Peterborough Blogs
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Acceptance Nurse Psychotherapy, Peterborough Musicfest, Right to Heal and Tariffs Panel
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
There’s a lot going on at Acceptance Nurse Psychotherapy right now.
A big warm welcome to nurse practitioners Emma Winson, Andrea Marsh, and Sarah Priess. There are two new psychotherapists, Savanna Smith and Kim Berrio. It’s not just the team that’s expanding, but also their services. Acceptance Nurse Psychotherapy now offers nurse practitioner care and more options to support ADHD, mental health, gender-affirming care, and perimenopause and menopause. You can also book with one of their Nurse Practitioners for assessments, medication management, and ongoing care. Find out more at acceptanceclinic.ca.
There’s a big announcement from Peterborough Musicfest — Serena Ryder is back!
The Juno-winning powerhouse and local legend is kicking off the opening night for the 2025 season on June 28 at 8 p.m. at Del Crary Park. As always, the concerts are free to attend, but they aren’t free to put on. Talk to Tracey and the team at Musicfest about sponsoring this summer’s lineup and supporting Canada’s longest-running free concert series or pick up your diner’s book and support both Musicfest and some of our best local restaurants.
Right to Heal PTBO is hosting Soul Spa, a special wellness event open to all women in the area, on Sunday from 2 to 7 p.m.
It is a celebration of self-care, connection, and community. Soul Spa offers a welcoming space for women of all backgrounds to come together, recharge, and experience holistic wellness. This event is presented in collaboration with ELLES—a networking initiative for holistic wellness practitioners in the Peterborough area. Right to Heal is an organization dedicated to making healing a fundamental right, not a privilege. Find out more and get your tickets at righttoheal.ca.
Businesses looking to make sense of the current Canada/US trade dispute can get some helpful advice from the experts.
Join us for a free event tomorrow morning called Bridging the Divide: Future-Proofing Your Business Against the Effects of US Tariffs. We have a panel of top experts for this free event. Join us on March 4 at Market Hall at 140 Charlotte St. Doors open at 8 a.m. and the speakers and panel discussion will get underway at 8:30 a.m.
If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Hair Apothecary, Community Futures Peterborough, Kawartha Manufacturers Association and Provincial Election
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
Jennifer Ducker is launching a new business that is the first of its kind in Peterborough.
Hair Apothecary, located at 41 Park St. S., is a dedicated pediculosis education, treatment, and support center. Hair Apothecary is committed to providing a safe, stigma-free environment where individuals can access professional lice treatment, nit combs, and expert guidance. They have a focus on education and community support. Jennifer has worked with social services, the I.D.A pharmacy in Peterborough, The Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough and delivered seminars at the Hiawatha First Nation Family Centre. Now, with the help of a Starter Company Plus grant, she has transformed this space into a welcoming hub for holistic care.
The Chamber and Community Futures have assembled a top-notch set of speakers for a discussion on Bridging the Divide: Future-Proofing Your Business Against the Effects of US Tariffs.
The keynote speaker is Bob Armstrong, president of Armstrong Trade and Logistics Advisory Service and a renowned supply chain expert with more than 50 years of experience. This free event is in partnership with the City of Peterborough, County of Peterborough, and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. Join us on Tuesday, March 4 at Market Hall at 140 Charlotte St. Doors open at 8 a.m. and the speakers and panel discussion will get underway at 8:30 a.m.
The Kawartha Manufacturers Association is also hosting an event to help businesses deal with trade uncertainty from the US.
It’s key that businesses invest in technology to increase their competitiveness to enter new markets with new products. There is an existing program that is ready to be tapped into: Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Credits. Many local companies have been successfully leveraging these for years, while others don't have the internal training to prepare these. The Kawartha Manufacturers Association in hosting training at Peterboro Matboards on Feb. 28 for the experts to share their knowledge. For more information contact info@thekma.com.
The provincial election is coming up on Thursday.
We hosted a debate on Feb. 18 with your local candidates where we focused on business issues. Look for it on YourTV or shared on social media by event partners Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, Peterborough and The Kawarthas Home Builders Association, Central Lakes Association of Realtors, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, and Peterborough and District Construction Association.
