13 Business Startups to 'LevelUP' Through Innovation Cluster Peterborough's Accelerator Program

The Innovation Cluster has released the 13 companies selected for the inaugural cohort of LevelUP, a groundbreaking startup accelerator program, announced at the Venture North Building on Tuesday morning.

Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster.

LevelUP is a fully-funded, comprehensive startup accelerator created for experienced entrepreneurs and regional innovators according to a press release.

“The selection of these 13 companies for LevelUP is a milestone for our region,'“ said Camila Duarte, Innovation Cluster executive director. “We are fostering a sustainable ecosystem where innovation and economic growth thrive together. This program symbolizes our commitment to transforming our region into a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs.”

The program offers mentorship, workshops, networking opportunities and access to funding to transform startups into thriving businesses. It acts as a fast-track program to bring more products and businesses to market in the region.

LevelUP runs in three cohorts annually, hosting a select number of companies over a 12-week journey culminating in a competition where they will pitch for investment and compete for prizes up to $10,000 and access an exclusive AI platform - Pitch Bob - per cohort.

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Six Fleming College Paramedic Students Take An Icy Dip For Campbellford Memorial Hospital

Six Fleming College Paramedic students are taking the plunge to benefit Campbellford Memorial Hospital’s campaign to buy a new CT scanner, announced on Friday.

Fleming’s plunge from last year. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The Medic Mavericks team consists of Fleming students Danielle Blavert, Theo Guenther, Keyanna O’Rourke, Emily Escott, Maddie Mason-Gaynor, and Taiya Martin.

A goal of $1,000 is set to help the hospital’s cause.

The students will be dressed in their paramedic uniforms and will brave Trent River’s frigid temperatures on Saturday at noon. They will jumpfrom the shoreline at Lion’s Club Park in Campbellford. 

Donors can go online to give to the Medic Maverick’s campaign.

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Peterborough Police Receive $167,000 From Provincial Government to Fight Against Hate Crimes

A portion of money confiscated by the police from crimes is being reinvested in the Peterborough Police Service with $167,000 from the Ontario government to differentiate a hate bias incident and a hate crime, announced at the Peterborough Police Station on Friday afternoon.

MPP Dave Smith (left) and Chief Stuart Betts (right) making the joint announcement at the Peterborough Police Station. Ontario is investing more than $1.7 million to help stop hate-motivated crimes across the province. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The announcement was made by Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP so the police can develop a deeper understanding of hate crimes and hate bias to create informed and efficient responses and strategies.

“There is no better way to use the proceeds from crimes then using that money on prevention,” said Smith. “We are seeing a rise in hate-related incidents and it is unacceptable in our community. Everyone deserves the safety and assurances that they will not be targeted because of their beliefs, race, or sexual orientation.”

This project will include a Campaign designed to educate the Community about the distinction between hate bias and hate crime, streamline reporting protocols and the role of law enforcement and the collective accountability inherent in countering these issues. A comprehensive hate incident database will also be established.

Since 2018, Ontario has invested more than $16 million in crime prevention initiatives across the province through the Proceeds of Crime Front-Line Policing Grant program.

“Not only will a comprehensive hate incident database be developed but there will be ongoing training for all members of the Service and a public education campaign to inform members of our community about when and how to report to police as well as the difference between a hate bias incident and a hate crime,” said Chief Stuart Betts. “It’s important for us to know when these types of incidents happen and that all residents continue to feel safe in reporting them. Community safety is always our top priority, and we want to do everything we can to ensure a safe inclusive community for all.”

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OLG Issues Third-Quarter Gaming Revenue Payment to Peterborough of $700,000

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has made their third quarter payment totalling $704,652 to the City of Peterborough for hosting Shorelines Casino Peterborough announced on Friday morning.

Since 1994, host communities have received more than $2 billion in non-tax gaming revenue. File Photo.

The quarter was from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31.

During OLG’s fiscal year (April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024), Peterborough has received $2,294,602. Since the gaming site opened in October 2018, Peterborough has amassed $11,698,967 according to a press release.

