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nightlifeNOW – April 20 to 26

By kawarthaNOW -
After 152 years, The Pig's Ear Tavern in downtown Peterborough will serve its last pint on Saturday, April 22. Western Swing band The Double Cuts, regular performers at The Cameron House in Toronto, will play the last show ever at The Piggy. (Photo: Esther Vincent, evmustang.ca)

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, April 20 to Wednesday, April 26.

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.

ARIA
Arlington Pub
Bancroft Eatery and Brew Pub
Black Horse Pub
Canoe & Paddle
The Cat & The Fiddle Cobourg
Catalina's
Chemong Lodge
The Church-key Pub & Grindhouse
Coach & Horses Pub
Dobro Restaurant & Bar
Dominion Hotel
Dr. J's BBQ & Brews
Frank's Pasta and Grill
Ganaraska Hotel
The Garnet
George & Orange Taproom & Kitchen
Golden Wheel Resaturant
Gordon Best Theatre
Hot Belly Mama's
Junction Nightclub
Kawartha Coffee Co.
The Lounge by Lignum
Marley's Bar & Grill
McThirsty's Pint
The Mill Restaurant and Pub
Muddy's Pit BBQ
Oasis Bar & Grill
Pastry Peddler
Pig's Ear Tavern
Puck' N Pint Sports Pub
Red Dog Tavern
Shots
Southside Pizzeria
The Spill
Sticks Sports Pub
The Venue
White House Hotel
Wild Blue Yonder Pub at Elmhirst's Resort

ARIA

331 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 743-0333

Friday, April 21

10pm - Project Friday Circus Party ft. Lukas Stark

Saturday, April 22

10pm - Big Club Night

Arlington Pub

32990 Highway 62, Maynooth
(613) 338-2080

Saturday, April 22

9pm - Boing Boing Hip Hop & Reggae Dance Party (no cover)

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 29
9pm - Reverend Ken i($10)

Saturday, May 6
9pm - Kayla Luky ($10)

Bancroft Eatery and Brew Pub

4 Bridge St., Bancroft
(613) 332-3450

Tuesdays

7:30pm - Trivia Tuesdays

Coming Soon

Friday, April 21
9pm - Pat Maloney

Black Horse Pub

452 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-0633

Thursday, April 20

7:30pm - Jazz & Blues Night w/ Marsala Lukianchuk & Rob Phillips Trio

Friday, April 21

5pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Pop Machine

Saturday, April 22

8:30pm - Northern Soul

Sunday, April 23

3pm - Odd Man Rush

Monday, April 24

7pm - Crash and Burn w/ Rick & Gailie and John Steele

Tuesday, April 25

7pm - Open mic w/ Randy Hill

Wednesday, April 26

8pm - Student night

Coming Soon

Thursday, April 27
7:30pm - Jazz & Blues Night w/ Marsala Lukianchuk & Rob Phillips Trio

Friday, April 28
5pm - Rick & Gailie

Saturday, April 29
5pm - Rick & Gailie

Sunday, April 30
3pm - Live music (TBA)

Canoe & Paddle

18 Bridge St., Lakefield
(705) 651-1111

Thursday, April 13

7:30-10:30pm - Live music

Saturday, April 15

8-11pm - Live music

The Cat & The Fiddle Cobourg

38 Covert St., Cobourg
(905) 377-9029

Tuesday, April 25

7-9pm - Coboug Poetry Workshop Open House

Coming Soon

Friday, April 28
8pm - Nighthawk

Catalina's

131 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-5972

Thursday, April 20

6-8pm - "an other being" book launch and signing with poet Tony Brathwaite and artist David McConkey

Saturday, April 22

9pm - Andrew McPherson "Bardo" album release party ($10 at door)

Coming Soon

Friday, April 28
9pm - Kayla Howran "Spare Parts" album release party w/ Dylan Ireland

Saturday, April 29
9pm - Film - International Jazz Day presents "Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser" ($10 at door)

Chemong Lodge

764 Hunter St., Bridgenorth
(705) 292-8435

Thursdays

5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)

Fridays

5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)

The Church-key Pub & Grindhouse

26 Bridge St. W., Campbellford
(705) 653-0001

Thursday, April 20

9pm - Tubourg and Gary w/ Ray on The Radio

Friday, April 21

9pm - Live music (TBA)

Saturday, April 22

5pm - 2nd Annual Monopoly Tournament Finals; 9pm - Live music (TBA)

Mondays

Trivia Monday

Tuesdays

OpinioNation w/ Bill Davenport

Wednesdays

Whiskey Wednesday w/ Ken Tizzard

Coach & Horses Pub

16 York St. S., Lindsay
(705) 328-0006

Thursdays

10pm - Open Jam w/ Gerald Vanhalteren

Wednesdays

7-11pm - Live music

Dobro Restaurant & Bar

287-289 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 775-9645

Thursday, April 20

9pm - Robin Hawkins Band (no cover)

Friday, April 21

9pm - Live music (TBA)

Saturday, April 22

9pm - Live music (TBA)

Wednesdays

Open stage

Dominion Hotel

113 Main St., Minden
(705) 286-6954

Coming Soon

Friday, May 5
8pm - Gene Hardy and Sparkjiver ($25)

Saturday, May 20
Summer 2017 Kickoff Party w/ Movin' On ($5)

Friday, June 8
7:30pm - Farmer the Band (by donation)

Dr. J's BBQ & Brews

282 Aylmer St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5717

Saturday, April 22

2-5pm - Tammy J. Wilde and the Binders

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 29
8pm - Phoxy Band

Frank's Pasta and Grill

426 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-2727

Thursdays

5-8pm - Live music

Fridays

9pm-12am - Karaoke Night Girls Night Out; 12am - DJ Chrome

Saturday, April 22

8:30pm - Tony "Wild T" Springer & Winging It; 11:30pm - DJ Ryan

Sundays

4-8pm - Kid's Karaoke hosted by Nelson Denis

Tuesdays

7pm & 8pm - Salsa Classes beginners & intermediate ($10/lesson)

Wednesdays

8-11pm - Open Mic

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 29
8:30pm - Little Lake; 11:30pm - DJ Shreddy Beats