If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Lefty’s Barbershop, Fleming College, The Tiffany Show and Canadian Flight Academy
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
Kim Robichaud is opening a new barbershop in Norwood.
She has been cutting hair for more than 15 years and exclusively barbering for four years. Now she’s opening Lefty’s Barbershop at 2361 County Rd. 45. She offers a full suite of barbering services, including haircuts, beard trims, and straight razor shaves. Kim specializes in scissor cuts, beard work and kids’ cuts. She loves barber work and the atmosphere around it. Drop by Lefty’s in Norwood and see what Kim can do to give you a new look.
Fleming College is sending the next generation of leaders to Mississauga for the Central Region Enactus Exposition on March 5 and 6.
The Fleming team will represent the college in four Impact Challenges: Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability, Desjardins Youth Empowerment, TD Entrepreneurship and Enactus Alumni Innovation and Impact. Each presentation is five minutes long. Enactus is a global student platform that encourages college and university students to get involved in community projects and to create social enterprises. The team is looking for sponsorship to help cover costs of heading to the national competition in Calgary in May and possibly the world event in Bangkok in September.
The Tiffany Show is putting on an International Women’s Day Party on March 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Venue in downtown Peterborough.
Come out to this free event and hear the stories of four amazing local women. There are 200 swag bags for attendees and 50 prizes for a game show-style giveaway. There will be a cash bar, snacks, activities, live art, and self-care demos like massages and manicures. Find out more at thetiffanyshow.ca.
The business park at Peterborough Regional Airport is growing.
Canadian Flight Academy will start building their new facility this year, creating 50 local jobs and generating $20 million in economic activity. The airport is home to more than 20 businesses employing about 500 people. The Canadian Flight Academy will provide enhanced flight training services. The company started as Toronto Airways with flight training in Buttonville in 1963 before purchasing Oshawa-based Canadian Flight Academy in 1998.
If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Trent Valley Honda, Escape Maze, Chocolate Creations Festival and Provincial Debate
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
Trent Valley Honda is celebrating 50 years in business here in the community.
This family-founded business has grown and become a pillar in the local business community since getting its start in 1975. To mark the occasion, Monika Carmichael and the team at Trent Valley Honda are pledging to give back to 50 local charities as a thank you to the community that has supported them over the decades. This includes a $10,000 donation to Junior Achievement for their 10 for 10 initiative, empowering youth through financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurial education.
Escape Maze has a busy winter planned.
There’s a brand-new escape room called The Candy Factory, which opens for booking starting Feb. 15. Old-timey photos are back for a limited one-week run starting Family Day. After that there’s a March Break camp for kids, a paint and escape special event, and jigsaw puzzle competition and much more. Escape Maze is also putting in a disc golf course and is looking for hole sponsors. Find out more at escapemaze.ca or drop by 156 Cedar Bank Road just south of Peterborough.
There are still a few days left to check out the Chocolate Creations Festival in Lakefield.
Hosted by the Lakefield Village Lions Club, you can discover some delicious and creative chocolate-themed treats around town and help crown the ultimate Chocolate Champions. Taste, enjoy, and cast your vote for your favorites in Food, Drink, and Creativity. You have until Feb. 18 to sample some sweet goods from local shops, restaurants, cafes, and bakeries.
There’s a provincial election underway and the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is putting business issues to the forefront with two events.
There’s a Coffee with the Candidates event on Thursday at the Lakefield Community Centre at the arena from 9 to 10 a.m. There will also be an all candidates debate on Tuesday, Feb. 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Market Hall. The focus will be on local business issues and all are welcome at these free events.
If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Planet Fitness, Laridae, Peterborough County and Business Advisory Centre
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
Looking to get in shape for 2025?
Planet Fitness have a new location in the lower level of Lansdowne Place in Peterborough. This 24-hour gym occupies a 17,000-square-foot location where Sport Chek was previously located. It’s a judgement-free zone where everyone can feel at ease, no matter their fitness level. The gym has state-of-the-art equipment and a helpful team. Drop by and check out the new space and see what Planet Fitness has to offer.
