendly service and advice for anyone making home improvements. (Photo: Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre)
Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre (1460 Lansdowne St, Peterborough, 705-743-3553) has been the place to bring your home improvement projects for 21 years. Owner Drew Merrett prides himself on the level of service they offer.
“Customer service is our key factor,” he explains. “We have a lot of great employees. One of our mottos is that we don’t train people to be nice, we hire nice people.” Their staff is on hand to help with any project.
Free custom designs for decks, fences, and railings
Some of the most popular projects this time of year are decks, fences, and railings. Drew says that if you bring in the measurements, his staff will figure out exactly what you need for free.
“We do the whole design for them.”
Many of Merrett Home Hardware’s customers are making the move to maintenance-free railings, which can be customized in five different colours. Drew says that installing these railings is a breeze.
“It’s an easy do it yourself project. All you need is a drill and a hacksaw to do it. It’s very easy to install.”
So many project design ideas
Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre also provides project packages complete with detailed plans, all of the materials you will require and cutting and assembly instructions. These include bunkies, playhouses, tool sheds, picnic tables, planter boxes, and more.
Golfers will enjoy the mini-golf packages. Drew says that there are four different holes available to make. They are even portable: you can pack your golf course into the truck and bring it with you to a party.
There are even projects for your canine friends … or not. Drew jokes that “We have doghouses available so, if you get in trouble with your wife, you can build a doghouse.”
The right tools for the job… and more
Two years ago, Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre opened a rentals department. Casual DIYers can rent everything they need for a project including hand tools, yard maintenance equipment, construction tools, and generators.
One of the more unusual tools offered for rental is what the Merrett team refers to as the Skylift. It’s a lift that can be towed behind your vehicle, particularly useful for cleaning eaves troughs, cutting down trees, trimming trees, putting up siding, or installing windows on a second story.
There’s also a sensor that Drew says works like an X-ray for your walls, locating electrical wires, plumbing and studs.
“For older houses it works great. It saves a lot of guesswork.”
There’s even a money-blowing machine, sure to be a hit at Stag and Doe parties and fundraisers. You climb in and the machine blows money around you. Your job is to catch as much as you can. Unfortunately, the machine doesn’t come stocked with money.
Drew’s advice for DIYers
For those planning projects for this spring, Drew says that the right tools are key.
“You need the right tools for the job. You do your homework and make sure you have the right tools to accomplish it.”
Another factor that can make or break your project is getting the right materials. Drew suggests consulting with a professional because, with so many new products on the market, there might be something available that’s perfect for the project at hand that you’ve never even heard of.
“Ten years ago when you built your last deck, maybe you used one product. Now there’s probably a new product out there that’s replaced it. Come in and ask some questions — don’t just give us a material list and say ‘Here’s what I need’.”
That’s where Drew’s friendly staff really shine.
An expansion is planned for this fall, when Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre will add another 3,000 square feet to their retail space and redo the front face of their building. In spite of their growth, Drew knows there are benefits to not getting too big.
“There comes a level where you can’t get good service in a store that’s huge. We’re going to continue to be a family home hardware store that can give good service and good advice. My service level is too high to have a store that’s huge.”
This sign may be one of the mementos you can purchase when the contents of the building are auctioned off by developer Parkview Homes in June. Parkview Homes will donate the proceeds from the online auction to local charities (photo: Esther Vincent, evmustang.ca)
If you’re interested in taking home a piece of Peterborough pub history, you’ll have your chance during an online auction of some of the contents of the Pig’s Ear Tavern.
A list of available items will be available when the auction opens. A preview will also be held on Wednesday, June 14th from 4 to 6 p.m. at the former Pig’s Ear location (144 Brock St, Peterborough).
Some of the knickknacks inside The Pig’s Ear Tavern which may be available in the auction (photo: Esther Vincent, evmustang.ca)
Unless other arrangements are made, items will be picked up by buyers from 2 to 6 p.m. on Friday, June 16th at the same location.
The auction is sponsored by developer Parkview Homes, which purchased the building and plans to demolish it for a new five-storey apartment building.
Paul Dietrich, owner and president of Parkview Homes, announced in March that all proceeds from the auction would be split equally between YWCA Crossroads Shelter and YES Shelter for Youth and Families.