Ganaraska Hotel

30 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 885-9254

Friday, April 21

10pm - Pearly Jenkins and Lucky Strike

Saturday, April 22

2-5pm & 10pm - Pearly Jenkins and Lucky Strike

Wednesdays

8pm - Open mic w/ host Marty Hepburn

Coming Soon

Friday, April 28
10pm - The Spirits

Saturday, April 29
2-5pm & 10pm - The Spirits

The Garnet

231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-0107

Thursday, April 20

10pm - Pat Maloney

Friday, April 21

10pm - The Rifle & The Writer, Dean James, Cameron von Criegern ($5)

Saturday, April 22

8pm - Ron Hawkins of The Lowest Of The Low ($15 at door, $12 in advance)

Sunday, April 23

10pm - Michael Dennis

Tuesday, April 25

8-11pm - Jazzmania

Wednesday, April 26

10pm - Denis The Night and The Panic

Coming Soon

Thursday, April 27
8pm - Raleigh, Olias ($10 or PWYC)

Friday, April 28
5-7pm - Chester Babcock; 10pm - Jamie Gia, Sean Conway

Saturday, April 29
10pm - Goodwood Atoms, Melted Fro

Sunday, April 30
8pm - Keyboards

George & Orange Taproom & Kitchen

67 Orange St., Cobourg
(289) 252-0227

Thursdays

8-11pm - Open mic

Golden Wheel Resaturant

6725 Highway 7, Peterborough
(705) 749-6838

Saturday, April 22

8pm - Checkmate Band ($15 in advance, $20 at door includes all-you-can-eat dinner at 7pm)

Wednesdays

7-9pm - Line Dancing Lessons w/ Marlene ($7 per person, all levels welcome)

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 29
8-10pm - Open mic

Friday, May 5
9:30pm - Jade Eagleson Band ($7)

Gordon Best Theatre

216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 876-8884

Friday, April 21

8pm - The Citiots Improv ($12 adults, $10 students/seniors)

Coming Soon

Thursday, April 27
8pm - "A Couple Walks Into A Bar... A Night of Stand Up Comedy"

Saturday, April 29
8pm - Kirk Losell CD Release Party ($5)

Hot Belly Mama's

378 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 745-3544

Thursday, April 20

8pm - J.P. Hovercraft , Chris Hiney, and Al Black (PWYC)

Coming Soon

Thursday, April 27
8pm - The Quickshifters (PWYC)

Junction Nightclub

253 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 743-0550

Thursday, April 20

10pm - Weekend Warmup (downstairs pool room) w/ live DJ

Friday, April 21

10pm - Nothing But the 90s w/ DJ Bill Porter (no cover)

Saturday, April 22

10pm - Pure Saturdays

Coming Soon

Saturday, May 6
10pm - Shaun Frank "No Future" Tour ($10, tickets at www.junctionptbo.com/tix)

Kawartha Coffee Co.

49 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon
(705) 738-1500

Saturday, April 22

7pm - Karaoke w/ host Kelly Burrows

Coming Soon

Friday, April 28
7-9pm - Nicole Coward ($10 or PWYC)

The Lounge by Lignum

442 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 775-9463

Friday, April 21

7pm - Pete Woolidge and Federico Pontani

Saturday, April 22

2-6pm - Book launch: "A Perfect Machine" by Brett Savory and "Little Heaven" by Nick Cutter and Craig Davidson. Special appearance by Ian Rogers.

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 29
6-8pm - International Jazz Day "Dine with Jazz" ft Steve Holt (piano) and Dave Young (bass)

Marley's Bar & Grill

17 Fire Route 82 Catalina Bay, Buckhorn
(705) 868-2545

Coming Soon

Friday, May 19
6-9pm - Washboard Hank

Saturday, May 20
6-9pm - Washboard Hank

McThirsty's Pint

166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220

Thursdays

10pm - Jan Schoute

Fridays

10pm - Brian Haddlesey

Saturdays

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, April 20

7pm - Brian MacNamara

Coming Soon

Thursday, April 27
7pm - Live music (TBA)

Muddy's Pit BBQ

3247 County Rd. 2, Keene
(705) 295-1255

Coming Soon

Sunday, May 21
3pm - Wylie Harold

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

Pastry Peddler

17 King St., Millbrook
(705) 932-7333

Coming Soon

Friday, April 28
5:30pm & 7:45pm - Jazz Dinner Weekend ft Bernardo Padro & Mike Sepic ($45 per person)

Saturday, April 29
5:30pm & 7:45pm - Jazz Dinner Weekend ft Bernardo Padro & Mike Sepic ($45 per person)

Pig's Ear Tavern

144 Brock St., Peterborough
(705) 745-7255

Thursdays

9pm - Open stage

Friday, April 21

Final Pingo

Saturday, April 22

8pm - The Pig's Ear Last Night ft The Double Cuts & guests ($5)

VIDEO: "Who Walks In When I Walk Out" - The Double Cuts

Puck' N Pint Sports Pub

871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough
(705) 741-1078

Fridays

Live music

Tuesdays

Live music

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 29
9pm - Northern Soul

Red Dog Tavern

189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 741-6400

Friday, April 21

9pm - Television Road w/ Kitty Pit, Bolete, FeeFawFum ($8)

Saturday, April 22

Antixx, Luceo, Cardboard Crowns

Tuesdays

10pm - Open mic w/ Matt Diamond

Coming Soon

Friday, April 28
Crytic Wisdom

Saturday, April 29
10pm - One Bad Son ($10, in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/17874/)

Friday, May 12
5:30pm - Peterborough Live Music Festival Acoustic Jam w/ Nathan Bottomley, The Templars (all ages, $5 or $15 for weekend pass, in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/17190/)

Friday, May 19
10pm - Joey Landreth w/ Dylan Ireland ($10 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/17742/)

Thursday, May 23
10pm - Chastity ($10 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/17507/)

Saturday, June 3
9pm - The Weber Brothers ($10)

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); 8pm - Karaoke

Tuesdays

9am-12pm - Open mic (free); 8pm - Karaoke

The Spill

414 George St., Peterborough
(705) 748-6167

Thursday, April 20

8pm - Twin Rivals, Sinner, Marion Cinder, The Albino Structure ($5)

Friday, April 21

9pm - Mary-Kate Edwards, Paper Shakers, Vistas ($5)