These payments to host communities are based on a formula consistently applied across all gaming sites in Ontario using a graduated scale of gaming revenue at the hosted site as stated in a press release. 

“OLG continues to provide Municipality Contribution Agreement payments to gaming host communities for vital programs and services that benefit all Ontarians,” ssaid Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “Land-based casinos offer good, local jobs and play an important role in supporting strong, vibrant communities for families to live, work and play.”

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Community Futures Peterborough To Give $50,000 To Peterborough and County Projects In New Funding Program Launch

Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) has launched a new funding program called the Community Advancement Program (CAP) to distribute $50,000 to projects driving economic stability, job growth and job creation which was announced at the Venture North Building on Tuesday morning.

(From left to right) Charlina Westbye, CFP board chair; Devon Girard, CFP executive director; Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County warden and Jeff Leal, Peterborough mayor. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The program provides a maximum of up to $5,000 (non-repayable funding) to each successful applicant for their project. It is open to all businesses, not-for-profits and individuals in the City and County of Peterborough.

“The creation of this program demonstrates the commitment our organization has to advancing our local community forward,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “The distribution of $50,000 in our economy should make a real difference to drive various economic development initiatives.”

CFP seeks projects that boost community business attraction, investment, retention and employment. Applications are being accepted until March 8, when a committee will oversee the applicant process following the deadline.

“The Community Advancement Program will boost economic development in our region by helping businesses, non-profits and individuals in the City and County of Peterborough to invest in their community,” said Jeff Leal, Peterborough mayor. 

“Community Futures Peterborough, with the support of FedDev Ontario, continues to help our business community reach its full potential,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “The CAP program will help businesses to adapt, innovate, and grow to serve our communities including those in rural Peterborough County.”

The federal government funds the money through FedDev Ontario.

CFP will notify selected applicants in April, according to Girard. Applications are available online at CFP’s website.

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Ontario Government Invests Over $10 Million to Peterborough and County For Infrastructure; Mayor Jeff Leal to Prioritize Fixing Downtown Roads, Calling Them 'Embarrassing'

The Ontario Government has invested $10,154,936 into Peterborough-Kawartha to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure for 2024.

Mayor Jeff Leal wants to prioritize upgrading several deteriorated downtown roads, calling them ‘an embarrassment.’

In 2023, the Ontario government provided $400 million in funding through OCIF to 425 communities. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding is being delivered through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund to help support economic growth and job creation, according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“This investment of over $10 million will improve infrastructure throughout the municipalities in the region,” he said. “It is formula-based funding that is sent out to the municipalities each year and is something they can count on to plan for critical infrastructure projects.”

The following is what each municipality is receiving from the $10 million:

• North Kawartha: $100,000

• Trent Lakes: $119,868

• Douro-Dummer: $161,441

• Havelock-Belmont-Methuen: $180,124

• Selwyn: $304,404

• Peterborough County: $996,071

• Peterborough: $8,293,028

Leal was adamant about upgrading downtown roads such as Aylmer Street, George Street and Water Street.

“Some of these projects had been on the books for well over two decades,” he said.

The dilapidated roads are not representative of what Downtown Peterborough is supposed to be, according to Leal.

“When people come to the City of Peterborough, they drive to Downtown. What impression do we want them to have for the City of Peterborough?” he said. “The impression we want them to have is an innovative, growing and a progressive community and not talk about washboard streets in your downtown corner.”

Leal continued to label the roads as an embarrassment which should be addressed with the funds from the 2024 budget.

“As I've said many times, they're an embarrassment,” he explained. “An embarrassment to me and an embarrassment to every citizen in the City of Peterborough. You can't have your downtown streets in that kind of condition.”

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Ontario Government Invests Nearly $60,000 For Rural Economic Growth

The Ontario government, through through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Rural Economic Development Program is providing $59,768 to Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) and the City of Kawartha Lakes (CKL) for rural economic growth.

The project is partly funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding aids the ‘Growing the Local Food Wholesale Market’ in the Kawartha region. The multi-phase, multi-year initiative aims to scale up local food production and regional wholesale marketing to create a more robust availability of locally produced foods through local wholesale channels, according to a press release.