The Kirkfield Lift Lock is one of 15 locks featured in a new drone video from Parks Canada, promoting free seasonal lockage permits as part of the Canada 150 celebrations. Parks Canada celebrated the official opening of the Trent-Severn Waterway at Lockfest in Bobcaygeon on Saturday. (Photo: Parks Canada)
This weekend, Parks Canada celebrated the official opening of the Trent-Severn Waterway for the 2017 navigation season at Lockfest in Bobcaygeon on Saturday (May 27), along with the release of a new video showcasing the locks and promoting free lockage permits as part of the Canada 150 celebrations.
The video features dramatic aerial drone footage of several locks in the system: the Peterborough Lift Lock (Lock 21), Ranney Falls Flight Lock (Lock 11/12), the Kirkfield Lift Lock (Lock 36), Rosedale (Lock 35), Big Chute (Lock 44), Port Severn (Lock 45), Otonabee (Lock 23), Buckhorn (Lock 31), Douro (Lock 24), Ashburnham (Lock 20), Fenelon Falls (Lock 34), Couchiching (Lock 42), Swift Rapids (Lock 43), Boslover (Lock 37), and Percy Reach (Lock 8).
VIDEO: Welcome to the Trent-Severn Waterway
Parks Canada celebrated the official opening of the waterway with Lockfest, which took place on May 27th at Lock 32 in Bobcaygeon.
Lockfest began with a flag-raising ceremony to install a new Canada flag and a Canada 150 flag at the lock station.
The raising of a new Canadian flag and Canada 150 flag at Lock 32 in Bobcaygeon. (Photos: Bruce Hobley)
Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef attended Lockfest on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister responsible for Parks Canada.
Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef. (Photo: Bruce Hobley)
Parks Canada had a booth set up where visitors could pick up a free lockage permit as part of the Canada 150 celebrations. It allows passage through lock systems on all of Parks Canada’s national historic canals throughout the entire 2017 navigation season. You can visit any lock station on the Trent-Severn Waterway to get your permit, or you can order it online.
Free lockage permits were available at the Parks Canada booth at Lockfest. (Photo: Parks Canada)
Happy Days Houseboats of Bobcaygeon offered houseboat tours and seminars on how to lock with houseboats.
Happy Days Houseboats. (Photo: Parks Canada)
Parka, the Parks Canada mascot, was also at Lockfest.
Parka checking out Bobcaygeon’s new bike share program, offered by Impact 32. The bikes are available for residents and visitors, including those who arrive via the Trent-Severn Waterway system. (Photo: Bonnie Jane Harris)
For the kids, Parks Canada offered temporary tattoos.
Getting a temporary tattoo at Lockfest. (Photo: Parks Canada)
Parks Canada also offered custom coasters, hand made from reclaimed gate logs, featuring the Parks Canada logos.
Branding a reclaimed gate log with the Parks Canada logo. (Photo: Parks Canada)The custom-made coaster. (Photo: Parks Canada)
Although the Trent-Severn Waterway officially opened this past weekend, due to continued high water levels and flows, Parks Canada is opening the lock stations on the waterway for boat traffic in stages.
As of May 27th, Locks 28 (Burleigh Falls) through Lock 45 (Port Severn) are open to boat traffic, as well as Lock 20 (Ashburnham) and Lock 21 (Peterborough Lift Lock). Parks Canada will open the remaining locks for boat traffic when it is safe to do so.
Gilstorf & Gray in Bobcaygeon brings a sense of casual luxury to your home, making the everyday feel special. (Photo: Gilstorf & Gray)
Hygge. The Danish term (pronounced “hue-gah”) has become huge in the interior design world.
There is no direct English translation, but it loosely means a sense of luxurious comfort, coziness, contentment, and kinship.
Bobcaygeon shop Gilstorf & Gray (59 William Street, Bobcaygeon, 705-731-1030) has been selling the elements of hygge since before it became a North American phenomenon.
The airy well-curated shop features furniture, homewares, and gifts — a blend of new, vintage, artisan, and ethically made slow goods.
