Peterborough Blogs
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Great Outdoors Landing, Gauvreau Accounting, Summer Soul Yoga and Goatchella
/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 out on the water this summer?
Great Outdoors Landing have added some new 2024 Yamaha Waverunners to their fleet. Rentals are available for half or full day. Located in Bridgenorth at 888 Garthorne Ave. Great Outdoors Landing offers boat docking, cottage rentals, a boating store, ice cream, and rentals of kayaks, boating accessories and personal watercraft. Visit greatoutdoors.life for more information and to book your rental.
Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory has launched their third annual Gear Up for Good campaign, an initiative dedicated to providing essential resources to under-served children in our community.
This year they’re doubling their target to 200 backpacks filled with school supplies. In addition to backpacks and supplies, they are providing complimentary haircuts to boost students' confidence as they start the school year. The donations will benefit both Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Children's Aid Society. Gauvreau is looking for additional support, including providing haircuts, backpacks, and supplies. Donations need to be dropped off at 150 King St. by Aug. 16.
There is free yoga in downtown Peterborough this summer.
The Downtown Business Improvement Area has partnered with Summer Soul Yoga and Wellness Studio to hold free outdoor yoga outside the Venture North building at 270 George Street North on Saturday mornings. These free sessions will be Aug. 10, 17 and 24. It’s a great way to kickstart your Saturday morning with some wellness.
Each class will be followed by a small downtown vendors market with some downtown businesses setting up booths for some post class shopping and refreshments.
Don’t miss Goatchella, this summer’s premier goat festival.
This annual event will be held on Aug. 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Haute Goat at 1166 5th line in Newtonville. Goatchella is a celebration of local farms, local makers, and local goats. There will be more than 30 artisan vendors, live entertainment, music, a pink tie gala and of course, goats. The Barn Door Stage will feature Melissa Payne. Find out more at hautegoat.com.
POI Business Interiors Makes Its Way to Downtown Peterborough
/POI Business Interiors has made its way to Downtown Peterborough after the soft launch of its business space on Thursday evening.
(from left to right) Julie Hicks, chief branding officer; Kirk Robertson, workplace consultant; MaryBeth Foeller, workplace consultant; Stacie Tasker, workplace consultant and Anthony Goad, vice president of sales. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The office equipment supplier has soft-launched its space between Gray Guardian Games and Pipe Dreamz at 418 George St. N., the former Sustain eco store. They did this to get familiar with their neighbours and surrounding businesses.
For over six decades, the business has been owned by three generations of the Scholl family, beginning with Max Scholl in 1958. Jonas Scholl, C.E.O., leads the business.
POI helps organizations to create inspiring workspaces according to their website.
The organization has eight locations throughout the country in cities such as Toronto, Sault Ste. Marie, London, Winnepeg and more.
The company plans to host a grand opening of its space at an undisclosed future date.
Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area to Host Sidewalk Sale Aug. 31
/The (DBIA) has announced an end-of-summer sidewalk sale event that will take place on Aug. 31.
Photo courtesy of the DBIA.
This event is held downtown with shops hosting their own sidewalk sales with George Street between Simcoe and Hunter Street being closed off for the day.
“The end of summer sidewalk sale event is a really wonderful and exciting opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate our downtown and all the unique businesses within the core,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “This event not only supports our local businesses by driving foot traffic into the area and encouraging people to explore and shop but also strengthens the sense of community by helping foster a lively downtown environment that everyone can enjoy.”
The DBIA is encouraging downtown businesses to participate. Contact the DBIA Marketing and Communications Manager by emailing amanda@ptbodbia.ca to be involved.
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Voice of Business: Exciting Visit By US Consul General to Peterborough
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The City of Peterborough and the Chamber recently hosted Baxter Hunt, the US Consul General and his wife Deborah. The meeting occurred at the newly opened Canoe Museum, marking the US Consul General’s first trip outside the GTA.
Sarah Budd, CEO of the Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, chaired the meeting. Mayor Jeff Leal, Warden Bonnie Clark and CAO Jasbir Raina attended. Several business owners and representatives from Trent University and Fleming College were also present.
The meeting began with comments from Mayor Jeff Leal and Warden Bonnie Clark, who expressed gratitude to the Consul General for visiting Peterborough. Hunt reiterated the prosperous economic relationship between Canada and the US and stressed the need to continue strengthening business ties. Several businesses and organizations showcased their roles within the community throughout the meeting.
Common themes discussed included ways to strengthen our cross-border relationship. Some businesses mentioned wanting to expand into the US, while others noted their connections with US cities. Hunt added that 35 US states have Canada as their biggest trading partner, stressing the immense potential to strengthen our economic partnerships.
Leal highlighted Peterborough’s key water system as a valuable resource. Peterborough's geographical location, marked by rivers and lakes, offers abundant opportunities to explore in collaboration with our American neighbours. Trent and Fleming were also mentioned for their renowned water science programs that have attracted American students.