Saturday, April 22

3-6pm - Repair Cafe; 8pm - Lonely Parade, Stacey Green Jumps, WHOOP-szo, Divide and Dissolve ($5 before 9pm, $8 after)

Sunday, April 23

8pm - Zoobombs, Surinam, SunRaRaRa ($10)

Monday, April 24

9pm - Severed Feathers, Foreign Resort, Cyphier ($5-10 sliding cover)

Tuesday, April 25

Fun & Games w/ Matt Jarvis

Wednesday, April 26

Kachinga

Coming Soon

Thursday, April 27
3-6pm - Rock Camp For Girls Rock Block Social Jam; 8pm - Peterborough Poetry Slam

Friday, April 28
No Pussyfooting, Goodnight, Sunrise

Saturday April 29
8pm - Noise Hz v13 ft Goth Girl, Lumi Krysztal, Bloody Boy Blue, Comforts, The Idle Crowe, ptbo noise kitchen ($8 or PWYC)

Sticks Sports Pub

500 George St. S., Peterborough
(705) 775-7845

Coming Soon

Saturday, May 20
2-5pm - Cameron von Criegern

The Venue

286 George Street North, Peterborough
(705) 876-0008

Tuesday, April 25

6-9pm - 2017 Bears' Lair Grand Finale (free, register at www.eventbrite.ca/e/bears-lair-grand-finale-tickets-33598797909)

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 29
6pm - Jack's Journey and The Isaac Foundation present Gala for a Cure ft Royal Wood ($100 at www.eventbrite.ca/e/gala-for-a-cure-featuring-royal-wood-tickets-32110957739)

Wednesday, May 10
8pm - The Northern Pikes ($45)

White House Hotel

173 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 741-2444

Friday, April 21

5-9pm - High Waters Band (no cover)

Saturday, April 22

5-9pm - High Waters Band (no cover)

Wild Blue Yonder Pub at Elmhirst's Resort

1045 Settlers Line, Keene
(705) 295-4591

Coming Soon

Tuesday, June 6
7:30pm - Tuned Up Tuesdays ft Mayhemingways (no cover)

Bike sharing coming to Bobcaygeon in May

By kawarthaNOW -
One of the bikes that will be available for sharing at Lock 32 in Bobcaygeon from May through October. (Photo: Impact 32)

On the heels of the Zagster bike sharing service launching in Peterborough, a grass-roots group has announced a bike sharing service in Bobcaygeon beginning in May.

Impact 32 — a group of volunteers made up of local business owners and community organizers — is gearing up for Canada’s 150th Anniversary celebration by offering visitors and residents a new way to get around town.

Ten new seven-speed cruisers will be available every day at the bike share station at Lock 32 from May through October. The bikes will be available for a minimal charge, expected to be around $5 for the first half hour, to help cover the annual expenses in operating the bike sharing service.

Access to the bikes will be available by downloading the Movatic app on your Android or iOS device. Locate the bikes on the app, sign a waiver, pay through your phone, and then the phone will unlock the bike. Once you’re done, the phone will lock the bike back into the station and calculate your payment.

Bobcaygeon's bike sharing service was implemented and will be maintained by Impact 32, a volunteer steering committee made up of local business owners and community organizers, with project funding from Regional Tourism Organization 8 and the Eastern Ontario Development Program. (Photo: Impact 32)
Bobcaygeon’s bike sharing service was implemented and will be maintained by Impact 32, a volunteer steering committee made up of local business owners and community organizers, with project funding from Regional Tourism Organization 8 and the Eastern Ontario Development Program. (Photo: Impact 32)

Impact 32 was recently awarded project funding from Regional Tourism Organization 8 and the Eastern Ontario Development Program to implement the bike sharing program, which Impact 32 will also maintain.

“We want to thank our funding partners for making this possible,” says Carly Poole, Impact 32’s official bike sharing spokesperson. “And Environmental Action Bobcaygeon for bringing the need for active transportation to the forefront in Bobcaygeon.

“We also want to thank Trent Severn Waterway for their continuing co-operation and support of our town. We appreciate their partnership in this project, allowing the bike station to be perfectly situated in the heart of Bobcaygeon on Parks Canada property.”

Bike share stations have popped up in many popular tourist destinations, as well as school campuses and large urban centres over the past decade.

The bike sharing station at Lock 32 adds another feature to attract and entertain visitors. Vacationers will no longer have to lug their bikes around with them, especially boaters travelling through Lock 32.

Trent Severn Waterway is anticipating a surge in traffic this year as they honour Canada’s sesquicentennial by offering free passage through the lock system to all boaters.

Impact 32 needs volunteers are needed to work two- or three-hour shifts chatting with people at the bike station, helping direct visitors, giving information on the bikes, as well as answering any other questions that might pop up. Volunteers will be provided with information and hand-outs and stationed inside (out of the elements), so shifts will be rain or shine.

Anyone who would like to share their Bobcaygeon enthusiasm is asked to email bobcaygeonbikeshare@gmail.com. For more information about Impact 32 and Bobcaygeon, visit their new website at www.visitbobcaygeon.com.

Foreign buyer speculation tax will also apply to much of the Kawarthas

By kawarthaNOW -
Effective April 21 once supporting legislation is passed, the Non-Resident Speculation Tax will apply to land purchased in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, with includes three counties in the Kawarthas

The 15 per cent levy on foreign buyers of residential real estate, announced today (April 20) by Premier Kathleen Wynne as part of Ontario’s Fair Housing Plan, doesn’t just affect Toronto. It will also apply to much of the Kawarthas region.

The levy — known as the Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST) — applies to the purchase of residential property in the “Greater Golden Horseshoe”, which includes the City and County of Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, and the County of Northumberland.

Effective on April 21, 2017, once the supporting legislation is passed, the NRST applies to individuals who are not citizens or permanent residents of Canada and to foreign corporations and taxable trustees. The new tax is in addition to Ontario’s general land transfer tax.

The NRST would apply to transfers of property containing at least one (and not more than six) single-family residences, including semi-detached homes, townhomes, and condos. It would not apply to transfers of multi-residential rental apartment buildings, agricultural land, or commercial or industrial land.

Refugees and nominees under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program are not subject to the NRST, and rebates would be available for those who later become citizens or permanent residents, as well as for foreign nationals and international students.

