'Halloween in the Booro' Hits Downtown Peterborough Streets On Oct. 26

The streets of downtown Peterborough will come alive again with frightful fun and sweet surprises on Oct. 26 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the ‘Halloween in the Booro’ celebration.

Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

Almost 30 local businesses will participate in this family-friendly free event, which will offer downtown trick-or-treating, a scavenger hunt for kids and late-night shopping. 

According to a press release, the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) organizes the event, which is designed to bring the community together and spotlight the local businesses that make downtown Peterborough a special and unique destination.

Participating shops across Charlotte, George, Hunter, Sherbrooke, and Water Streets will be decked out in Halloween spirit, handing out sweet treats and offering exclusive experiences. The trick-or-treating tour will culminate with a spooky and sweet surprise for those who complete the scavenger hunt.

“Our Halloween in the Booro event is not only great for families but also plays a vital role in supporting our local business community,” says Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “It encourages residents to get out and explore our downtown, discover something new, and further strengthens the connection with our downtown businesses.”

“This event is always a highlight for us. It’s amazing to see families out enjoying and exploring our downtown. The energy it brings is contagious,” said Lisa Couture, Couture Candy Peterborough owner. “We’re so excited to welcome everyone back this year and to be part of such a fun and engaging community event. It’s a great way to connect with our customers and celebrate the spirit of downtown Peterborough.” 

Families can view a trick-or-treating map to plan their adventure for the event. On the night of the event, they’ll be greeted by haunted characters stationed throughout downtown, adding to the eerie atmosphere. With many businesses participating, there will be plenty of treats and surprises in store.

Participating Businesses:

• Charlotte Street: T-Elle Boutique by VSL, Rawscoe's Sport Collectibles, Cozy Home, Bobo Tea, The Toy Shop, Gather Home Goods, Lavender Moon

• George Street: Iceman Video Games, Couture Candy PTBO, Chumleighs, Boardwalk Board Game Lounge, Kollect This Inc., Green Street, Summer Soul Yoga & Wellness, Lift Lock Escape, John Roberts Clothiers

• Hunter Street: NAKA Japanese, Plant Goals, The Dirty Burger

• Sherbrooke Street: Sugar Me Right! Beauty Studio, Avant Garden Shop, The Vine

• Water Street: The Neighbourhood Vintage, Needles in the Hay, Statement House, Birdhouse Tattoo, Watson & Lou, Vanilla Room

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Peterborough DBIA Brings Back 'Explore the Boro Scavenger Hunt' to Help Connect Trent Students to the Community

Starting this week, Trent University students will discover their campus and the Peterborough community through Explore the Boro, a scavenger hunt to help familiarize students with local shopping and leisure spots while also supporting downtown businesses, announced on Wednesday.

The annual event—originally launched in 2021 as the bingo event Discover Peterborough—highlights local shops, cafés, and restaurants, helping students feel more connected to their new home. Photo Courtesy of Trent University.

Explore the Boro, co-hosted by Trent and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), encourages students to discover and engage with Downtown Peterborough.

“The excitement in Peterborough reaches a new level each fall as Trent students return to the city, bringing with them a vibrant energy that enriches our cultural, social, and economic landscape,” said Alison Scholl, senior manager, Community & External Relations at Trent University. “Explore the Boro offers a fun and engaging way for our incoming and returning students to immerse themselves in all that Peterborough has to offer.”

From Sept. 1 to 15, Trent students can participate in the scavenger hunt by completing missions via the Goosechase app. These missions range from snapping selfies at key landmarks to answering trivia questions. They allow students to earn points and discover hidden gems around campus and the city. Prizes will be awarded to the top three participants. The student with the highest score will win a $1,250 Boro gift card, redeemable at various downtown businesses.

“Trent students invigorate our downtown, and this event strengthens the bonds between students and local businesses,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “We’re excited to continue this valuable partnership, providing students with opportunities to explore, engage, and contribute to the cultural and economic vibrancy that makes Peterborough & the Kawarthas such a unique and welcoming destination.”

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Peterborough DBIA Relocating Headquarters to Venture North Building On May 1

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is relocating its headquarters to the Venture North building for May 1, announced on Monday morning.

pHOTO courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The Board believed since the Venture North building was a central and visible position within the local business ecosystem as stated in a press release.

“As our community’s needs and the DBIA’s ambitions have grown, it became clear that a new space was necessary to support our future initiatives,” said Sacha Lai-Svirk, DBIA board chair. “The Venture North building offers a modern, sustainable, and accessible location that aligns with our goals and vision for the future of our downtown business area.”

The new headquarters will feature dedicated board rooms, a lobby area for public engagement and enhanced facilities designed to better serve the DBIA staff, members and community.

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Peterborough DBIA Searching For New Executive Director

Following Terry Guiel's departure in October, who served for over a decade, Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is searching for a new executive director.

Photo by Keegan Beekrs.

The non-profit organization promotes and enhances commercial activities, aesthetics and overall development of Downtown Peterborough.

The job is seeking someone to lead the DBIA to revitalize and transform downtown Peterborough into a vibrant hub for residents, workers, and visitors alike according to a press release.