Bringing Danish hygge to Bobcaygeon and the Kawarthas
Casual but elegant lighting options available at Gilstorf & Gray will bring warmth to your living space. (Photo: Gilstorf & Gray)
Owner Robin Burrows says that their style is less about specific trends and more about the way an item or space makes you feel.
“Our aesthetic isn’t really a design style at all. It’s more of a feeling. When you walk into the shop you have this incredible feeling.”
That’s hygge.
Robin explains further.
“The idea behind that is that you celebrate everyday moments. That means using beautiful linen napkins just for yourself with your lunch, or lighting a candle while you’re having a cup of tea and — surrounding yourself with the environment that makes it just a little bit special.”
Gilstorf & Gray can even add hygge to your food preparation and presentation. (Photo: Gilstorf & Gray)
You may be alone or with family, but you are celebrating and luxuriating in the everyday.
And of course, this ethos is great for gift giving.
“It could be small, it doesn’t have to be expensive, but it’s really something special,” Robin says.
These handmade serving boards are typical of the one-of-a-kind items available at Gilstorf & Gray. (Photo: Gilstorf & Gray)
One-of-a-kind aesthetic
Robin describes her shop as “a modern general store meets artisan gallery,” so it should come as no surprise that she doesn’t necessarily follow all of the rules of design.
“Our shop is much more relaxed with a lot of natural elements — woods, linens, and cottons. Hand-hewn beams hold up the ceiling. It’s all very organic and earthy and light and airy.”
Robin works one on one with artisans to bring her customers something unique.
Gilstorf & Gray offers unique decorative items for your cottage or home, like these artisan-crafted custom ceramic buoys. (Photo: Gilstorf & Gray)
One of her artisans who works with ceramics was recently featured in House & Home magazine. Robin commissioned ceramic buoys marked Lock 32, Bobcaygeon’s lock on the Trent Severn Waterway.
Another artisan paints local lakes on barnboard: Pigeon, Stoney, Sturgeon, Balsam and more.
Such collaborations mean Gilstorf & Gray can offer one-of-a-kind custom items that Robin says “you’re not going to find anywhere else.”
Gilstorf & Gray offers interior styling services through G&G Abode, helping you create your own hygge. (Photo: Gilstorf & Gray)
Gilstorf & Gray’s taste is coveted in the Kawarthas. Many customer inquiries led to the creation of G&G Abode, an interior styling service.
“G&G Abode wasn’t part of the original game plan, but it happened so often,” Robin says of the requests for design services.
“After a while, we thought it’s a natural evolution. Let’s go out and help people create their hygge, their space that is warm and cozy and content and inclusive of family.”
Who are Gilstorf & Gray?
Gilstorf & Gray are both names taken from the two branches of Robin’s family tree.
“Throughout my life, I have had incredible support from my parents, my husband, my entire family,” Robin explains. “The shop wouldn’t exist without their influence, and they in turn were influenced by the generations before them”.
Even the price tags at Gilstorf & Gray are unique, celebrating family throughout the generations. (Photo: Gilstorf & Gray)
One particularly strong influence was that of Robin’s mother.
“We were extremely close,” Robin says. She had the opportunity to work for her mother in the family’s Toronto business and describes that as “one of the most amazing experiences of my life.”
“I wanted my shop name to be representative of where we come from, of kinship, and the supports that are in place that get you to where you are.”
The Gilstorf & Gray lawn sign reflects the shop’s natural and organic aesthetic. (Photo: Gilstorf & Gray)
Gilstorf & Gray is open this summer Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Monday and Tuesday “by chance”. Hours change seasonally, so check the Gilstorf & Gray website at www.gilstorfandgray.ca.
You can also find them online — including photos of new items available in the shop — on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
At the event announcing $9 million in provincial funding for the new canoe museum, Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal is invited to carve a canoe paddle, symbolic of the journey to the new facility to be built beside the Peterborough Lift Lock. Also pictured are representatives from The Canadian Canoe Museum, Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett, Curve Lake First Nation Chief Phyllis Williams, and Peterborough County Warden Joe Taylor. (Photo: The Canadian Canoe Museum)
On Friday (May 26), Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal announced an investment of $9 million from the Government of Ontario to support the construction of a new facility for The Canadian Canoe Museum.
