Peterborough Blogs
'The Chill Desire' Keeps Downtown Peterborough Cool As Brothers Open New Ice Cream Parlour
/Brothers Sarthak Juneja and Nitish are Peterborough’s newest business owners and keeping downtown cool as they held the grand opening of their new ice cream parlour, The Chill Desire on Saturday.
Brothers Sarthak Juneja (left) and Nitish (right) showcasing their Urban Desi waffle topped with gulab jamun, rajbhog ice cream (typically made of dry fruits/nuts and made with milk, cream, almonds, pistachio, cashew, cardamom powder and saffron) and white sauce. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The parlour is at 366 George St. N., located roughly at the former Tango clothing boutique. The business’s ice cream mostly comes from Central Smith Creamery with some from Kawartha Dairy.
The Chill Desire sells traditional ice cream in cones or cups, sundaes, smoothies and milkshakes. A unique selling point of the parlour for Peterborough is that they offer waffle varieties such as Belgian and bubble to go with their ice cream. They also do ice cream on their waffles, ‘waff-wiches’ and ‘waff-sticks’ as variations.
“We wanted to bring some uniqueness nobody has so that's why we sell waffles with ice cream,” said Nitish, The Chill Desire co-owner.
The idea stemmed from Nitish visiting his home country of India which had his friends introduce him to waffles with ice cream during an outing.
“That was the first time I had a waffle with ice cream and I loved it, explained Nitish. “The idea just stuck in my mind so when we decided to do ice cream, the flashback of the memory just got there. It was so great that I had to bring that here.”
The brothers add extra uniqueness to their parlour by bringing their Indian heritage into some of their menu items. They offer falooda (a cold dessert with noodles made from mixing rose syrup, vermicelli, and sweet basil seeds with milk and often served with ice cream), kulfi (traditional Indian ice cream that’s typically denser and creamier), gulab jamun (Indian reduced milk solids soaked in syrup), badam milk (milk blended with almonds, saffron and cardamom) and a few Indian ice cream flavours. They include rajbhog (nut bonanza) and kesar pista (saffron pistachio).
Nitish and Juneja are Fleming graduates and came to Canada as international students from India. In addition to offering Downtown Peterborough a new food option, they opened the parlour to help combat the homesickness for the entire Indian community and introduce a new option for anyone unfamiliar with their heritage’s dessert.
“We came here four years ago, we couldn't find a specific place for Indian desserts,” explained Nitish. “We missed our home and missed that part. We felt that was the same for the Indian community we have here so we thought we could bring Indian dessert and fusion here.”
The Chill Desire’s operating hours are unlike any other ice cream parlour in town according to the brothers. They are open from 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. on Monday to Saturday and 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. on Sundays. Nitish says he wants to have another late-night food option available to Peterborough.
“Nobody in Peterborough is open until two as a dessert place so they can get freshly scooped ice cream,” he explained. “Usually, people order from a convenience store or the gas station; they sell the pre-packs but not freshly scooped so we're here to fulfill their late-night cravings.”
Roman & Co Pet Spa Enjoying Early Success One Year After Opening Its Doors
/One year after opening to the public, pet grooming business Roman & Co. Pet Spa has never felt more welcome into the community and seen early success.
Janeine Sali, Roman & Co. Pet Spa co-owner giving bichon shih tzu Muffin a shave. Sali named the businses after her German shepard, Roman. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
After one year in business, co-owner Janeine Sali and her partner Ryan Brown have consistently seen bookings back up for weeks and sometimes months for pet grooming.
“It's been quite the journey. They say the first year is always the hardest year of business but I found for us that it's just been lovely,” explained Sali. “The amount of outpour from the community and other groomers has been just wonderful in helping us.”
Sali and Brown quickly gained a positive reputation being named a platinum winner in the 2023 Community Votes Peterborough. They were named the top pet grooming company in the city.
“It was really surreal,” explained Sali. “It's been really wonderful. We've met a lot of nice people, new clients so all-in-all, it's been good.”
The couple opened their business in early July last year, occupying the former Mr. Brock Barber Shop located at 221 Brock St. The pet spa offers grooming (nail trimming, de-shedding, etc.), cleaning and bathing for dogs. This is Sali and Brown’s first business that they’ve owned together. While the experience has not always been easy for the couple, the positives have always outweighed the negatives.
“Problems can always be about the building or scheduling conflicts but you just kind of get used to it,” explained Sali. “There are always challenges and struggles for any small business but it's been a really wonderful journey.”