“We are thrilled to begin the search for a new executive director who will continue to lead the DBIA towards achieving its strategic goals for downtown revitalization and community development.” Sacha Lai-Svirk, DBIA board chair. “We are looking for a visionary leader who shares our passion for making downtown Peterborough the region's premier destination for entertainment and business. The Executive Director will play a critical role in steering our efforts, from beautification projects to innovative programs and events, aiming to enhance the downtown experience for everyone."

Prospective candidates can submit their applications online via The Phelps Group with the deadline of March 19.

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Agave By Imperial Wins Back-To-Back Top Chocolatier Titles From DBIA's Hot Chocolate Festival

A second straight title of Top Chocolatier goes to Agave by Imperial after winning the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area’s (DBIA) second-annual Hot Chocolate Festival, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The Peterborough Hot Chocolate Fest featured 20 hot chocolate creations available for dine-in or takeout from participating downtown cafés, restaurants and pubs. Festival goers voted online for their favourites in three different categories: top hot chocolate, most unique and best classic.

With over 1,800 votes cast, Agave by Imperial’s Chocolate Champurrado won first place receiving the most votes overall, winning back-to-back titles. As this year’s winner, Agave received a hot chocolate-themed trophy and bragging rights for the year.

“We want to thank Peterborough for all your support and votes. We are so excited to be the top chocolatier for the second year in a row,” says Manish Choudhry, Agave owner. “Our customers loved this addition to our menu, and many people looked forward to enjoying the Chocolate Champurrado after their meal. This festival is a great way to bring more people downtown and get out to explore all the wonderful businesses and culinary artists in the area.”

Agave’s winning entry for this year, the Chocolate Champurrado. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The Dirty Burger Company won the ‘Best H’Adult’ award with its cocoa cocktail, the ‘Honey Cocoa Crunch Puff.’ Milk + Tea Shop wins the category of “Most Unique” for its cozy Earl Grey Hot Chocolate and Dreams of Beans wins the category of “Best Classic” for its indulgent Hazelnut-Infused Triple Chocolate.

New this year was a Hot Chocolate Rewards app. Digital stamp collectors were entered to win a weekly draw for Boro gift cards and receive access to exclusive discounts at several downtown businesses. Over 300 festival goers signed up for rewards, with four winners in total.

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Downtown Dining Gets Cozier With 'Brrr-O-Licious' In Partnership With PKED and Peterborough DBIA

In a campaign to help support Downtown Peterborough restaurants between Christmas and patio season, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism (PKT) and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) have partnered to launch their culinary pilot program Brrr-O-Licious.

Photo courtesy of PKED.

From March 1 to 17, ten participating downtown restaurants offer a fixed three-course lunch or dinner for $35 a person.

“Brrr-O-Licious is a wonderful way for visitors and locals alike to get a taste of what our local food scene has to offer, and to check out different events and attractions in downtown Peterborough,” says Joe Rees, PKED director of tourism. “Running this pilot program in March encourages people to support restaurants in the community during their slower time of the year. Following a successful pilot in downtown Peterborough, it is our intention to expand to additional communities and locations in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County in future years.”

“We’re excited to be partnering with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism to elevate our downtown's destination profile in the visitor space,” said Hillary Flood, PTBO DBIA vibrancy manager. “Brrr-O-Licious will help draw in new and repeat visitors to our charming downtown core through food while providing the perfect backdrop for folks to get better acquainted with our unique shops, fashion boutiques, arts community, nightlife and more.”

Participating downtown restaurants include:

• Agave by Imperial

• Dirty Burger

• Gerti’s

• La Hacienda

• La Mesita

• Sam’s Place

• The El (P)

• The Publican House Brewery & Pub

• The Riverside Grill & Lounge at the Holiday Inn

• The Vine

Restaurant menus and instructions on how to make reservations are available online.

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Peterborough DBIA Holiday Shopping Passport Grand Prize Winner Announced

Amanda Kennedy has been named the winner of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) grand prize draw for the Holiday Shopping Passport in $1,500 Boro gift cards, announced on Wednesday.

Amanda Kennedy (left) stands with Deanna Guttman (right), owner of Needles in the Hay at 385 Water St. celebrating the grand prize win. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The winning passport was drawn at the Peterborough DBIA office with Gerry Kretschmar, Niche Ptbo owner and operator on Wednesday. The winning passport was completed at Needles in the Hay at 385 Water St.

“I love shopping downtown because it turns a simple trip into a whole experience. You can grab a drink or some food, visit a variety of shops, and you receive a way better customer service experience because local businesses are so passionate and knowledgeable about what they offer,” said Kennedy Amanda. “I plan on trying out some of the classes offered by Needles in the Hay with my winnings and also purchase a new set of skis.”

The Boro gift cards were redeemable at participating downtown businesses including a variety of shops, boutiques, salons, restaurants, cafes and services.

During the Holiday Passport season, shoppers receive a stamp for every $10 spent participating downtown business. After 20 stamps, passport holders can complete the contact form and drop it off at participating businesses to be entered into the draw.