“Investments in rural communities help diversify and grow local economies, making growth more inclusive in our region,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “Good things grow in Ontario when we nurture local entrepreneurs and give them the tools they need to collaborate and innovate.”

The project is a collaboration between PKED and CKL to expand local food production and consumption capacity by connecting, training and coaching food producers and buyers. This project builds upon previous agricultural economic development initiatives by PKED and CKL. It seeks to take the next step in expanding the local wholesale food marketplace, including tailored aggregation and distribution systems. 

The RED program provides cost-share funding for activities that create strong rural communities. This includes funding assistance to build local capacity and improve job prospects. The program aligns with the government’s priorities of removing barriers to investment, opening doors to rural economic development and creating good jobs across the province. 

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Applications For 2024 Community Grants Open On Nov. 1

The City of Peterborough Community Grants Program application process will open at noon Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Any not-for-profit group or association in the City that would like to be considered is invited to complete an online application for a Community Project Grant or a Community Investment Grant.

The purpose is to provide financial assistance to non-profit, community-based organizations that provide direct programs, services or activities that enhance the quality of life for Peterborough residents in the areas of social services and health, arts, culture, heritage, recreation or the environment according to the City.

Applications will be open for the following Community Grants streams:

• Community Project Grants – support for a specified project for which the requested amount is $250 to $1,000.

• Community Investment Grants – support for projects and special events, specific programs or operating budgets for which the requested amount is $1,000 to $15,000.

The deadline for grant applications is Dec. 6 at noon.

Council annually sets aside funds to be allocated to various groups within the City of Peterborough. All applications will be subject to evaluation and final approval by the Council. The Community Grants Program is a competitive program and funding is limited and not guaranteed.

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Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation Funds Nearly $3 Million From Shorelines Gaming Revenue to City of Peterborough

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation provided $2,934,300 to the City of Peterborough in Fiscal Year 2023 as its share of gaming revenue from Shorelines Casino Peterborough in a tree-planting event at Bowers Park on Thursday morning.

Since the gaming site opened in October 2018, the City of Peterborough has received $10,323,782.  Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

There were 70 trees planted to highlight the City’s use of $1.8 million from the host community revenue to support urban forestry activities. 

In previous years, the City has used its OLG revenue to help fund projects such as the construction of Quaker Foods City Square, building splash pads, supporting the new Canadian Canoe Museum project and expanding the City’s trails and cycling network. 

“Through investments in our urban forest to maintain the tree canopy and to plant new trees, we are enhancing the quality of life and well-being for the community,” said Councillor Joy Lachica. “Trees are incredibly important, especially in urban areas where they help filter pollutants from the air, contribute to stormwater management, and provide a cooling effect – an oasis amid the heat of the built environment.”

“OLG is proud to be a vital part of the City of Peterborough, said Kathleen Devine, OLG’s senior municipal relations manager. “Each and every year, 100 per cent of OLG profits are reinvested in Ontario to support provincial priorities. From critical infrastructure to important local programs, to community festivals, OLG’s profits are hard at work in Peterborough and all across our province to build stronger communities.”

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OLG Issues Second-Quarter Gaming Revenue Payment to Peterborough of $800,000

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has made their second quarter payment totalling $800,021 to the City of Peterborough for hosting Shorelines Casino Peterborough announced on Wednesday morning.

Since 1994, host communities have received more than $2 billion in non-tax gaming revenue.. File Photo.

The quarter was from July 1 to Sept. 30.

During OLG’s fiscal year from Apr. 1 to Mar. 31, 2024, Peterborough has received $1,589,950. Since Shoreline’s opening in October 2018, the city has amassed $10,994,315.

These payments to host communities are based on a formula consistently applied across all gaming sites in Ontario using a graduated scale of gaming revenue at the hosted site according to a press release. 

“OLG continues to be a proud partner in hosting gaming communities,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance.  “Municipality Contribution Agreement payments help these municipalities fund priorities such as community infrastructure, parks and recreation and local health care facilities, benefiting families and local residents.”

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