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.
Voice of Business: What a High-Speed Train Means for Peterborough’s Economy and Tourism
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Peterborough is finally getting a high-speed passenger rail service.
This newly announced line will run between Toronto and Quebec City, with Prime Minister Trudeau confirming the project last week. The fully electric train will connect Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Laval, Montreal, Trois-Rivières, and Quebec City, reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h.
The federal government has committed $3.9 billion over the next six years to support system development, including laying approximately 1,000 km of new tracks. This week on Voice of Business, we explore why this rail project matters, what businesses need to know, and what to expect next.
This rail line will serve a region of 18 million people with an economy worth over $850 billion. Once completed, it will reduce travel time between Toronto and Montreal to just three hours, positioning Peterborough as a prime hub for intercity and interprovincial trade. This project aligns with the federal government's commitment to reducing interprovincial trade barriers, opening new opportunities for local businesses to access broader markets.
Tourism, a $300 million industry in Peterborough, is also expected to benefit. Many international visitors rely on public transit, and a high-speed rail link will make Peterborough a more accessible and attractive destination. The Chamber of Commerce has been a strong advocate for this rail initiative.
“Ensuring Peterborough is a stop on the high-speed rail line has been a priority for the Chamber, as this is a key way to connect our community to the rest of the province,” said Gail Moorhouse, Interim President and CEO of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
“Peterborough is an incredible place to work, live, and visit. We look forward to the train connecting our community and businesses to the province,” adds Vice President Joel Wiebe.
The Chamber has been deeply involved in this effort, starting as a founding member of the grassroots Shining Waters Railway organization. Over the years, it has worked closely with VIA Rail, VIA HFR, and now Alto to develop the business case for the rail line. "Having Peterborough as a major stop on this rail project is a win for the tireless advocacy work of the Chamber," says Wiebe.
The economic benefits of this project are substantial. The high-speed train will cut travel time between Toronto and Montreal in half, from six hours to three, making transportation more accessible and positioning Peterborough as a key destination. The increased connectivity is expected to boost tourism and create a spillover effect that benefits local businesses by attracting more visitors to the community. A study from the C.D. Howe Institute estimates the economic impact could range between $11 billion and $27 billion over a 60-year period (2039–2098), depending on whether the train operates at conventional or high-speed levels. While the project remains in the initial design phase, Peterborough’s position as a tourist destination with over three million annual visitors makes it well-suited to capitalize on this opportunity. Events like MusicFest, local sports teams, lakes, hotels, the Canadian Canoe Museum, and Trent University already draw significant traffic, and a passenger train will further increase accessibility.
With the train potentially cutting travel time significantly from Montreal to Peterborough, students, tourists, and business professionals will no longer be restricted to car travel, which currently takes nearly three hours.
It is worth noting that similar passenger rail proposals have been discussed in the past but never materialized. However, with this renewed commitment and funding, there is hope that Peterborough will finally become a key destination for high-speed rail. If realized, this project could transform the region, making Peterborough not just a stop on the map but a hub for travel, tourism, and economic growth.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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Peterborough Airport Announces New Acting Manager Effective Friday
/Trent Gervais has been named Peterborough Airport’s Acting Manager for the immediate future, effective Friday.
Photo courtesy of the LOomex Group.
He takes over the role of Dustin Gervais, who held the title since July. Dustin had worked in operations on-site at the airport and worked with The Loomex Group for several years prior to taking the airport manager role.
In addition to Esther Juthman’s role as community relations coordinator and safety management coordinator, they are being appointed as the acting assistant airport manager.
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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.
Peterborough's Heads to Get a Little Cleaner With Grand Opening of Hair Apothecary
/The first brick-and-mortar business for pediculosis care in Peterborough is now open as Hair Apothecary had its grand opening on Thursday morning.
Jennifer Ducker, Hair Apothecary owner and founder (left) makes sure her five-year-old son Liam Ducker’s hair is clean with a headlice inspection. Hair APothecary was graduate of Innovation Cluster’s Starter Company Plus Program. Photo by David Tuan bui.
Jennifer Ducker founded the business located at 41 Park St. S. The business does head checks, pediculosis treatment, nit removal/combing, education seminars, take-home headlice kits and school checks. The grand opening event featured demonstrations, information sessions, meet Jennifer and learn more about the business’s mission.
“We're trendsetters here. Places like this are very much in business just in bigger cities so we're the first to do something that is so, so, so needed,” explained Ducker. “There's so many families in Peterborough to help.”
Jennifer says her mother, Cathy Ducker, was an inspiration to open Hair Apothecary. Cathy ran a mobile pediculosis business for over 20 years and Jennifer made the switch from the food industry to the head treatment business which culminated in the new business.