The Non-Resident Speculation Tax applies to residential property in the Greater Golden Horsehoe (graphic: Ontario Ministry of Finance)
The Non-Resident Speculation Tax applies to residential property in the Greater Golden Horsehoe (graphic: Ontario Ministry of Finance)

With house prices skyrocketing in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), people continue to look for homes outside of the GTA. According to the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Association of Realtors, the average price for a home sale in the city and county of Peterborough is $398,734, which is 32.5% higher than March of last year.

Aside from Toronto real estate market conditions, another factor affecting the price of housing in Peterborough and the Kawarthas is the coming extension of the Highway 407 toll road to Highway 35/115. The extension, which is expected to open in late 2019, will decrease commuting time into the GTA.

While there’s no evidence that housing prices in Peterborough and the Kawarthas region are increasing because of foreign buyers, the application of the NRST to the Greater Golden Horseshoe could be a preemptive measure to prevent such speculation in the future as population growth outside the GTA continues.

The other measures announced today by the Ontario government include:

  • expanding rent control for all private rental units, including those built after 1991, to the rate of inflation (as long as it is 2.5 per cent or lower)
  • introducing legislation to strengthen the Residential Tenancies Act
  • introducing legislation to allow municipalities to impose a property tax on vacant homes
  • introducing a new $125-million five-year program to encourage the construction of new rental apartments through development charge rebates
  • working with the real estate industry to review practices such as “double ending” (where the same realtor represents both the buyer and seller).

Tips for homeowners to prevent crime this spring

By kawarthaNOW -
Follow some common-sense tips to prevent crime during the warmer weather

With the arrival of warmer weather, the Peterborough Police Service has issued some crime prevention tips for homeowners.

 

In your home

Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you’re immune from theft. People who have been working in their yard or garden have gone back inside their home to find belongings taken.

  • It’s a good idea to keep your doors and windows locked.
  • When in the backyard lock your front door, and vice versa.
  • Don’t leave your garage door open with the contents easily accessible. If you’re working in the backyard, keep your garage door shut.
  • Consider installing an alarm system.

 

In your yard

During the warm weather, outdoor belongings are often targeted by thieves. And don’t give thieves easy access to tools that can help them break into your home.

  • If you keep ladders out, be sure to chain or padlock them. A ladder can be used to gain entry to second story windows. If at all possible, store the ladders in a shed or garage.
  • Put tools away after a day of yard work. Lock them in a shed or in an enclosed garage area. Screwdrivers, hammers, and pry bars can be used to break into your home, garage, or vehicle.
  • Use a chain or a cable to lock your patio furniture.
  • Always put bicycles away in a garage or shed. If you do not have either, lock them to something that can’t be moved.
  • Trim trees and bushes that could conceal burglars, especially around windows and doors.
  • Keep your yard maintained to give the house a lived-in appearance. Cut grass, rake leaves, and remove dead branches and debris.
  • Install motion-sensitive outside lights to brighten dark areas around doors, windows, and parked vehicles.
  • Ensure your fence and gate are in good repair: check for holes and damage that may need repair. Keep your gate locked at all times and ensure the lock works properly. A lock or latch that self closes and can be padlocked when you are away is recommended.
  • Install privacy slats in chain link fences.

 

In your community

To help prevent crime in your neighbourhood, a variation of the Golden Rule applies: look out for your neighbours as you’d like them to look out for you.

  • Get to know your neighbours. Become familiar with the routine in your neighbourhood, and keep an eye out for suspicious activity.
  • Leave keys and emergency phone numbers with a trusted neighbour.
  • If you’re going on vacation, ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your home and to pick up newspapers and mail.
  • Keep up appearances: a well-tended neighbourhood is less attractive to criminals and vandals.
  • Get involved in crime prevention programs.

Innovation Cluster launches new downtown Peterborough workspace for budding entrepreneurs

By Eva Fisher -
Cutting the ribbon at the newly renovated Innovation Cluster space at VentureNorth on April 19 (left to right): Fleming College president Dr. Tony Tilly, Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett, Peterborough M.P.P. Jeff Leal, Innovation Cluster Board Chair John Desbiens, Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef, Innovation Cluster President and CEO Michael Skinner, and Trent University Vice-President of Research and Innovation Dr. Neil Emery. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)

Michael Skinner, President and CEO of the Innovation Cluster – Peterborough and the Kawarthas, knows how rocky the world of startups can be.

An entrepreneur himself, he says having the right resources available can make a world of difference to a business and a community’s success.

“A common industry stat is that 80 percent of startups fail in the first two years,” Michael says. “When they run through an incubation program, this is reduced to less than 25 percent.”

Peterborough-Kawartha MP and Minister of Status of Women Maryam Monsef speaks at the April 19th launch. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
Peterborough-Kawartha MP and Minister of Status of Women Maryam Monsef speaks at the April 19th launch. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)

The Innovation Cluster launched its reimagined innovation space yesterday (April 19) at the VentureNorth building at 270 George Street North — including the downtown Peterborough location of The Cube, a business incubator.

The Cube provides the tools that modern entrepreneurs need to build innovative companies, including office space, meeting rooms, a library — and even space allocated to become a virtual reality development studio.

Smart design

The Cube is designed with plenty of open-concept meeting spaces for entrepreneurs to collaborate, including the lounge. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)
The Cube is designed with plenty of open-concept meeting spaces for entrepreneurs to collaborate, including the lounge. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)

According to Rosalea Terry, Marketing Manager and Innovation Specialist at the Innovation Cluster, the space itself is designed to foster innovation. Part of this is the open-concept design.

“Having it open concept means that clients are working with each other, because a lot of them are at very different stages in their businesses,” Rosalea explains. “Some of them are further along than others. They may have faced the same mistakes and challenges. It was meant to get them to interact with each other; to feel comfortable to walk around and talk to other people.”

The space is also themed by colour. The green area hosts companies based upon innovation: clean tech, ag tech, digital, and health care companies. The orange is home to youth-focused programs like FastStart and Fleming applied projects. Teal areas are for collaboration (this includes the kitchenette and some of the meeting rooms). The yellow zone is the creativity area — this is where the virtual reality equipment will be housed.