“Our support for the redevelopment of the Canadian Canoe Museum will help attract more tourism, boost our local economy, and create good jobs in our region,” Leal said. “I look forward to seeing the reinvented museum and the remarkable collection of canoes and watercraft and innovative exhibits that the new space will accommodate.”
Established in 1997 and currently located at 910 Monaghan Road in Peterborough, The Canadian Canoe Museum is home to 600 canoes, kayaks, and paddled watercraft — the world’s largest and most significant collection.
Jeff Leal, MPP Peterborough, at the May 26th announcement of $9 million in provincial funding for the new Canadian Canoe Museum. (Photo: The Canadian Canoe Museum)
The museum is planning a new 75,000-square-foot facility to be located beside the Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site on the Trent-Severn Waterway. The new museum will be better able to preserve, protect, and promote its watercraft collection.
It will also be offering on-site and on-water programming to meet educational demands, as well as creating a research and archives centre. Planning includes engagement with Indigenous peoples.
Designed by an award-winning team of heneghan peng architects of Ireland with Kearns Mancini Architects of Toronto, the new facility design features a serpentine glass pavilion and a rooftop garden. It will be integrated into the existing drumlin and contoured with the canal.
The design of the new Canadian Canoe Museum to be located beside the Peterborough Lift Lock. (Graphic: heneghan peng architects / Kearns Mancini Architects)
The $9 million investment represents the Province of Ontario’s total contribution to the project. The Canadian Canoe Museum is also fundraising and seeking municipal and federal contributions to the project.
“This investment from the Province of Ontario is nothing short of transformational for the future of The Canadian Canoe Museum, as well as for Peterborough, the region, the province and the country as a whole,” said John Ronson, Chair of the museum’s Board of Directors.
“Today’s announcement is pivotal to the redevelopment project,” says John Ronson, Board Chair of The Canadian Canoe Museum, pictured here with MPP Jeff Leal on May 26, 2017. (Photo: The Canadian Canoe Museum)
“Today’s announcement is pivotal to the redevelopment project and we find ourselves one significant step closer to the realization of what will be a dynamic destination and one-of-a-kind cultural space.
“On behalf of all those from around the world, who will be inspired by the museum’s world-class collection from its new high-profile headquarters, we are grateful.”
Chief Phyllis Williams of Curve Lake First Nation carving The Canadian Canoe Museum’s symbolic paddle while Peterborough MPP Jeaf Leal and Peterborough County Joe Warden look on. The museum is engaging Indigenous peoples throughout the planning process. (Photo: The Canadian Canoe Museum)
This year's honorees and their representatives: Peter Duffus, John Bowes, Elwood Jones, Mary McGee, Catia and Mike Skinner, Susan and Darrell Drain, Rhonda Barnet, Eleanor and Carl Young and Shelley and David Black. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
One of eight local business legends inducted to Junior Achievement’s Business Hall of Fame last night (May 25), 89-year-old John Bowes had a message for the region’s young entrepreneurs.
“To the Junior Achievers — keep at it, and someday you may be a senior entrepreneur, and nobody has more fun than us.”
A crowd of approximately 400 filled The Venue in downtown Peterborough for the second annual Junior Achievement Peterborough Lakeland Muskoka Business Hall of Fame. The event is a fundraiser for the local Junior Achievement chapter.
The packed house enjoyed food from a variety of culinary vendors. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
Guests were first treated to a culinary showcase. Local restaurants and cafes presented a delectable selection.
Guests enjoyed cauliflower pakora and onion bhaji from Curry Village, refreshing beer from the Publican House, and a very popular offering of miniature meatball sandwiches from Tre Ristorante Italiano, among others.
Lindsay Brock of Amusé attended as a food vendor for the second year in a row, offering cups of freshly brewed coffee. She said that the event was a great opportunity to learn more about local entrepreneurs.
“There are people who have had an important role in our community that maybe we don’t know about,” Lindsay said. “We might not recognize them by name, but they’ve had a huge influence. These are the people who have paved the way for the business community that we have today. I’m thrilled to be here to celebrate their contributions.”
