Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Mac + Cheese Festival, New Canadians Centre, POI and Canadiana Cabinets

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…

The Mac and Cheese Festival is back in downtown Peterborough and it’s bigger, bolder and cheesier than before.

This month-long celebration of comfort food is underway now, with downtown restaurants putting their own creative spin on mac and cheese dishes for the public to try, rate, and enjoy. There are classics and some creative takes on the dish like mac and cheeseburger samosa and a mac and cheese poutine. The festivities wrap up with a Grand Finale Bash on Saturday at the Quaker Foods City Square. There will be a mac and cheese showdown with live judging for the Judge's Choice Award, a beer garden, live music, vendors and family-friendly fun. Visit theboro.ca for more details.

The New Canadian Centre has purchased its building from St. James United Church.

This historic building at 221 Romaine Street was built in 1917. The New Canadians Centre moved in back in 2012 and will continue sharing the space with St. James United Church and the St. James Players theatre group. The New Canadian Centre has been instrumental in welcoming thousands of newcomers and hosting numerous cultural celebrations, shared meals, and community events.

POI is celebrating it’s new Peterborough office at 418 George St. N. in downtown Peterborough.

POI has been led by three generations of the Scholl family for six decades, creating inspiring workspaces. Their goal is to create spaces that help businesses achieve their goals and create a place where people want to go. They offer everything from pencils and paper clips to desks and filing cabinets. They have solutions for home offices as well.

We’re profiling local business that make stuff right here in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. This week it’s Canadiana Cabinets.

Founded in 1995 by Bill Barker, they have been producing a versatile lineup of standard and custom cabinets ever since. Their high-quality cabinets are the result of merging traditional and hi-tech construction methods. Their cabinets are custom built-to-order and constructed on an efficient production line with the latest in industry technologies. Drop by and see their beautiful showroom at 2712 Brown Line and see what this local, family-owned business can do for you.

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 Gauvreau Accounting, Peterborough Humane Society, Community Futures Peterborough and Havelock Metal

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…

Congrats to Bob and the team at Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory for being recognized by Great Places to Work Canada as number 32 in the country for employers with 100 to 1,000 employees.

Founded in 2008, Gauvreau has grown to more than 200 employees with offices in Peterborough, Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Steinbach. While the team has grown, the goal of creating a business where people want to come to work every day remains unchanged. Want to join their team? Gauvreau is planning to hire a number of senior accountants this spring.

Peterborough Humane Society’s 50/50 and Marlin Travel/Collette ‘Ruff’le are back, running until May 14.

Get your tickets by April 17 and you will be entered into the early bird draw for $500. Last year’s two 50/50 winners received nearly $22,000. This year’s ‘Ruff’le is for a $5,000 voucher from Marlin Travel and Collette Travel which can take you anywhere in the world for your dream trip. Not only do you get a chance to win big, but you are supporting the important work of the Peterborough Humane Society. Visit phs5050.ca to see what the jackpot is at and to get your tickets.

The Business Advisory Centre and Community Futures Peterborough have launched a new Tariff Toolkit.

It has been developed with the shared expertise of local economic development teams and trade experts, this toolkit was designed to support businesses navigating the complexities of tariffs and global trade. It includes things like a step-by-step guide to understanding tariffs and how they apply to your products, tariff classification tips to ensure accurate product categorization, an import/export cost calculator template to estimate duties and taxes, and much more. Visit communityfuturespeterborough.ca to download the kit.

We’re going to keep highlight local businesses making things right here in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

This week we’re showcasing Havelock Metal. They have been in the steel business locally for more than 30 years, specializing in steel roofing, siding, trim, and accessories. They were founded in Havelock in 1993 and moved to their current facility at 901 Major Bennett Drive in Peterborough in 2018. They have a beautiful showroom and allow the public to buy directly from their manufacturing facility.

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 Restwell Upholstering, Le Boat, Summer Soul Yoga and Peterborough Matboards

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…

Restwell Upholstering is celebrating 80 years here in Peterborough, keeping our homes and businesses looking and feeling good.

Restwell’s expert upholsterers, sewists and sales staff can help you with anything from a small repair to a cherished family heirloom, from commercial restaurant seats to refilling patio cushions and everything in between. They work with 25 fabric suppliers, many of which are Canadian. They can help you find the perfect fabric, vinyl, or leather for your project. Check them out at 494 The Parkway, Unit 5.

It's great to see local businesses working together. Summer Soul Yoga and Wellness worked with Le Boat last summer on some promotional material.