Local innovation and local job development

Steve Wright of Lab Improvements showcases a machine they developed for blood analysis laboratories. The machine recaps the sample tubes and creates a running inventory of samples, organizing them and making them easier to find for retesting and disposal. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)
Steve Wright of Lab Improvements showcases a machine they developed for blood analysis laboratories. The machine recaps the sample tubes and creates a running inventory of samples, organizing them and making them easier to find for retesting and disposal. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)

The Innovation Cluster has already yielded some impressive numbers, as Michael told the crowd at the April 19th launch.

“In the last 12 months, the Innovation Cluster has supported 28 different innovation companies, working with our entrepreneurs to create 62 full-time positions, 40 part-time positions, just under $1,000,000 in sales, just under $200,000 in personal investment, and just under $12,000,000 in equity that’s been invested in these companies.”

It’s a great start, but Michael and his colleagues have far-reaching goals.

“We’re motivated by the idea of retaining young talent from our two post-secondary institutions, revitalizing the downtown here, and keeping our tech companies in this region.”

"This is going to be where it all happens." Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area Executive Director Terry Guiel (right) with Innovation Cluster President and CEO Michael Skinner. (Photo: Terry Guiel / Facebook)
“This is going to be where it all happens.” Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area Executive Director Terry Guiel (right) with Innovation Cluster President and CEO Michael Skinner. (Photo: Terry Guiel / Facebook)

According to Michael, tech is a key focus because of its potential to create rewarding jobs in our region.

“Tech is very very important because it’s one of the fastest-growing markets. It’s always changing, and typically tech companies are high growth and also higher paying.”

It’s worth noting how Michael himself is a case study in how tech entrepreneurs can create jobs. Back in 2001, Michael launched his own tech startup in Peterborough, an e-learning company called Operitel, with five employees. By the time he sold the company in 2011 to Waterloo-based OpenText, Operitel employed around 70 people (OpenText continues to operate at the Peterborough location).

Mentoring from business leaders

Megan Boyles of Locavorest cites professional mentors as a key benefit of the Innovation Cluster. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)
Megan Boyles of Locavorest cites professional mentors as a key benefit of the Innovation Cluster. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)

In addition to providing facilities, the Innovation Cluster will set up new entrepreneurs with coaching and training from industry experts. Michael says that this is something he would have benefited from in his early days as an entrepreneur.

“Sometimes you don’t know to ask — and you don’t know what you don’t know.”

He says that clients of the Innovation Cluster are matched with mentors who can help them overcome problems.

“When we’re working with our clients and we identify a roadblock, we go into our database, find a mentor, and then we bring those two together.”

Megan Boyles, Chief Creative Officer of Locavorest (an online farmers’ market that connects consumers with local producers), says that one of the key benefits of the Innovation Cluster is access to professional mentors.

“There are experts in intellectual property, marketing, branding, insurance, and lawyers,” Megan says. “It’s an awesome program because a lot of entrepreneurs and startups don’t have the funds to be able to talk to a professional.”

The Innovation Cluster also provides a networking opportunity that can lead to funding.

Brooke Hammer of Chimp Treats has seen her banana-based frozen dessert business thrive with the help of the Innovation Cluster. Whole Foods, which as more than 460 stores in North America and the United Kingdom, will now be carrying her company's products. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)
Brooke Hammer of Chimp Treats has seen her banana-based frozen dessert business thrive with the help of the Innovation Cluster. Whole Foods, which as more than 460 stores in North America and the United Kingdom, will now be carrying her company’s products. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)

Brooke Hammer, founder of Chimp Treats (a company that makes frozen desserts entirely from bananas and other fruit), has seen her business thrive with the help of the Innovation Cluster.

“We’re rolling out in Whole Foods next month. We’re being picked up by North America’s biggest natural foods distributor.”

Brooke connected with investors through her mentor.

“I closed my first investment round with his help, and now he’s really active in the business. It’s been great.”

A place to meet like-minded entrepreneurs

MaryBeth Miller and Melissa Butler, who run social media marketing startup XXIV Social, say The Cube provides a professional space where they can meet clients of their home-based business. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)
MaryBeth Miller and Melissa Butler, who run social media marketing startup XXIV Social, say The Cube provides a professional space where they can meet clients of their home-based business. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)

Melissa Butler and MaryBeth Miller of XXIV Social, a social media marketing startup, began working at the Innovation Cluster incubator part time in February. MaryBeth says that having a professional office space has been key for their home-based business.

“Part of the thing we’ve found useful is having our clients meet us here. It’s nice to have a space where your clients can come to you and they can feel comfortable.”

Melissa adds that the Innovation Cluster is a great place to get inspired by other entrepreneurs.

“There’s just an awesome energy up here. It’s all entrepreneurs who are startups, so you can come up here and talk to people and bounce ideas off of them.”

Sisters Bianca Nucaro-Viteri and Mercedez Nucaro, who run video and photography company NV Media Productions, say The Cube provides great networking opportunities. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)
Sisters Bianca Nucaro-Viteri and Mercedez Nucaro, who run video and photography company NV Media Productions, say The Cube provides great networking opportunities. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)

Sisters Bianca Nucaro-Viteri and Mercedez Nucaro run NV Media Productions, a company specializing in corporate video, wedding videos and food photography. Notably they have begun work on Sofie Andreou’s BizMapPtbo, a video project that showcases local business success stories. They say that the Innovation Cluster has been a great networking opportunity for their business.

“You get to meet so many people. We meet clients right here in this space.”

Rob Howard of Kawartha Local, a company specializing in locally sourced gift crates, is planning a new retail project. He showcased what he describes as a “micro-shop”, a merchandiser that local producers can rent to sell their products.

“They learn about merchandising and signage and branding.”

Rob Howard of Kawartha Local sought input from other entrepreneurs on a new "micro shop" project that he's piloting. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)
Rob Howard of Kawartha Local sought input from other entrepreneurs on a new “micro shop” project that he’s piloting. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)

He plans to house eight to 10 of these displays in a larger shop, providing an opportunity for entrepreneurs to get started retailing their products.

“It’s low-barrier entry for people who want to experiment with a retail environment.”

In addition to The Cube in downtown Peterborough, the Innovation Cluster’s original incubator space at Trent University’s DNA Building will continue to operate. It will specialize in supporting projects that require state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, such as green technology, health care, and agricultural technology.