Hunt noted that businesses looking to expand into the US have a great reference point in Toronto. The American Chamber of Commerce in Canada (AmCham) serves as a valuable resource for connecting partners from the US and discovering advantages in different US states. This would be a great resource for companies in Peterborough County looking to tap into US markets.
Hunt further encouraged businesses or organizations with questions about US visas to reach out to the American Consulate General in Toronto. Moreover, he suggested that businesses or organizations looking to invest in the US market should consider SelectUSA, which hosts its annual summit in Washington, D.C., which attracts 4,500 attendees from around the world to promote investment in the US.
To close the meeting, Hunt reciprocated the growing interest in strengthening the cross-border relationship, highlighting Peterborough's abundant opportunities and attractions. This meeting began a great opportunity to enhance our cross-border relationship, with Hunt remarking, “I’m already feeling bullish on Peterborough.”
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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Habitat for Humanity Holding Grand Opening of Lakefield Location July 24
/Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region is having its grand opening of their new Lakefield ReStore at 3001 Lakefield Rd., Selwyn on July 24 at 10 a.m.
In 2023, Habitat PKR’s ReStores diverted 331,730 items from landfills in the Peterborough & Kawartha Region. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity.
The new ReStore will further the Habitat’s mission of supporting local families and individuals through affordable homeownership according to a press release.
All are invited to attend, where there will be food, music and an opportunity to be among the first to explore and shop at the new location. The store will sell new and gently used building materials, furniture, appliances and home décor.
“We are thrilled to be opening the doors to the Lakefield ReStore in the township of Selwyn,” said Susan Zambonin, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. “This new location will help us continue serving the Peterborough and Kawartha region through our three ReStore locations, bringing us closer to our vision of a world where everyone has a safe and affordable place to live.”
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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Innovation Cluster, Dr. J's BBQ & Brews, The Local Show and Baxter Hunt
/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…
Innovation Cluster Peterborough and Kawarthas has three new board directors: Waun Broderick, Jan d’Ailly and Kelly Hagen.
The organization is celebrating 20 years of propelling growth and entrepreneurship in the region and is at a pivotal point as it reinvents its approach through a new strategic transformation. The three new board members bring skills the organization is looking for as it moves forward, reflecting its commitment to building a prominent and vibrant centre for the incubation and commercialization of innovation to support the needs of companies, partners, and the ecosystem.
Dr. J’s BBQ and Brews is heading to the lake.
After 10 years downtown in the historic Montreal House at the corner of Aylmer and King Streets, Dr. J’s is moving to Bridgenorth on the grounds of its sister restaurant, Chemong Lodge, at the corner of Hatton Avenue and Hunter Street. It’s a seamless transition for catering customers and now dining out on their amazing barbecue comes with a lakeside view eight minutes north of Peterborough. Downtown Peterborough will be missing the smell of barbecue.
The Local Show, hosted by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce at Lansdowne Place, is back on Saturday, September 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Local Show is the perfect event for new residents, students, and those considering relocation or retirement to this picturesque region. As you explore the exhibition, you'll have the opportunity to discover unique offerings from local businesses. Booths are still available for businesses looking to meet new customers as we expect about 14,000 people to pass through the mall that day. Visit pkchamber.ca for more information.
Peterborough hosted US Consul General Baxter Hunt last week, providing an opportunity to showcase what our community offers for American visitors and business investment.
This visit discussed growing businesses, local investment, and strengthening the economic relationship between Peterborough and U.S companies, hosted by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce at the new Canadian Canoe Museum location. The event included Mayor Jeff Leal, Warden Bonnie Clark and a diverse group of local businesses.
Peterborough Housing Corporation Appoints New CEO
/Peterborough Housing Corporation (PHC) has appointed Travis Doak as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective Wednesday.
Photo courtesy of Peterborough Housing Corporation.
The PHC’s Board of Directors unanimously made the appointment on June 26. Doak takes over Hope Lee following her interim support as CEO since January 2022.
Doak’s first worked with PHC in 2019 when he was appointed and served on the Board of Directors. He officially joined PHC in-house on March 22, 2021 as Director of Operations.
Over the past three years, Doak was part of the executive team, leading the strategic planning, development and implementation of all activities and special projects related to PHC’s resident and building management services for the city and county’s housing portfolios according to a press release.
Before joining PHC, Travis held leadership positions at Sir Sandford Fleming College, including director of housing, food, and student Conduct. He has a significant educational background in human services and social work as he attended Northen College of Applied Arts and Technology and Athabasca University.
His duties as CEO provide comprehensive management and oversight to all facets of the organization, playing a pivotal role in shaping PHC future as stated in a press release.
“I am honoured to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer at PHC,” said Doak. “My focus will be on driving our mission forward and enhancing our impact within the community. Together, with the dedicated team at PHC, I am committed to fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration to better serve our residents and stakeholders.”
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Voice of Business: Peterborough Needs a New Tax Strategy
/City plans to hike property taxes on businesses in favour of lower taxes for residents hit a roadblock.