Sali had named the business after her German Shepard, Roman. The spa is open five days a week by appointment only and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Voice of Business: Labour Market Shows Signs of Improvement
/
Canada’s labour crunch is showing signs that it’s beginning to ease up.
Labour data from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Labour Force Survey June 2023 shows a slight increase in unemployment, gains in job growth in Ontario, and the slowing of wage growth.
Marwa Abdou, Senior Research Director at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, states:
“Canada’s labour market is turning a corner with June’s data. Coming in at the highest level in over a year, Canada’s unemployment rate edged up to 5.4%. We’re also seeing average hourly wages coming off the boil, with their slowest growth in over a year.
However, the headline jobs number was strong, exceeding market expectations with a gain of 60K jobs (vs. 20K consensus), driven by full-time employment.
Overall, the market is showing signs of strength and resilience, although wage growth is moderating while still remaining high.”
Last summer, unemployment hung at a near-record low of 4.9 per cent. The jump to 5.4 per cent represents a 0.2 per cent increase from May and the highest level in over a year.
Meanwhile, the number of people working is increasing with a gain of 60,000 jobs. This job growth comes with an increase in full-time employment. The Labour Force Survey notes that much of the job gains are among men with employment of women largely staying the same through June.
The biggest changes in jobs by sector are:
Wholesale and retail trade (+33K)
Manufacturing (+27K)
Health care and social assistance (+21K)
Transportation and warehousing (+10K)
Construction (-14K)
Education (-14K)
Agriculture (-6K)
While the jobs gains are welcome news, especially in the wholesale and retail trade sector, the decline in construction, education, and agriculture will be a struggle in those sectors.
Only Ontario (+56K), Nova Scotia (+3.6K), and Newfoundland and Labrador (+2.3K) saw increased employment. Prince Edward Island saw a decline of 2,400 jobs while the remaining provinces stayed relatively the same.
According to our local Workforce Development Board Eye on the Labour Market – June 2023 report, the top positions being posted by local employers in June were:
University professors and lecturers
Retail salespersons
Other customer & information services representatives
Home support workers, housekeepers & related occupations
Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations
Retail and wholesale trade managers
Social and community service workers
Cooks
Administrative assistants
Construction Trades helpers and labourers
Unfortunately, labour growth is one of the factors cited by the Bank of Canada in its recent decision to further hike its Overnight Lending Rate by 0.25 basis points to five per cent. Sitting at 3.4 per cent in May, Inflation is down from its peak, but not as low as the bank would like.
While last month’s labour data is largely positive for most businesses, the current economy and labour market are impacting different sectors and business models disproportionately. Rising interest rates and inflation are putting added pressure on businesses, but hopefully increased access to labour will help ease that burden.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Seven Starter Company Plus Entrepreneurs
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
This week on The Business Beat, I’m highlighting seven local entrepreneurs who recently graduated from the highly successful Starter Company Plus Program, offered each year by Madeleine Hurrell and her team at the Business Advisory Centre at Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development.
Twelve entrepreneurs graduated from the program with seven receiving micro-grants based on the strength of their business plan.
They are, Jack Henry of OmniWorx a full-service brand, signage, website & graphic design firm, Kate Adams of Kate L. Toms Fit, a fitness instructor, personal trainer, and transformation coach, Michelle Fenn and Kendra Mancini of Working Human, a human-centered approach to adult learning, Tavlyn Evans and Crystal Walker of Sage Beauty, a new day spa in the Northcrest Plaza, Brigh Findlay-Shields of Brisa Social in Millbrook, a boutique social media agency that specializes in creating Instagram and TikTok strategies for businesses in the aesthetics industry, Andrew and Sean Fitzpatrick of Take Cover Books, brothers and bookworms offering new books, literary products, and Canadian-made stationery and Erin Burrell of EB Aquatics providing first aid and aquatic training to Peterborough City and County.
This year’s intake saw the highest number of applications so far. Since its launch in 2017, the Starter Company Plus program has assisted over 230 local entrepreneurs and more than 186 small businesses, creating over 220 jobs.
For details on programs and workshops offered by the Business Advisory Centre visit investptbo.ca/bac
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Get The Scoop on Local Attractions and Must-Try Experiences at the Visitor Centre
/Peterborough & the Kawarthas Visitor Centre is hosting Get The Scoop; an event to highlight the region’s attraction and experiences on July 16.
photo by david tuan bui.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Visitor Centre is offering free Central Smith Creamery ice cream and opportunities to uncover local hidden gems in the City and County of Peterborough.