Three early bird winners were named prior to the grand prize draw.

“Supporting local business is vital for our community well-being,” said Sacha Lai-Svirk, DBIA board chair. “When dollars are spent locally, they are often re-spent and continue to circulate up to three times more money back into our local economy as a result.”

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Final Early Bird Holiday Shopping Passport Winner Announced

Jody Cunningham is the lucky winner of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area’s (DBIA) third Holiday Shopping Passport early bird draw of $500, announced on Monday.

Amanda Bedford, DBIA Marketing & Communications Coordinator (left) with Jody Cunningham (right) at Gertis, celebrating the final early bird prize win. Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA.

Her winning passport was drawn on Dec. 20 at the Peterborough DBIA office with Tim Wales, owner and operator of Birdhouse Tattoo, a new business at 372 Water St. Cuningham’s winning passport was completed at Gerti’s at 225 Hunter St. W.

“Local, independently owned businesses are the heart and soul of any town. The downtown community is like one big friendship. Everyone treats everyone like family and supports one another,” said Cunningham. “My mother worked for a local downtown business for 20+ years, my elder siblings and myself also worked for businesses downtown Peterborough so it became like a second home to me. I will always support local businesses here in Peterborough and all the cities I visit.”

During the Holiday Passport season, shoppers receive a stamp for every $10 spent participating downtown business. After 20 stamps, passport holders can complete the contact form and drop it off at participating businesses to be entered into the draw.

They are available at over 140 participating shops, boutiques, salons, restaurants, and cafes downtown for free. Each completed Holiday Shopping Passport are entered into a ballot to win $1,500 in Boro gift cards.

The final grand prize draw for a $1,500 downtown shopping spree will occur on Wednesday.

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The Art School of Peterborough Victorious In Annual DBIA Downtown Holiday Window Contest

The Art School of Peterborough has been crowned the winners of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area’s (DBIA) annual Downtown Holiday Window Contest announced on Wednesday.

Raine Knudsen (left) and Jenni Johnston (right) celebrate their win in front of the Art School shop window, holding the handmade ornaments distributed to community members throughout the holiday season. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

During the holidays, Downtown Peterborough shop windows were transformed into magnificent displays reflecting this year’s theme, Aurora Borealis.

“With snowy decorated little pine trees and hand painted polar bears under the illuminated arctic sky. In celebration of the Holiday season, the Art School is offering ceramic crescent moon ornaments made by our staff and students, inspired by the Aurora Borealis to remind us how bright and colourful our local Peterborough community is,” said Raine Knudsen, The Art School of Peterborough receptionist. “These ornaments are offered as free (or by donation) to give back to our incredible local community. The Art School wishes you a joyful, rejuvenating, and bright New Year, and winter ahead.”

The winners for 2023 are:

• First place – The Art School of Peterborough, 174A Charlotte St.

• Second place – Lavender Moon, 181 Charlotte St.

• Third Place – Hi Ho Silver, 392 George St. N.

“The Art School of Peterborough is overjoyed and so grateful to receive first place for this year’s window contest. Thanks so much to our community; our students and instructors, coworkers, and neighbours for sharing the love and support,” said Knudsen.

The top three winners will receive cash prizes of $1,000, $500, and $300 for their winning windows. Locals voted online for their top three holiday window displays throughout the contest period from Nov.20 until Dec. 31.

“Every year, the downtown shop owners put so much love and creativity into the holiday window contest. It really sets the tone for the shopping season and enhances the downtown experience with colour, whimsy, and charm,” said Hillary Flood, DBIA vibrancy manager.” This year’s theme was Aurora Borealis and our businesses pulled out all the stops to capture the spirit of the Northern Lights. It’s always incredible to see Peterborough rally behind our window contest and the community engagement in our program saw a significant increase this holiday season with 3,897 votes casted to help determine this year's top window display.”

The window displays for this year’s contest can be viewed on the voting website.

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A Cappella Chorus Group The Aces of Harmony to Serenade Downtown During Late-Night Shopping Event

Local award-winning a cappella chorus group, The Aces of Harmony, is serenading downtown streets from 5 - 7 p.m. during The Boro’s late-night shopping event this Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The Aces of Harmony has been part of Peterborough’s music scene for over 50 years. The a cappella chorus sings close harmony in the barbershop style. During the late-night shopping event, they will sing classic holiday tunes to create a cheery atmosphere downtown for seasonal shopping.

“We love Peterborough and really wanted to do something for the downtown business community this holiday season,” said Diane Martin, director of the Aces Harmony. “We’re so excited to partner with the Peterborough DBIA to bring our harmonies (and holiday cheer) into the downtown core and to bring smiles to people’s faces as they enjoy a night out shopping and dining.”  

Over 35 businesses are participating in the late-night shopping events. A map has been created to locate the participating retailers. When purchasing at participating locations, shoppers will receive double the stamps on their holiday shopping passports.

Parking is also free in Downtown Peterborough after 6 p.m. and holiday shopping is free for two hours prior to that time.

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