Laridae Management Consulting has acquired the book of business of Diatom Consulting Ltd., including its Founder and President, Diane Richard.
This strategic move enhances Laridae’s position as a leader in management consulting for the non-profit sector while extending its expertise into new industries and services. Laridae has been providing management consulting services, with strength in strategy, governance and people engagement for non-profits across Canada since 2012. Diatom Consulting has been providing very similar services including operations management in manufacturing and service businesses since 2014.
Are you interested in a summer student position in local government?
Peterborough County is working with the City of Peterborough, Selwyn Township, and the Municipality of Trent Lakes for a job fair aimed at post-secondary students looking for summer employment opportunities. Drop by the Healthy Planet Arena on Feb. 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and find out more about what work opportunities are available, meet the hiring managers, and learn about the benefits of municipal employment.
There’s a new Advisory Suite at Community Futures as part of the Business Advisory Centre.
The Advisory Suite offers a fully furnished, professional space designed to meet the evolving needs of local entrepreneurs. With a state-of-the-art meeting room, a 360-degree camera for integrated meetings and virtual workshops, a collaborative workspace, and a dedicated confidential advisory area, the new suite aims to be a cornerstone of support for the local business community. Drop by 270 George St. N. and see what the Business Advisory Centre can do to support your business.
If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Treblecock Studio, JA-NEO, Forbidden Pleasures and Power Hour
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
Treblecock Studio is moving above ground to 157 King Street in downtown Peterborough.
Treblecock offers music, video, and film production. There’s a full podcast studio for those looking for a quiet space with top-notch recording equipment. Podcasts continue to grow in popularity due to the rich, focused content on a small business budget. There’s also the option to do it live on video. It’s not just an ideal studio space, owner David Joyce brings 35 years of experience in media production and works with a talented team of successful industry experts. Drop by Feb. 7 for their grand re-opening.
Some of Peterborough’s most distinguished businesses are being recognized in the 10th annual induction to the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame.
New inductees include:
Darrell Junkin, Craftworks at the Barn
Toni and Kelli Grady, Grady Feet Essentials
Grant Seabrooke, Machine Dynamics Ltd.
Matt Holmes and Michael Riseley, Holmes Riseley LLP
Donnell Leahy, Natalie McMaster and Julia Leahy, Natalie Donnell Entertainment
Margo and Paul Hudson, Jo Anne’s Place Health Foods
Nancy Wiskel, Dan Joyce Clothing
Martin and Kelly Carbajal, La Mesita Restaurante
Drew Merrett, Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre
Diane Richard, Diatom Consulting
Raj Patel, Ennismore Foodland
Peter, Rita, Michael, Eric and Graeme Eatson, Peterborough Volkswagen
Tickets are available at ja-neo.org for the May 29 awards night at The Venue.
Forbidden Pleasures is closing its doors after Valentine’s Day following 35 years of business here in our community.
They have already closed their Market Square and Oshawa locations, but deals can still be had at the Brookdale Plaza store. Forbidden Pleasures was a groundbreaking venture as city’s first boutique-style adult store.
Power Hour, one of the Chamber’s signature events, is coming up on Feb. 21.
It’s your chance to hear from Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal, County Warden Bonnie Clark, MPP Dave Smith, and MP Michelle Ferreri as they take questions on local business issues. This lunch hour event is at The StoneHouse Hall with doors opening at 11 a.m. Get your tickets at pkchamber.ca.
If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring IG Wealth, Community Futures Peterborough, Habitat For Humanity and MNP
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
IG Wealth just officially opened their newly renovated office at 1743 Lansdowne St. W. in Peterborough.
The company says this investment in the local office underscores their unwavering commitment to Peterborough. It offers a modernized, professional environment with state-of-the-art technology. The office includes enhanced sustainability measures and dynamic collaboration spaces. It’s all designed to meet the diverse financial planning needs of clients. Drop by to see the new space and see what IG Wealth has to offer.
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Community Futures Peterborough is doubling the funding available through its Community Advancement Program.