The event on Sunday will run from noon to 3 p.m. at the Visitor Centre (270 George St. N).
For more information visit the website.
Innovation Cluster Introduces Barry Payne as Expert in Residence to Propel Indigenous Entrepreneurship
/The Innovation Cluster welcomes entrepreneur and champion of Indigenous business development Barry Payne as its latest Expert in Residence.
file photo.
Payne’s appointment is a testament to the Innovation Cluster's commitment to fostering an inclusive innovation ecosystem, particularly extending the reach of its entrepreneurship program to Indigenous communities.
He comes with a wealth of entrepreneurial experience with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous owned businesses. A proud member of Hiawatha First Nation, he started his journey with Adirondack Technologies Furniture Inc., transforming it from a basement startup to a nationally recognized organization. He is also currently the Indigenous procurement ambassador at Procurement Assistance Canada, where he has the opportunity to work with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous owned companies to help them consider the federal government as a client.
"I am excited to take on this new role at the Innovation Cluster, which has demonstrated a sincere commitment to inclusion and Indigenous business growth,” said Payne. “As a member of Hiawatha First Nation and an entrepreneur, I understand the potential within our communities. I look forward to extending the reach of the entrepreneurship program and supporting the growth of Indigenous owned businesses."
As the Innovation Cluster’s new ExIR, Barry will provide mentoring to clients, helping them navigate government funding, optimize networking, and offering invaluable business advice. His involvement aims to bridge the gap between Indigenous communities and the entrepreneurship landscape, tapping into the Indigenous peoples' growing business creation rate, which is currently nine times that of the average Canadian.
In this new partnership, Payne’s commitment to working with Aboriginal companies and his expertise will significantly benefit all clients at the Innovation Cluster. His learned lessons will be a critical guide to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous entrepreneurs.
"We are honoured to have Barry Payne join us as an Expert in Residence. His unique perspective and experience will undoubtedly provide invaluable guidance for our clients and further our mission to drive innovation-focused, entrepreneur-led economic growth in the region, which must include Indigenous communities,” said interim CEO Nicole Stephenson. “At the Innovation Cluster, we understand the importance of Indigenous owned businesses in Canada's economy, and we're excited about our part in shaping the future."
Stephenson further emphasized the organization's dedication to fostering a diverse, purpose-driven workplace. "We're proud to not only talk about diversity but to make it part of our operational fabric. Partnerships like the one with Barry are critical to an inclusive and diverse community of entrepreneurs. It's an exciting time at the Innovation Cluster, and we can't wait to see the growth and development that will stem from this partnership."
Voice of Business: Home Stretched: Tackling Ontario's Housing Affordability Crisis Through Innovative Solutions and Partnerships
/The cost of housing is impacting communities of all sizes across Ontario. It’s limiting the buying power of households, impacting businesses’ ability to attract and retain talent, and exacerbating homelessness rates throughout the province.
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) recently released Home Stretched: Tackling Ontario's Housing Affordability Crisis Through Innovative Solutions and Partnerships, outlining opportunities for the private, public, and non-profit sectors to explore innovative partnerships and approaches to address housing affordability and supply, and recommendations to build on successful models. The OCC report is in partnership with Desjardins, Cadillac Fairview, and the Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario. It builds on research from a series of regional housing affordability roundtables with a diverse range of housing sector stakeholders.
The Government of Ontario has committed to building 1.5 million new homes by 2031 to help mitigate this crisis. This goal will require strategic action and significant collaboration across sectors and all levels of government. It will require the public, private and non-profit sectors to work together.
The housing crisis in Ontario has reached a critical point, with significant challenges related to both affordability and supply. Peterborough has not been immune to these pressures, as rising housing costs are impacting many of our businesses' ability to attract and retain labour. At the same time, higher housing costs leave less income available to spend on other goods and services, which directly affects our community’s long-term economic growth.
The executive summary from the report sums up a lot about the current situation:
While distinct, housing supply and affordability challenges are mutually reinforcing: as mid-high income earners are priced out of the real estate market, they are increasingly occupying market rental housing for longer, contributing to low vacancy rates and rising rental rates. This puts additional downward pressure on the limited supply of more affordable, non-market housing options, where waitlists can reach up to 12 years across the province, further compounding the homelessness crisis. At the same time, social and economic pressures, such as inflation and supply chain challenges, are contributing to rising costs for housing development (which has not kept pace with demand), while hindering mobility along the housing continuum.
