​There are some big changes coming to employment laws in Ontario effective July 1. Harbr Human Resources are hosting a free 30-minute webinar for businesses that will cover updates to key areas like hiring, onboarding, and compliance. Big changes include pay transparency in job postings, washroom access for delivery drivers, and naloxone kit requirements. The webinar will be June 18 at 3pm. Contact Harbr HR to register.
 
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area are partnering with Summer Soul Yoga and Pilates to offer free yoga and Pilates at Quaker Square during the farmers’ market on various Saturdays. Enjoy some fresh air while getting moving through energizing Pilates designed to strengthen, stretch, and invigorate your body. All are welcome. Dress comfortably and bring a mat if you can. Find out more at summersoul.ca.
 
Community Care Peterborough are gearing up for a busy summer season with their thrift shops. They have five stores across the region, including Apsley, Ennismore, Havelock, Millbrook, and Bridgenorth. Each has unique, affordable items that are perfect for the cottage. Not only will you find some great deals and interesting items, but you’ll be supporting programs and services that keep seniors and adults living with disabilities living healthy and safe in their own homes by helping fund Community Care.
 
The Chamber of Commerce has a couple of events coming up. There’s the Four Mayor’s Breakfast on June 11 from 8 to 10am at Beachwood Resort. You’ll hear from the mayors of North Kawartha, Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, and Trent Lakes. There’s a full buffet breakfast, moderated discussion, and an opportunity to ask your own questions. Get your tickets at pkchamber.ca.
 
There’s also the annual Living Well Seniors Showcase June 18 from 9am to 4pm at Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre. The show features more than 100 vendors and 10 workshops. It’s a great way to connect with local businesses, non-profits, and services for both retirees and those planning for retirement. There are still a couple booths available if you want to showcase your business to the region’s largest demographic. Reach out to the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce for more details.
 

​After 55 years of keeping Peterborough comfortable, John Andela has sold his business, Rayco, to Laverne Coulter of Coulter Heating and Air Conditioning. John expresses his gratitude for the support and loyalty of his customers over the last 55 years and is ensuring a smooth transition to the new owners. Rayco specialized in heating and cooling, expanding their offering to keep up with the latest technology. John started the business in 1970, working out of his 1966 Pontiac that ran double duty as the family car. Their success can be attributed to their customer first approach, ensuring the team provide prompt and efficient service when it’s needed. Well done John and the team at Rayco, you’ve left quite a legacy!
 
Looking for an epic nerf battle party? Have a Blast is a new business offering a fully customized battlefield of inflatable bunkers to convert any backyard, local park, or indoor space into an inflatable arena. Rentals come with blasters, darts, protective eyewear, tactical team vests, and bunkers. Their battlefield is great for birthdays, team building, fundraising, festivals, and weddings. All ages are encouraged. Game setups include capture the flag, team elimination, zombie, and mayhem. You can find them online at haveablast.ca.
 
Junior Achievement is helping young women explore careers in aviation. Their recent FemSTEAM event saw 70 young women from grades 7 and 8 from St. Patrick’s Catholic Elementary School and Kenner Intermediate head to Peterborough Airport for a flight through aviation at Flying Colours. The event included hands-on learning and mentorship, exploring careers in in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math within the aviation industry.
 
Shelby’s Peterborough is still fairly new, but they’re already winning awards, getting the platinum award in six categories in the CommunityVotes Peterborough 2025. The categories are all restaurants, chicken restaurants, fast food, fries, international food, and poutine. Shelby's Peterborough is your go-to destination for mouthwatering Middle Eastern cuisine and exceptional service. They offer dining in or take out with a warm and inviting atmosphere. If you haven’t yet tried Shelby’s legendary shawarma, drop by 1154 Chemong Road in Peterborough. 

​One Fine Food has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining by OpenTable. The list is made by analyzing more than 1 million diner reviews and metrics to help Canadians make the most of dining out this patio season. One Fine Food offers a unique dining experience that caters to everyone from shoppers taking a break while checking out their delicious market to foodies seeking a delicious meal in a casual setting. The restaurant sources authentic Italian flavours and recipes. The open kitchen, interactive dining experience, and wood-fired pizza oven add to the ambience. Drop by 800 Erskine Avenue in Peterborough and check out one of Canada’s best patios.
 
The Lakefield Literary Festival is back July 18 to 19 at Lakefield College School with a children’s tent in downtown Lakefield. New this year is a shuttle service sponsored by Selwyn Township, which runs from Trent University and stops in Lakefield before reaching Lakefield College School. Once again there’s an impressive lineup and a meet the author reception. The Lakefield Literary Festival showcases Canadian authors and promotes the joy of reading and writing among children and adults. Tickets are available at  LakefieldLiteraryFestival.com or drop by Happenstance Books and Yarns in Lakefield.
 
Wild Rock Outfitters have launched Wild Again, a trade-in and resale program designed to extend the life of outdoor gear while fostering community and environmental stewardship. The in-store phase one is up and running while the national online platform will launch this summer. Wild Rock invites customers to declutter and trade in lightly used apparel and equipment in exchange for store credit. Participants can also choose to donate their credit to Wild Rock’s ComPassion Project, which supports local social justice and environmental organizations. Check out the basement at Wild Rock for some quality pre-loved gear.
 
Looking for a place to take your kid where they can explore, play and socialize? The Play Spot PTBO offers just that. Located at 1524 Lansdowne Street West Unit 1B in Peterborough, The Play Spot PTBO offers an innovative and safe environment for children to engage in physical, cognitive and social development through play. The aim is to provide a sense of community among families. Daily, weekly, and monthly passes are available. They also offer party packages.
 
*Note: The Lakefield Literary Festival pictures are courtesy of the Lakefield Herald. All others are submitted by the businesses.