Le Boat is an international boating vacation company that recently began service on the Trent-Severn Waterway based out of Peterborough County. Summer Soul owner Ashley Woollacott recently had her picture on one of Le Boat’s luxury vessels in the Globe promoting the Trent-Severn Trail Towns, a key local tourism program, to a national audience. Check out Le Boat for your Ontario staycation and you can find Summer Soul at 394 George Street North in downtown Peterborough.

The Chamber of Commerce is hosting a couple election events.

There’s an all-candidates business issues debate on Tuesday, April 8 at Lakefield College School from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. There will also be a Coffee with the Candidates event on Tuesday, April 15 at Holiday Inn Peterborough from 9 to 10 a.m. These events are in partnership with The Kawarthas Home Builders Association, Central Lakes Association of Realtors, Peterborough and District Construction Association, and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. Visit pkchamber.ca for more information.

We’re going to keep highlighting some amazing companies making products locally. This week it’s Peterboro Matboards.

They’ve been in business locally since 1902. They make high-quality matboard for the art and framing industry. Their pulp and paper chemistry expert has helped design matboards that cut better, giving smooth bevels and a clean look. Their quality has earned the company both the Fine Art Trade Guild and new PPFA standards. Peterboro Matboards are a major global player in the industry, shipping product around the world from their Peterborough facility.

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 Mortsocks, Doody Call, Listening For Spring and Paluski Boats

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…

The team at Mortlock Construction have long prioritized community, taking on projects that support and house those living on the margins.

Now they’re trying something a little different. Upon learning that socks are the most needed clothing item in homeless shelters, they’ve launched Mortsocks. This social venture involved working with a local design company to develop Peterborough-themed dress socks that give back. Buy one pair of Mortsocks and Mortlock Construction will donate six pairs of socks to those in need through Brock Mission and the Peterborough Community Health Centre. You can order them online or pick up a pair at The Vine at 165 Sherbrooke St. in Peterborough. You can make a difference – one step at a time.

Spring is a good time to hire someone to do the dirty work of cleaning up after your dog with Doody Call, a new luxury pet waste removal service.

They offer a premium, discreet, and eco-friendly solution to keep outdoor spaces clean, fresh, and waste-free. Doody Call offers white-glove customer service, flexible scheduling, and top-tier sanitation practices. Their services include single visits to weekly maintenance plans, providing tailored solutions that fit every pet owner’s lifestyle. Find out more at doodycall.ca.

AON’s Canterbury Gardens is presenting Listening for Spring, a magical evening of serenading sounds in support of the Canadian Council of the Blind Peterborough Chapter.

The evening will feature the meaningful mental magic of Ian Crawford, the delightful Jazz of Carling Stephen and Rob Phillips, and a silent auction. It all happens May 2 starting at 6:30 p.m. at Canterbury Gardens. Get more information at ccbpeterborough.com.

We’re going to keep profiling business that are making things right here in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. This week it’s Paluski Boats.

They’ve been making boats since 1980, originally starting with recreational rowing shells. They have built a reputation for high-quality craftwork, design, and durability. Today, Paluski manufactures high-performance and extremely durable canoes, kayaks, and paddles that meet the needs and expectations of recreational boating enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. All their materials are 100% made in Canada with their production facility in Lakefield.

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 Just Spray It, JA-NEO, Charlotte Products and CAM Containers

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…

Just Spray It is expanding their insulation services to include blow-in fiberglass insulation in addition to their spray foam insulation service.

Spray foam works great for basements, walls, and hard-to-reach areas while blow-in fiberglass is a great option for attics. They have helped hundreds of homeowners and local businesses save on heating and cooling costs. Founders Rob and Mitch met in college and saw an opportunity to open their business. They are licenced, insured, and ready to insulate your home, garage, or shipping container. You can reach them online at justsprayit.ca.

Celebrate local business leaders by getting an early bird ticket before April 13 for the 2025 Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes Business Hall of Fame on May 29 at 5 p.m.

Now in its 10th year, this annual celebration is put on by Junior Achievement Northern and Eastern Ontario and the event is presented by Drain Bros, Alf Curtis Home Improvements, and Peterborough Truss and Floor LTD. Inductees are selected for their lasting contributions to economic development locally. They embody a legacy of excellence, displaying unwavering commitment, leadership, and innovation throughout their illustrious careers. Get your tickets at ja-neo.org.

The team at Charlotte Products and Swish Maintenance have been busy celebrating some big milestones.

