It's 1979 & The Canadian Rally Of The Tall Pines Starts In Downtown Peterborough

In 1979, the starting point for Molson's Rally of the Tall Pines took place in Peterborough as part of the last stop in Molson's Rally Championship of Canada series that year.

Here are the cars rolling into Peterborough to begin preparations...

The racers come from all over North America and get their cars ready (some rocking trucker hats and plaid, like this guy from Rochester, NY)...

The official start area for the race is at Peterborough City Hall in the downtown...

And the race begins with the "transit stage" in downtown Peterborough...

Then the next stage of the race begins outside the city in a more wide open area for spectators...

Watch the full video of the race highlights here...

Canadian Rally Championship from Peterborough ON

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New Bell Service Centre Coming To Downtown Peterborough Could Create Up To 400 Jobs

Photo via @sandramdueck on Twitter

Here's the full press release today...

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Bell Canada and its subsidiary Nordia today announced the opening of a new call centre in Peterborough to serve Bell residential and wireless customers. Part of Bell's strategy to improve customer service, the investment of approximately $5 million will create an expected 400 new jobs in Peterborough.

"Delivering a better service experience at every level is a core part of Bell's customer-focused investment strategy," said John Watson, executive vice president of Customer Operations for Bell. "Bell is proud of our investment in new call centres here in Ontario and across Canada, and the new Peterborough location will play a major role in ensuring Bell delivers a superior customer experience."

Photo via @stoosnews on Twitter

Since 2010, Bell's wholly owned subsidiary Nordia has opened or acquired 8 call centres in communities across Canada, including Peterborough, to serve Bell customers.

"I am delighted with today's announcement by Bell," said Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett, who was joined by Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and J. Murray Jones, Peterborough County Warden. "The new centre reflects not only a significant employment initiative, but a strong vote of confidence in the Peterborough economy by a highly respected Canadian company. Many have worked tirelessly to bring about this economic boost to our community and we will continue to support Bell and Nordia as they bring this initiative to life."

"Delivering great service to Bell customers is all about attracting and retaining the most skilled and passionate customer service representatives," said John DiNardo, president of Nordia. "We chose Peterborough for the skill and stability of its workforce as well as the high quality of life available in the community."

Nordia is in now recruiting for both management and frontline service positions, with training sessions beginning in November and the first Bell customers to be served later that month. Once fully operational, the centre expects to employ 400 people and contribute approximately $14 million to the local economy each year.

[media release via BCE.ca]

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Peterborough's DBIA Suggest "Care Meters" In The Downtown

[chextvDOTcom; DBIA]

What do you think of this idea?

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PtboPic: Big Huge Giant Bike Moves Through Downtown Peterborough

[via Ryan Lalonde]

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The Funky Buddha Is Closing Up Shop

After being open for about four years, the eclectic little clothing boutique The Funky Buddha in downtown Peterborough is closing. It's always sad to see a downtown business shut down.

It will remain open until January 22nd, and everything is 50% off until then.

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