The Cube lounge at VentureNorth with the names of the major funders of the Innovation Cluster, which is a not-for-profit organization. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
The Cube lounge at VentureNorth with the names of the major funders of the Innovation Cluster, which is a not-for-profit organization. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)

A not-for-profit organization, the Innovation Cluster is funded by Trent University, Fleming College, The Ontario Centres of Excellence, the Peterborough Regional Angel Network, and the City of Peterborough. The locations sponsors are The Konrad Group and the VentureNorth partners.

According to Paul Bennett, president of Ashburnham Realty and a partner in VentureNorth, the VentureNorth building was planned as a home for business innovation.

“We targeted different groups that help to start and grow businesses and tried to get them under the same roof.”

Peterborough Economic Development will be moving into the first floor, and the lower level is home to Junior Achievement Peterborough Lakeland Muskoka.

Paul says that they got even more interest than they were expecting, and are considering creating another building in the parking lot.

What the VentureNorth building at 270 George Street North will look like when exterior renovations are completed. The Innovation Cluster and Peterborough Economic Development are anchor tenants of the new downtown Peterborough business hub. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
What the VentureNorth building at 270 George Street North will look like when exterior renovations are completed. The Innovation Cluster and Peterborough Economic Development are anchor tenants of the new downtown Peterborough business hub. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)

For more information about The Cube and the Innovation Cluster’s other programs, visit www.innovationcluster.ca.

Make the shift this spring to active and sustainable transportation

By GreenUP -
An active and sustainable commute is good for your health and the environment. This May, the Shifting Gears Community Challenge offers workshops, services, and incentives to get more community members, workplaces, and schools making the shift to walking, biking, and transit to get around town. (Photo: GreenUP)

Making changes to your daily habits can be difficult, and though the fair weather is calling you outside to walk or bike to your next class, shift, or appointment, there may be some obstacles you face in making it happen.

Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Lindsay Stroud, GreenUP Manager, Transportation & Urban Design Programs.

Community Shifting Gears, Peterborough’s month-long transportation challenge, hopes to help you overcome those obstacles by providing workshops, resources, and prizes this May. When you sign up, you will become part of the on-line Shifting Gears community, receiving tips and incentives that will support and motivate your shift to more active and sustainable transportation options.

Support from the community doesn’t solely come from the on-line challenge. Many workplaces, schools, and groups are finding creative new ways to support the shift with innovative programs, infrastructure, and policy.

Peterborough Public Health has been a long-time partner of Community Shifting Gears; active and sustainable transportation helps to meet many public health goals.

“There is evidence that active transportation increases physical activity, improves mental health, reduces vehicle-related injuries and deaths, reduces air pollution, and can reduce health inequity,” says Kate Dunford, Public Health Nurse at Peterborough Public Health, “Supporting the move towards active travel within our organization helps us reach these goals in our community.”

The Peterborough Public Health Green Team created a new employee bike share program to support the shift within their organization. Management and employees have worked together to develop a workplace policy that supports active transportation. As part of this policy, they now provide bikes geared up with commuter accessories like locks and bells, which can be signed out by employees who are off to a meeting or local event.

The Peterborough Public Health Green Team created a new employee bike share program to support the shift within their organization. For others who want to try bike sharing, the Zagster Bike Share program is now available in Peterborough. Visit http://bike.zagster.com/ptbobikeshare/ or more informaton. (Photo: Fleming College)
The Peterborough Public Health Green Team created a new employee bike share program to support the shift within their organization. For others who want to try bike sharing, the Zagster Bike Share program is now available in Peterborough. Visit bike.zagster.com/ptbobikeshare/ for more informaton. (Photo: Fleming College)

“The bike share makes cycling more accessible and allows employees the option to commute actively throughout the workday,” says Dunford.

With offices downtown, Public Health is less than seven kilometres from most places in Peterborough, making a commute by bike possible. The bike share makes it easy and convenient, even for those employees who live outside of town.

Teachers also see the value in shifting gears for their students. An active and sustainable morning commute can help the school promote personal and environmental health, but they are also aware that a daily walk or bike ride to school can help students arrive to class more alert and ready to learn.

Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School (TAS) has been the winner of the Community Shifting Gears Top School Travel Wise award, two years running.

TAS already had a few things going for them to motivate the shift. They are located along the popular Rotary Trail, have a number of bike parking spots, and many students already use Peterborough Transit as their school bus on a daily basis.

In addition, TAS has taken advantage of the resources offered during the community challenge. They have held registration events with free draw prizes provided by Shifting Gears, and hosted bike tune-up workshops throughout May. Weekly draws for student participants at all high schools will include cafeteria gift certificates to encourage students to log their sustainable trips, and this year a TREK bike is up for grabs as the Student Grand Prize!

Community groups and clubs are motivating the shift, too. Some participants have been at it almost as long as Community Shifting Gears itself.

In 2007, the Peterborough Ultimate Frisbee League introduced the Carbon Flip. Instead of flipping a coin to determine which team pulls and which receives the Frisbee to start the game, this was determined by the percentage of players who walked, biked, or carpooled.

“The Carbon Flip intended to encourage more car-pooling and cycling to games, but it is also a way to keep environmental issues top of mind and provide a tangible example to our community of how green priorities can easily complement regular activities,” says Cam Taylor, past-president of the Peterborough Ultimate League.

The benefits of winning The Flip may be modest within the game itself, but the social implications of increased car-pooling and cycling convoys have served to strengthen the friendships within the league.

“The camaraderie aspect was a bigger influence than we could have ever envisioned, but it makes complete sense,” reflects Taylor, “Teammates who were car pooling would arrive at someone’s house half an hour before the game, and then ride to and from the game together. The social implications of that time together meant people got to know one another outside of the game itself. This has been, I believe, a huge benefit to our community.”

Whether you are an individual looking to shift gears this spring, a manager looking to encourage the shift in your employees, or a teacher hoping to inspire sustainable travel by your students, Community Shifting Gears can help you support the shift.

This year’s challenge offers workshops, services, and incentives. As a new incentive this year, the first 500 participants to log 15 trips in May will receive gift cards towards gear that will make walking, biking, and transit trips more convenient.

New consultation services are available this year to help workplaces and schools support and motivate the shift. For instance, Community Shifting Gears can help you complete a bike-friendly audit, develop new transportation policies, and build employee incentive programs.