This year’s inductees to the Junior Achievement Peterborough Lakeland Muskoka Business Hall of Fame were Jack McGee, Senator J.J. Duffus, Robert Young, Isadore Black, John Bowes, Darrell Drain, Rhonda Barnet, and Michael Skinner. (See our story from January for a description of each inductee).
Mayor Darryl Bennett was in attendance, pictured here with Colleen Worboy and Jewell Bennett. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
Dignitaries in attendance included: M.P. Peterborough-Kawartha and Minister of the Status of Women Maryam Monsef; M.P.P. Peterborough and the Minister Responsible for Small Business and the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Jeff Leal; Peterborough Mayor Darryl Bennett; and Selwyn Mayor Mary Smith.
The ceremony featured short vignettes illustrating the importance of each inductee to our community, followed by the presentation of plaques to inductees or their surviving families.
Many of the inductees seized the opportunity to encourage youth to consider a career in business.
John Bowes was among this year’s eight new inductees to the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com
Many inductees mentioned the importance of mentoring youth in our community through programs like Junior Achievement. Shelley Black, daughter of Isadore Black, talked about how Isadore would often hire young people to staff his iconic clothing store.
“I always joked that Blacks of Peterborough was the youth employment program in Peterborough.”
Shelley had a strong message for local business leaders.
“I think that if Dad were here today that he would encourage you to take an active role in mentoring, employing, and advising young people and using the skills that you have acquired to continue to strengthen Peterborough businesses and the economy for many generations.”
During his acceptance speech for father Robert Young, Carl Young credited his mother Eleanor Young for making his father’s business success possible. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
Inductee Michael Skinner belonged to Junior Achievement as a teenager.
His group created hooks that hung over the back of a door to hang clothing or towels. He says that Junior Achievement had a huge influence on his future path.
“It was my first foray into anything business related.”
Since then Michael has built numerous companies in the information technology, hospitality, entertainment and sustainable technology industries, becoming a leader in our economic development community.
He says that the event is a great way for local business people to get inspired by the many successful entrepreneurs that have succeeded here.
“It’s a great way for Peterborough to celebrate its success. I don’t think everyone knows the history of Peterborough and all of the successful people we’ve had. It’s a great way to remind people why building a business in Peterborough makes a lot of sense. You’re not the first person to build a successful business — there have been lots of people before you.”
Rhonda Barnet, co-founder of Steelworks Design Inc. and the first ever female Chair of the National Board of Canadian Manufacturers encouraged young women to consider a career in manufacturing.
Of her appointment to the hall of fame, she said “It’s a huge honour. These are icons of Peterborough, and I feel like my journey’s just beginning.”
Rhonda Barnet, pictured here with her family, wants to encourage young women to pursue a career in manufacturing. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
Darrell Drain had one piece of advice for young entrepreneurs.
“If you’re going to start your own business, do it here in Peterborough County. What better place could there be to live?”
The fundraising effort was a huge success, with raffle ticket sales alone raising enough money to run a summer company program. The Hall of Fame can be viewed in the lobby of the VentureNorth building at 270 George Street in downtown Peterborough.
Natalie and Nick Wittek of the Magic Rolling Pin offered meringue nests with fresh fruit and lemon curd to the attendees. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
Deputy Mayor Sherry Senis and Mayor Mary Smith of Selwyn Township enjoy BE Catering's beautifully presented Good Earth Quinoa Bowls. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
Martin Carbajal of La Mesita Catering offered pulled pork garnished with habanero pickled onions and cilantro. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
Little Sweets offered beautifully gilded chocolate covered strawberries, brownie sandwiches, cupcakes and macaroons. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
Cynthia Keech, Winnie Norman, and Maureen Taverner were among the many gathered to celebrate Peterborough's business elite. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
Fresh Dreams prepared Pan Tumaka at the event, an incredibly fresh-tasting dining experience. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
Junior Achievement's John McNutt, Karen Munrom, and Paul Ayotte. John was pleased with the growth of the event. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
The Kawartha Golf and Country Club was among the many outstanding culinary vendors. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
The Venue in downtown Peterborough was packed with a crowd of approximately 400 attendees for dinner and ceremony. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
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