“When you help someone with headlice, it's so rewarding,” explained Jennifer. “It fills up my cup, it's so needed and we're never short of business. It's the next step for me.”
In addition to treatment services, Hair Apothecary is also an information hub. Customers can ask questions, receive guidance and access removal services without fear or embarrassment. The business services Peterborough and the Kawarthas and surrounding First Nations. Jennifer encourages anyone who has questions to come by the storefront.
“We were out in Hiwartha at their Family Centre where we just gave everyone the run-through, what products to use and how to treat the cleanup of your space,” she explained. “We encourage people to reach out and ask any questions, whether the go with our services or not, it's just starting a conversation.”
Jennifer says the new physical location will allow her to expand offerings, including workshops and additional apothecary services aimed at holistic care and well-being.
“The stigma surrounding lice can make it an overwhelming experience for families,” said Jennifer. “Hair Apothecary is here to change that by providing a judgment-free space where people can get the help they need with confidence and dignity.”
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Free Panel Event For Businesses Regarding U.S. Tariff-Proofing to Run March 4
/Business owners across Peterborough and the County are invited to attend a panel, ‘Bridging the Divide: Future-Proofing Your Business Against U.S. Tariffs’ to help local businesses navigate the challenges posed by shifting trade policies, announced on Tuesday.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
The event is hosted by Community Futures Peterborough (CFP), the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Association.
The free event runs on March 4 at Market Hall, with doors opening at 8 a.m. Attendees to network over food and drinks before programming begins at 8:30 a.m. The panel discussion will focus on the impact of U.S. tariffs, changes in consumer buying habits and effective strategies for businesses to mitigate risks and adapt to new trade realities, according to Devon Girard, CFP executive director.
“The impact of U.S. tariffs is being felt across our region, and business owners are facing new challenges that require immediate attention,” she said. “We recognized the urgency of this issue and felt it was essential to bring together experts in trade, supply chain management, and finance to provide actionable insights. This panel is a direct response to the concerns we’ve heard from local businesses, and we’re committed to equipping them with the knowledge and strategies they need to navigate these changes successfully.”
The event will begin with opening remarks from Girard, Joel Wiebe of the Peterborough Chamber and Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. A panel will feature industry experts, including Bob Armstrong, President of Armstrong Trade and Logistics Advisory Services; Andrea Parkes, Professor of Supply Chain at Fleming College; and Sherry Hill, CFO of Peterboro Matboards and Secretary of the Kawartha Manufacturers Association.
“Canada’s supply chains are critical to our country’s economic success but are under constant upheaval due to the complexity of the supply chain, consumers changing purchasing habits, government interventions, wars and labour shortages,” said Armstrong. “Our largest trade flows are South-North-South with our largest trading partner the USA. Will we see a new, larger flow of goods across Canada east to west, west to east as Canadians trade more with each other? Will Canada increase its exports and imports with the Far East and the EU? That can change supply chain patterns too,” he added.
Panellists will explore key topics such as how tariffs disrupt supply chains, strategies for diversifying suppliers, the impact of trade barriers on local businesses and new market opportunities for Canadian exporters throughout the discussion. Local business owners will also share firsthand experiences on how tariffs are affecting their operations and what steps they are taking to adapt to our rapidly changing environment.
“Our local economy is disrupted,” said Wiebe. “Peterborough sells more than $580 million in goods to the US and businesses here rely on American companies for the goods and materials they produce and sell. This is an opportunity to address the risks in our supply chain.”
Registration for the event can be found at CFP’s website.
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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.
Voice of Business: Reconsidering Interprovincial Trade Barriers
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The temporary implementation of U.S. tariffs by President Donald Trump, followed by a pause until March 4, has reignited discussions about improving domestic trade.
In response, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, along with many other provincial chambers, has renewed its call to remove interprovincial trade barriers.
With the U.S. being Canada’s largest trading partner and thousands of Canadian jobs relying on the American economy, it is crucial to look inward and mitigate potential risks associated with a trade war. The pause in tariffs has forced Canada to rethink its trade strategy, leading to efforts to strengthen relationships with European and other global partners. Amidst these shifts, calls to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers have gained momentum, as doing so could add an estimated $200 billion to annual GDP.
The debate over interprovincial trade barriers has persisted for decades, but recent U.S. trade policies have intensified the urgency. While removing these barriers may not replace Canada’s trade relationship with the U.S., experts argue that it is a crucial step toward economic resilience. This edition of Voice of Business will examine the impact of interprovincial trade barriers, current restrictions between provinces, and the future of interprovincial trade and its benefits for businesses.