From April through June, workshops are available to help you plan and prepare for your new commute. Bike Night workshops, offered by GreenUP and B!KE, are open to all community members, workplaces, and schools; groups can also book special workshops for their employees, students, and members.

The challenge runs the entire month of May and is supported by GreenUP, the City of Peterborough, B!KE, Peterborough Public Health, and Wild Rock Outfitters.

For more information on the Community Shifting Gears challenge and services, visit peterboroughmoves.com, or get in touch with Lindsay Stroud, Manager, Transportation and Urban Design programs at lindsay.stroud@greenup.on.ca or 705-745-3238 x209.

Zagster bike sharing service launches in Peterborough

By kawarthaNOW -
Thanks to Fleming Student Administrative Council and the City of Peterborough, the Zagster Bike Share service is now available in Peterborough. Here is the Zagster station outside the Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre at Sutherland Campus. (Photo: Fleming College)

Peterborough has a new bike sharing service.

Zagster — the leading provider of bike share programs for cities, universities, businesses and properties — launched at Fleming College’s Sutherland Campus earlier today (April 19).

Fleming Student Administrative Council was responsible for bringing Zagster to Peterborough, with sponsorship from the City of Peterborough, but the service is available to everyone.

The service is launching with 15 bikes, which will be located at the Sutherland Campus and at two locations in downtown Peterborough: outside the VentureNorth building (270 George St. N.) and outside the GreenUP office (378 Aylmer St. N.).

At the April 19th launch of the service, Fleming College President Dr. Tony Tilly congratulates Fleming Student Administrative Council on their efforts bringing the Zagster Bike Share program to Fleming College (photo: Fleming College)
At the April 19th launch of the service, Fleming College President Dr. Tony Tilly congratulates Fleming Student Administrative Council on their efforts bringing the Zagster Bike Share program to Fleming College (photo: Fleming College)

Riding the bikes is free for full-time Sutherland Campus students and, for others, trips under two hours (or three hours on weekends) are free.

Otherwise, it costs $2 an hour to ride (to a maximum of $18 per ride). Or you can subscribe to an annual membership for $25 or a monthly membership for $15. Riders must be 18 years of age or older.

Bikes are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Bikes must be returned to a Zapster station when not being ridden (if you keep a bike longer than 24 hours, you’ll have to pay a $50 overtime charge).

To start, 15 "Cruiser" bikes will be available for sharing (photo: Zagster)
To start, 15 “Cruiser” bikes will be available for sharing (photo: Zagster)

The seven-gear bikes are intended for adults and have adjustable seats, front and rear lights, and fenders and a chain guard. Each bike is locked at the station with a U-lock, with a lockbox containing the key attached to the rear carrier

After you join the service at bike.zagster.com/ptbobikeshare/, you’ll have to download the Zagster iOS or Android app for your phone (you can also borrow a bike via text message, see the website for details).

You choose the bike you want to ride and enter the bike’s number into the app. You’ll then get a code to enter into the lockbox to access the U-lock key to unlock the bike.

When you’re done your ride, you return the bike to a Zagster station, lock the bike, end your ride in the app, and put the U-lock key back in the lockbox.

What’s new from the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism – April 19, 2017

By kawarthaNOW -
Tickets are on sale for two days only, April 29 and 30, for the 2017 Lakefield LobsterFest & Show that takes place on June 3 with the Indian River Band at the Lakefield Fairgrounds (photo: Beauclerc Photography)

Save the date: Next B.O.S.S. seminar on May 24th

The next B.O.S.S. (Business Owners Sharing Solutions) seminar takes place on Wednesday, May 24th at the Lakefield Legion on the topics of human resources and hiring.

Moderator Matthew Savino and panelists will provide best practices and tips for preparing a job description, posting, screening applicants, interviewing, checking references, on-boarding new staff, grant programs and more.

 

Sharing Stories, Bridging Generations – Lakefield

Education & Aging: A Canada 150 Heritage Project

Sharing Stories, Bridging Generations – A Canada 150 Heritage Project is being held at the Lakefield Legion on Wednesday, April 19th from 2 to 4 p.m.

Events are also being held in Apsley on April 21st, Buckhorn on April 24th, and Bridgenorth on April 26th.

The Trent School of Education and Professional Learning in collaboration with the Trent Centre for Aging & Society is partnering with Community Care Peterborough to provide an Alternative Settings Placement for six to eight Teacher Candidates. This project is a special opportunity to build bridges inter-generationally.

Read more.

 

Tickets for 2017 LobsterFest & Show on sale April 29th & 30th

Michelle Ferreri at the 2016 LobsterFest & Show

The Lakefield & District Lions Club presents LobsterFest & Show 2017 on Saturday, June 3rd with the Indian River Band at the Lakefield Fairgrounds.

Tickets on sale for two days only on a first come, first served basis at the Lakefield Marshland Centre on Saturday April 29th and Sunday April 30th from 9 am to 3 p.m.

Tickets are $60 each, cash or cheque only. No advance sales.

 

Smart Marketing – Reach the Unconscious Customer

Oldies 96.7 and 90.5 EXTRA talkSPORTS Peterborough is holding a special presentation of “Smart Marketing: Reach the Unconscious Customer” on April 27th at the Holiday Inn in Peterborough.

This presentation will show you how to market and brand your business just like the “Big Guys” and increase sales revenue for your company. The presentation is a jam-packed 30 minutes which uncovers the marketing strategy behind getting new customers, getting more from your current customers, and keeping the customers you already have. There is no cost to attend, and just for attending you will receive a welcome gift of $500 in free advertising airtime (some conditions apply).

Five time slots are available: 8 am, 9:30 am, 11 am, 1:30 pm, and 3 pm. Reserve your spot now as they fill up quickly and limited space is available. Email jef.dueck@oldies967.ca to register. Learn more.

 

Peterborough Economic Development AGM & Showcase

Peterborough Economic Development is holding their Annual General Meeting & Showcase on Thursday, April 27th, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This event is an opportunity to reflect on last year’s accomplishments and look forward to an exciting year ahead.

The AGM is taking place at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre. Doors open at 10 a.m. Learn more.

 

BEL Rotary Golf Tournament Set for May 11th

Dust off your clubs, the golf season is upon us!