During last year’s 2025 budget talks, the city increased Peterborough commercial to industrial property tax to 1.65 times the residential rate, up from 1.5 times. This hike amounted to collecting approximately 22 per cent more property taxes from local businesses, but thankfully this move was rejected by the provincial government. Currently the Municipal Act limits commercial and industrial property taxes to a 0.6-1.1 ratio.
To put it into perspective, as of 2023, Peterborough businesses paid 150 per cent of what residents pay on industrial and commercial properties. Many municipalities are charging in excess of the mandated ratio of 0.6 - 1.1. For example, cities outside of the GTA pay on average commercial and industrial tax ratio of 1.81 - 2.32. Cities within the GTA such as Toronto, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, and Markham, pay an average rate of 1.94 - 2.06 for commercial to industrial tax. It is evident cities all over Ontario, not just Peterborough, are operating outside the 0.6 - 1.1 tax ratio.
According to the Peterborough Examiner, the reason behind this tax increase for Peterborough derives from the 10.28 per cent increase in costs. Included in these costs is $2.1 million more to cover salaries for municipal workers, $2.1 million more to cover salaries for worker benefits and $1 million more to run Peterborough Police Services. Without this tax, this leaves the city with a $3.1 million shortfall. This means the city will need to look for other ways to generate revenue.
Our Chamber here in Peterborough and the Kawarthas actively participated in bringing this proposal to the provincial government. Joel Wiebe, Vice President of Operations & Government
Relations, met with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to advocate on behalf of businesses in Peterborough who are disappointed in this increase.
With the rejection from the ministry to increase the tax ratios, councilors need more time to work on creating a fair and equitable tax ratio for businesses in Peterborough. Increasing tax ratios is not a solution to reduce costs for the city. Businesses should not face the burden of reducing costs at times where widespread inflation is affecting everyone.
Mayor Jeff Leal reiterated a previous warning he made earlier, “People thought it was a hyperbole when I said we would hit the wall...there’s the wall. Right there.”. His statement highlighted the city’s dead-end in finding solutions to reduce costs. With the proposed tax hike rejected, Leal suggested gathering additional revenue from city partners. For instance, he hinted Trent University, as Trent is not required to pay property taxes to the city.
Furthermore, Leal proposed “it is time to have serious discussions with our partners, we can’t keep going like this” Leal said. With cost recoveries lagging, we need alternative solutions to help reduce future costs. This will require aid from local partners and generating revenue through other means, not businesses.
The city will have to make some tough decisions when it comes to next year’s budget. Costs to run the municipality are going up, but it cannot push off those increases by arbitrarily hiking taxes on businesses to minimize the impact on residential taxpayers.
Mayor Leal is committing to growing our local business base by increasing our commercial and industrial assessment base from 20 to 30 per cent and increasing our GDP growth rate from 15 – 30 per cent. This will benefit all taxpayers by growing our economic base, thereby generating more tax revenue for the city.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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Innovation Cluster's LevelUP Program Invites Growth-Stage Tech Companies to Win $10,000
/Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas’ (ICPK) business accelerator program ‘LevelUP’ is gearing up to begin its second cohort for growth-stage tech companies a chance to win $10,000 on Aug. 14.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The 12-week program supports innovative tech-based businesses ready to commercialize and scale. According to Innovation Cluster, the program focuses on validating business ideas and funding preparation, guided by industry experts who equip participants with practical knowledge, hands-on experience, and essential business skills.
They continue to state that program highlights include learning about branding, revenue models, go-to-market plans, customer acquisition, and funding and exit strategies.
The course ended with a pitch competition in November where participants will have a chance to win a $10,000 cash prize.
Latchmi Raghunanan, co-founder of Maman Biomedical Inc., won the $10,000 pitch competition in LevelUP’s inaugural cohort, pitching her company’s trailblazing products disrupting the in vitro fertilization sector.
“Winning the LevelUP pitch competition allowed us to accelerate and move forward,” said Latchmi. “On top of the $10,000 we won, the program gave us the knowledge and tools to successfully raise $30,000 in funding and increase our visibility and credibility in a very short period of time.”
After completing the program, a press release states that participating businesses will have a detailed business plan, be ready to refine and test their MVP, have a robust go-to-market strategy, have an improved investor pitch, be ready to drive sales and customer acquisition and be well-networked among mentors, industry experts, and potential investors.
“Our first cohort saw incredibly driven and innovative entrepreneurs whose businesses continue to grow since graduating from the program,” said Zahra Shafiei, LevelUP program lead. We are excited to invite all eligible and passionate business leaders to apply for our 2nd cohort so they too can experience these high levels of progress.”
Sessions will be held every Wednesday for 12 weeks, beginning on Aug. 14. Participants can join virtually or in person at ICPK’s downtown Peterborough location.
Eligibility Requirements
Open to entrepreneurs in sectors such as Clean Tech, Healthcare Tech, AgTech, and Digital IT.
Must be an innovation-driven business with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and a team committed to growth and collaboration.
Must be a company based in Ontario.
This is the last cohort being offered free of charge to participants with applications due by July 15.