Interprovincial trade barriers create inefficiencies in multiple industries, including product sales, trucking regulations, and labour mobility (licensing and certification requirements). One of the most well-known examples is alcohol sales. Each province has its own regulations for selling alcohol, making it difficult for businesses to operate across borders. These barriers increase compliance costs and reduce business opportunities.
For instance, in Quebec, only the provincial alcohol corporation, Société des Alcools du Québec (SAQ), has the legal authority to import alcohol. Even individuals bringing alcohol into Quebec must file an online declaration form, regardless of whether the alcohol is a gift or personal purchase. This creates significant hurdles for Ontario businesses trying to expand into Quebec.
Another major barrier is trucking regulations. Different provinces impose varying restrictions on truck weights and loads, limiting the ability of businesses to transport goods efficiently. For example, Nova Scotia enforces strict weight limits, restricting certain types of cargo from entering the province. Additionally, direct-to-consumer shipping alcohol is restricted in several provinces, further complicating interprovincial commerce. While these regulations are often intended to protect local businesses, they ultimately hinder economic growth and business expansion.
The federal government has acknowledged these challenges and has expressed its commitment to addressing them. However, because trade regulations fall under provincial jurisdiction, the responsibility lies with the provinces to harmonize rules and ease restrictions. Some progress has been made. In 2017, the federal, provincial, and territorial governments signed the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), committing to reducing trade barriers. In early 2024, agreements were approved for 17 of the 30 restricted sectors, but key barriers remain. Provinces have taken independent steps, such as Alberta and British Columbia reducing alcohol trade restrictions and the Atlantic Growth Strategy (launched in 2016) harmonizing licensing requirements for skilled trades.
With new U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum already in place and more expected in early March, Canada must act quickly to support businesses. By removing interprovincial trade barriers, businesses can offset some of the negative effects of external trade restrictions and strengthen the domestic economy. Minister of Transport, Anita Anand has suggested that trade barriers could be eliminated within a month if provinces collaborate. However, achieving meaningful progress requires a coordinated effort to streamline trade regulations, standardize trucking policies, and improve labour mobility.
By fostering a truly open domestic market, Canada can better support its businesses and ensure long-term economic growth—regardless of external pressures.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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.
18 Growth-Stage Companies Accepted into Innovation Cluster's LevelUp For $10,000 Prize
/Peterborough and the Kawarthas (Innovation Cluster) has launched the first 2025 cohort of LevelUp, its business accelerator program for technology companies with a minimum viable product (MVP).
File Photo.
LevelUP’s 12-week program is designed to help innovative tech-based businesses commercialize and scale. It includes branding, revenue models, product management, go-to-market plans, customer acquisition, funding and exit strategies. On April 30, this LevelUP cohort concludes with a pitch competition in which eight participating companies will compete for a $10,000 cash prize.
The pitch competition is made possible by the following industry-leading companies that are each sponsoring both 2025 LevelUP cohorts:
Matrix Venture Studio is a boutique consulting firm dedicated to empowering immigrant entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals, and growing businesses in Canada to achieve their entrepreneurial goals and build successful ventures.
LaunchPath is a business incubator and accelerator that helps businesses launch and grow in Canada by offering various services, from coaching and mentorship to funding and resources.
Innovation Venture Farm Inc. is a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial hub that provides innovators with the resources, mentorship, and funding to turn groundbreaking ideas into successful products.
“The popularity and quality of companies applying to LevelUP demonstrate the need that entrepreneurs in the region have in scaling their businesses,” said Zahra Shafiei, Program Lead. In helping these companies navigate growth challenges and accelerate their businesses, the Innovation Cluster is honoured to be part of their success.”
Open to companies across the province, each ‘LevelUp’ cohort has been oversubscribed.
The companies accepted into the Spring 2025 LevelUp cohort are:
Assertive AI
Cherie AI
DocumentPro
FuturU Global Health, Inc.
Happy Cramps
Her Yes Club
Leapon
MainLogix Technology
MantaHQ
Morphace, Inc.
MYWALLAPP
Ninichef Education Labs, Inc.
Parham PKM
Reziland
Salleo
Sanostrategy Corporation
Storetune Fashion Retail, Inc.
Yadag Technologies, Inc.
Upon completing LevelUP, participating businesses will be prepared to market test and scale their business with a realistic go-to-market strategy and investor pitch.
The second 2025 cohort will begin on Aug. 6 and will be offered free of charge to participants. The Innovation Cluster encourages all growth-stage technology companies that have achieved MVP or are deploying it to apply by July 15.
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 MVP and a team committed to growth and collaboration.
Must be a company based in Ontario.