That means there will be $100,000 available for local not-for-profits, charities, municipalities, and First Nations communities. Funded by the Government of Canada, the Community Advancement Program aims to create economic stability, growth, and job creation. It is designed to develop and diversify competitive local rural economies and foster economically sustainable communities. Find out more at communityfuturespeterborough.ca.
It’s a new year and that means it’s a good time to declutter your home and office.
Habitat for Humanity offers free donation pick-up for individuals and local businesses. It’s a win-win. You get rid of those things that are still in good condition but have been sitting around taking up space and Habitat is able to sell them to help pay for building affordable housing in our community. You can drop off donations and do some shopping at the ReStore locations at 300 Milroy Drive in Peterborough, 3001 Lakefield Rd. in Selwyn, or 55 Angeline St. N. in Lindsay.
Peterborough’s BDO office is under new ownership.
MNP, one of Canada’ s leading professional services firms, has acquired 21 BDO offices, including Peterborough. MNP is committed to being national in scope and local in focus, offering access to national resources for whatever professional service clients may need. MNP is a Canadian company that started in 1958. The acquisition means they are up to 150 offices across the country in communities of all sizes.
If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Bentley Bits, Escape Maze, Electric City Catering and Carl Oake
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
Looking for some special treats for your furry friend?
There’s a new local line of treats for dogs and cats called Bentley Bits from Bentley and Co. They’re not only tasty but healthy too. They are made with all-natural ingredients, like grass-fed beef tallow, coconut oil, and parsley. It’s good for their coat, skin, and digestion. Tracey Townsend started making treats as her cherished dog Bentley was getting older and could no longer eat hard treats. You can find them at Starfra Feeds at 152 Douro 9th Line with more locations coming. You can also buy direct by connecting on Facebook with Bentley and Co.
There’s a lot going on at Escape Maze these days.
Just 20 minutes south of Peterborough on a beautiful rural property, they offer elaborate escape rooms, party packages, tactical laser tag, corporate team bonding events, outdoor adventure gamers, and even weddings. They are renovating an old favourite room into a brand new adventure coming later this year. In the meantime, try their Wizards and Dragons room where magic, wonder and adventure come to life. Book your next outing at escapemaze.ca.
Susan Tung, founder of Hanoi House, is opening a new business — Electric City Catering.
The new catering business will launch this spring. It offers seamless service and show-stopping culinary creations, serving a wide audience and diverse range of special occasions, including weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations. Electric City Catering takes pride in providing the wow factor with stunning food displays. Find out more at electriccitycatering.ca.
I’m going to take a moment to honour a true local business and community leader.
Carl Oake passed away recently and leaves behind a huge legacy. Carl embraced the Rotary club’s motto of Service Above Self. He built a successful business with Carl Oake Century 21 United Realty. Despite the busy life of an entrepreneur, Carl invested much of his time and resources in building a stronger community through charitable work. He raised more than $1.4 million over 38 years through his annual swimathon, raising funds for Easter Seals and rotary community projects. Carl served on numerous boards, fundraised for many charitable causes, and was recognized for his work with quite a few awards, including the Chamber’s Business Citizen of the Year back in 2002. There’s far too much to list here in the Business Beat, but there’s no doubt he has left our community a better place.
If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Dietrich Homes, Lakefield Literary Festival, The BORO and Peterborough Chamber
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
Dietrich Homes has finished the first net zero-ready home in Peterborough and the Kawarthas at 303 Mullighan Gardens.
Dietrich Homes are dedicated to energy efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in homebuilding. A Net Zero Ready Home is built to exceed today’s building standards and is capable of generating as much energy as it consumes when paired with renewable energy sources. It involves superior insulation, high-performance windows, advanced HVAC systems and airtight construction.
The Lakefield Literary Festival is now a federally approved charity, offering tax receipts for donations of more than $100.
The Literary Festival is a volunteer-run organization that stated in 1995. It is a nationally renowned Festival that brings important Canadian authors to Lakefield every July and hosts a respected Young Writers Contest for secondary school students. It relies on generous donations from people and businesses for half of its annual revenue. Find out more and donate at lakefieldliteraryfestival.com.
Photo courtesy of the Lakefield Herald.