The Rotary Club of Bridgenoth-Ennismore-Lakefield presents the 2017 “Season Opener” Golf Tournament on Thursday, May 11th at the Quarry Golf Club. Cost is $100 per person for 18-hole best ball, dinner, golf cart and prizes. Shotgun start is at 1 p.m. Specialty stations include craft beer, caesers, martinis, scotch, and cigars.

Hole Sponsorship is available for $100. For more information or to register, contact Tony Davidson at 705-743-4244 or email anthony.davidson@rbc.com. Deadline to register is May 4th.

 

Farewell to Lakefield District Intermediate School – Volunteers Needed

A farewell to Lakefield District Intermediate School takes place on April 27th
A farewell to Lakefield District Intermediate School takes place on April 27th

Lakefield District Intermediate School (LDIS) is closing its doors at the end of June 2017.

A Farewell to LDIS is planned for Thursday, April 27th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Current and former students, parents, and the community will have a chance to walk through the school one last time before demolition begins on that part of the building. Artwork that has been displayed at the school over the years will be in the gym for the rightful owners to collect if they wish.

Volunteers are needed to help monitor some of the classrooms. If you are available to volunteer for half an hour, or have photos or memorabilia you would like to lend for the evening, please email juliechatten@live.ca.

 

Please Attend April 25th Selwyn Council Meeting

Dick Crawford, of Crawford Building Consultants encourages you to attend the Selwyn Township Council meeting on Tuesday, April 25th when he will be presenting on the following:

  • We want council to effect a court injunction to stay the demolition of the intermediate or west side of the building (of LDIS).
  • The purpose is to allow a township and citizen coalition time to prepare the structure of a community based use of the facility.
  • We don’t agree that the removal of the intermediate school is needed for the operation of an elementary/intermediate school.
  • We think that there is a real opportunity to purpose the building into a full community-based facility. After all, Peterborough County is the oldest or second oldest demographic county in Canada. There is a large need for servicing this population.

The Selwyn Township Council Meeting takes place at 6 p.m. at Council Chambers, 1310 Centre Line, Selwyn.

 

Lakefield District Public School Newsletter

Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board is publishing a newsletter about the new Lakefield District Public School

Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board is publishing a newsletter about the new Lakefield District Public School

Stay up-to-date on the new Lakefield District Public School.

Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board will be publishing a newsletter over the next few months to keep parents, guardians, and the community informed.

Read the newsletter here.

 

Upcoming Events

  • Free Income Tax Clinic – April 21st
  • Performing Arts Lakefield: Barbra Lica – April 28th
  • Spring Dinner Theatre at the BCC – April 28th-30th and May 5th-7th

 

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

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

Big box toy retailer Mastermind opens store in Peterborough

By kawarthaNOW -
Mastermind Toys has been aggressively expanding its locations across Canada. The Peterborough location, pictured here, is Mastermind's 50th store in Canada. (Photo: Mastermind Toys)

Mastermind Toys, Canada’s largest speciality toy retailer, has opened its 50th store in Canada in Peterborough and the first in the Kawarthas region.

The 4,715-square-foot freestanding store is located at 995 Lansdowne Street West (on the southwest corner of Lansdowne and The Parkway) and is now open for business.

Grand opening celebrations will be held from Thursday, May 4th to Sunday, May 7th and will feature special discounts, in-store promotions, loot bags, treats, and a visit from a Hatchimal.

“Mastermind’s 50th store is monumental for the company,” says Jon Levy, Chief Toy Merchant and CEO and Co-Founder of Mastermind Toys. “Our team is very excited to finally bring the Mastermind Toys shopping experience to Peterborough and to toy lovers in the Kawarthas and surrounding areas.

“We look forward to connecting with customers in this vibrant community and providing them with a fun and convenient destination to access the best specialty toys and children’s books.”

Mastermind Toys was started in 1984 as a small computer store in north Toronto by brothers Andy and Jon Levy, who wanted to offer shoppers a classic toy store experience. It’s now Canada’s largest retailer of specialty toy and children’s books, with locations across five provinces and further expansion plans in the works.

The store offers over 10,000 items in store and online at www.mastermindtoys.com, including leading toy brands such as Hansa, Our Generation Dolls, LEGO, PLAYMOBIL, Meccano, ALEX, Creativity for Kids, and Snap Circuits. The store also sells puzzles, games, and more than 4,000 children’s books.

The store’s hours of operation are 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The arrival of Mastermind Toys in Peterborough has not been without controversy. After Peterborough City Council rezoned the property in 2015 to allow the store to be built there, local lawyer Ann Farquharson appealed the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).

Farquharson argued that rezoning the location for a toy store was not appropriate and that it would have a negative impact on downtown Peterborough.

In June 2016, the OMB rejected the appeal and upheld the city’s decision clearing the way for the chain to open the Peterborough store.

Kawartha Lakes residents to pay for bad winter with increased taxes

By kawarthaNOW -
Kawartha Lakes City Council will raise taxes in 2017 to help fund a deficit caused by more than 50 winter weather events in 2016 (photo: Wikipedia)

At the City of Kawartha Lakes Council meeting yesterday (April 18), council approved a request to increase 2017 property taxes by over $1.1 million to help fund a deficit in the City’s 2016 budget.

The increase means property owners will pay an additional $5 more in 2017 per assessed value of $100,000. The increase applies to residential, farm, commercial and industrial properties.

The 2017 tax increase will only fund half of the 2016 deficit; the other half of the deficit will be funded by a tax increase in 2018.

Although the City of Kawartha Lakes has seen small surpluses within one percent of its annual budget in each of the previous five years, in 2016 the City experienced a deficit, mainly caused by winter weather conditions that meant extra snow clearing, sanding, salting, and snow removal.

While the City had budgeted for 40 winter weather events in 2016, there were 52 such events — resulting in unforeseen costs of $1.3 million.

In the past, the City has used contingency reserves to fund unforeseen deficits, but reserves are insufficient to cover the 2016 deficit. As a result, City staff recommended that council increase the increase the 2017 tax levy to cover the deficit.

“The current budget base must be right-sized to cover the cost of the existing service levels,” said Mary-Anne Dempster, Director of Corporate Services. “We need to either increase tax support or lower service levels.

To avoid future weather-related deficits, the City will budget for 50 winter weather events in the future and City staff will investigate options for providing services in a more cost effective manner.

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