Here’s a shout out to:

• Peter McMurray who just marked 45 years there as a research and development technician

• Ken Fisher, a production mixer who has been with them for 35 years

• Jennifer Toms, the friendly face and voice of Swish as a receptionist of 35 years

• Production stager Carey Laroche who just celebrated 30 years

Congrats to all of you for helping make Charlotte and Swish the success they are today.

We’re going to keep highlighting businesses making stuff locally. Established in 2021, CAM Containers was founded to address the need for more local distribution of bottles and containers within the Canadian market.

CAM is advised by several veterans within the plastic manufacturing industry, as well as the sanitation distribution market, who collectively have over 30 years of experience. With their guidance, CAM is able to navigate through the competitive manufacturing landscape and offer knowledge-based solutions to help meet any customer’s needs.

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 Coronation Medal, Tech Monkey Education, Peterborough Chamber and Central Smith Creamery

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…

A big congratulations to Cindy Windover and Harry Pearson on being recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for their dedication to community service.

The pair were recognized at the Lakefield ReStore as both are long-time volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. Cindy works with Ball Real Estate and is a former board chair and long-time board director with the Chamber of Commerce. Thanks, Cindy and Harry, for all the hard work you do in our community.

Michelle Fenn has launched a new business – Tech Monkey Education.

She is a retired teacher and former innovation and technology consultant who is looking to bring creativity, technology, and innovation to your school. The company works directly with students and educators with a mission to foster skills in media arts while making learning engaging and fun. Tech Monkey offers things like workshops on the basics of creating Claymation stop motion animation and provides tools and instructions for those looking to start a coding club. Find out more at techmonkeyeducation.com.

Want to learn a bit more about what we do at the Chamber of Commerce?

Join us for our Annual General Meeting on March 27 at Ashburnham Funeral Home and Reception Centre. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. with the AGM starting at 9 a.m. Keynote speaker Daniel Tisch will take the stage around 9:30 a.m. Dan is the President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and will talk about the status of Ontario’s business community, offer insights into our trade dispute with the US, and take questions from local businesses. Get your tickets at pkchamber.ca.

Every week we’re going to highlight things that are made here in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

Today’s business makes some of our most delicious treats that come in flavours like Monster Cookie, Peanut Butter Pretzel, and Bigfoot. We’re talking about Central Smith, a business that challenges themselves to think beyond the ordinary and lead by imagination as they craft unique ice cream flavours. Central Smith recently launched two new spectacular flavours – Grand Slam and True North Cherry Cheesecake. They are a family-owned business that sources ingredients locally, including fresh cream from Mitchell Ontario and sugar refined in the GTA. You can find them at 739 Lindsay Road in Selwyn.

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 The Local Advantage, Lakefield ReStore, Smarketing PTBO and Swish

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…

Are you looking to get the local advantage for your business?

The County’s The Local Advantage series is heading to Havelock on March 24 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Havelock Town Hall at 1 Mathison St. W.

This monthly drop-in series gives you access to experts in economic development, tourism, and organizations like Community Futures and the Chamber of Commerce. You can get advice and guidance for your business needs, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and get the tools you need for your business to grow and thrive. Find out more at ptbocounty.ca.

The Lakefield ReStore is now open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m., making it the only ReStore in the region open for Sunday shopping.

The store is transforming into a boutique-style shopping experience featuring antiques, vintage treasures, and unique finds. Every purchase and donation supports Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build affordable homes in our community. Drop by 3001 Lakefield Rd. to shop, donate and make a difference.

Looking to improve your social media skills?

Smarketing PTBO is collaborating with Peterborough Business Hub to offer a new series of social media workshops. Each workshop includes a section on Canva for beginners, which will guide you through the essential tools of this powerful design platform including how to create eye-catching graphics that captivate your audience. The second part of the workshop focuses on putting the skills to work by creating a month’s worth of tailored social media content. Find out more at smarketingptbo.ca.

Swish is a great local success story.

It opened right here in Peterborough in 1956 by Walter Ambler. It’s a family-owned and operated business with 13 locations, 250 employees, and services more than 10,000 customers across Canada. Swish makes a diverse range of cleaning products for your home and business with an emphasis on environmental sustainability. Drop by their Clean-it Centre at 2060 Fisher Dr. or shop online at swish.ca.

Given everything going on right now with our neighbours to the south, Wiebe is going to use the Business Beat for the next while to promote businesses making products locally here in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

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 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.