The OCC report highlights some key statistics:
211,419 households on social housing waitlists
Provincial rental vacancy rate of 1.8 per cent (3 per cent is considered healthy)
The average house price is now 11.5 times annual household income
Rent has increased by 17.1 per cent over the last year, now sitting at an average of $2,401
22,000+ construction job vacancies
68 per cent of organizations in Ontario continue to report labour shortages in their respective industries
1.85 million additional units would be needed in Ontario beyond what is already being built or in the pipeline to restore housing affordability
The OCC policy brief provides all levels of government and industry with recommendations under the following themes: Labour and Demographics, the Housing Continuum, and Infrastructure and Land Use Planning.
The report has 34 recommendations, including:
Continue to establish and deliver on inclusive workforce development and immigration strategies to increase the labour pool needed to build more housing.
Incentivize the development and preservation of affordable housing options along the continuum, including purpose-built rentals, missing middle, student, non-profit, cooperative, and supportive housing.
Support the development and expansion of innovative technologies, data tools, retrofitting, building conversions, as well as mixed-use and climate-resilient green housing.
Housing is at the root of a lot of issues we’re facing in Ontario. It’s contributing to the rising cost of living, limiting labour mobility, and leaving people without homes altogether. For the sake of our communities, we need to encourage our governments to work with the private and non-profit sectors to enact a wide range of policies to address our current housing crunch. The Home Stretched report is a good place to start.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Sage Beauty, Epic Gems, Body Sculpting and Kit's Emporium
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
Tavlyn & Crystal are Estheticians and co-owners of Sage Beauty, a new day spa located in the Northcrest Plaza.
Tavlyn is an honours graduate of the Fleming College Esthetician Program and specializes in any nail service with nail art and lash lift and tints. Crystal graduated from Humber College's Esthetics/Spa Management program but is also an RMT and a certified master pedicurist. Her specialties are massage service, facials, and pedicures. Check out their full list of services at sagebeautyptbo.com and don’t miss their grand opening this Saturday from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at 184 Marina Blvd. Northcrest Plaza.
Epic Gems and Extensions Plus Body Contouring is Rochelle Walker’s business, with locations in Cobourg and Belleville.
Walker is expanding with a new location in Peterborough, based out of Affinity Hair Styling at 880 Armour Rd. Walker and Jenna Munro offer body contouring, lashes, permanent makeup, fat freezing, tooth gems, micro needling, BB glow, botox, lash lift and tint and brow lamination. You’ll find Epic Gems and Extensions on Facebook.
Jennifer Sabovitch’s new business is called Body Sculpting by Jenn.
Sabovitch brings an extensive background in emergency services and her own personal experience, as well as certifications as a body contouring technician, as well as a certified spray tan artist. Jenn offers a range of cutting-edge techniques, including non-surgical procedures such as emsculpt therapy, custom spray tans, laser liposuction, as well as teeth whitening and booty lifts. Located within Kouture Hair Studio at 188 Hunter St., visit bodysculptingbyjenn.com.
Kit's Emporium is a brand-new thrift shop located at 404 George St. N.
A sister store to Kit Croissanterie and Café on Hunter, owners Helen and Zack offers an accessible and inclusive space with affordable secondhand mid to plus-size clothes and a gender-neutral shopping experience You’ll also find a myriad of other items including household, decor, kitchenware, books, and more. Open from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday with a Grand opening set for this Saturday. Look for Kit’s Emporium on Instagram.
Seven Local Businesses Awarded Microgrants Through Starter Company Plus Program
/Seven local entrepreneurs were awarded microgrants through the highly competitive spring intake of the Starter Company Plus program on Thursday.
photo courtesy of starter company plus.
This intake saw the highest number of applications so far for the program run by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and funded through the Government of Ontario.
Twelve small businesses successfully completed the five-week business training course offered by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre. The following businesses were awarded a microgrant based on the strength of their business plan and pitch:
Jack Henry: OmniWorx Design, Peterborough, ON
Kate Adams: Kate L. Toms Fit, Peterborough, ON
Michelle Fenn and Kendra Mancini: Working Human, Peterborough, ON
Tavlyn Evans and Crystal Walker: Sage Beauty, Peterborough, ON
Brigh Findlay-Shields: Brisa Social, Millbrook, ON
Sean Fitzpatrick and Andrew Fitzpatrick: Take Cover Books, Peterborough, ON
Erin Burrell: EB Aquatics, Otonabee, ON
