About Lakefield

Lakefield, Ontario is a village of approximately 2400 people, formerly a separate village, Lakefield is now the capital of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield township. Lakefield enjoys a pristine location, at Lock 26, on the west side of the world famous Trent-Severn Waterway. With the brand new Village Inn and a completely refurbished marina Lakefield Ontario is well on it's way again for a prominent role as a tourism destination in the Kawartha's.

Accentuating the village's great location is the many varied cultural events and attractions, starting in May each year. Events such as the Lakefield Literary Festival which has featured great writers such as June Callwood, and Robert Harris.

Perhaps Lakefield's most famous claim is the long time presence and successful operation of the Lakefield College School. The Lakefield College School's best known student is probably Prince Andrew of the British Royal family. Lakefield College is host every year to many young people from all over the world, seeking a world class education coupled with the enjoyment of the great outdoors."

About the Kawarthas

Life is good in the Kawarthas.  Come summer, The Festival of Lights concert series, on Little Lake in the center of Peterborough, is a highlight and focal point of the area with music, lights and fireworks twice weekly.

Just 90 minutes outside of Toronto, Peterborough and the Kawarthas offers the calm of small town life and a gateway to some of Canada's most coveted cottage country.  With a natural wealth of clean, sparkling lakes and rivers and varied landscapes, it's easy to see why the First Nations people called this area Kawartha (Land of Shining Waters).  Today, hundreds of years later, the same waterways and open spaces continue to enchant nature-lovers, inspire artists and provide a habitat for countless species of wildlife.  Interwoven with this natural beauty you'll find a host of other pleasant surprises.

Nestled along the banks of the Otonabee River, the City of Peterborough offers many venues for arts, culture and recreational activities.  Step outside the vibrant downtown core and the surrounding picturesque towns and villages such as Lakefield, welcome you with still more unique possibilities:  indoor and outdoor galleries and theatres, historic parks, ideal places to picnic, swim or sail, cottages, fishing ... and the list goes on.

Peterborough is home to Trent University, Canada's Outstanding Small University, set along the wooded banks of the Otonabee River, and Sir Sandford Fleming College.

Since the days of pioneer writers Susanna Moodie and Catharine Parr Traill, the Kawarthas have provided inspiration for some of Canada's most creative minds.  Indeed, few places so close to nature can also boast such a vibrant arts community.  Many musicians, actors, playwrights, painters, writers and craftspeople call the Kawarthas home. Whether you're looking for adventure, entertainment or just a place to relax and let go, the Kawarthas has it all.

For more information on tourism in the Kawarthas, please visit Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism at www.thekawarthas.net.

GPAEDC "Made in Peterborough" Promotional Campaign Launched

The Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation launched the region's new promotional campaign at an event held today at the GPAEDC offices on Wolfe Street. The New "Made in Peterborough theme will highlight the many diverse products manufactured in the Peterborough region through a comprehensive multimedia campaign. During the event the community was also updated on the GPAEDC's Manufacturing Training Initiative, a program designed to support local manufacturing skills development. The Made in Peterborough promotional campaign will feature print media, radio advertising and a new online promotional video featuring testimonials from local manufacturing companies, outlining the advantages of being located in the Peterborough region.

"The Made in Peterborough initiative was derived from research that identified the importance of developing skilled manufacturing trades in the workforce to meet future needs in the Peterborough region," says GPAEDC President and CEO, Andy Mitchell. "In addition the the campaign will showcase the advantages of locating business in the city and county by highlighting the many exceptional products produced by world class companies located in the Peterborough region." The GPAEDC's $750,000 Manufacturing Training Initiative, supported by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Rural Economic Development program, was announced late last year and has provided funding to local manufacturers to support skills development to more than 2,000 employees as well as funding to support hiring of 56 youth or displaced individuals.

The Made in Peterborough campaign is scheduled to run to the end of 2008.

The usage guide for this campaign is online at www.madeinpeterbroughough.ca or visit www.gpaedc.on.ca

News from the Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation.

August 23, 2007-10-29

The Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation is pleased to advise, that commencing Monday, August 27, 2007 Peterborough and the Kawarthas Tourism will be operating from their new location at 1400 Crawford Drive.

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Tourism will be opening the doors to their new state-of-the-art Visitor Information Centre located on the corner of The Parkway and Crawford Drive.

The centre and the services available will reflect an effective and efficient response to traveler needs while the structure and layout will reflect the traditional cottage aesthetics integral to the Kawarthas.

The 4000 square foot facility is phase one in the development of this property which will include a Delta Hotel and conference centre, a family restaurant, automobile services, a picnic area, food services and ample parking for vehicles of all sizes.

Oval Announces Ground Breaking

September 25, 2007 - For Immediate Release

Lakefield - The Board and Organizers of the Ontario Speed Skating Oval project gathered today on the proposed development site and revealed that construction has officially begun. Graham Wilkins, Chairman of the Oval Board of Directors, outlined the future plans of the project identifying that site preparation has begun and will continue in preparation to have a natural ice oval at the site this winter. "The community will see and benefit from some events which will be held later this winter which will be a sign of things to come once the facility is actually constructed", stated Wilkins.

To help share in the news, four area youth spoke about the how the project will impact the community, the environment, the local economy and the sport of speed skating. Olympic hopeful, Stephanie Bowskill identified that the Oval will increase Canada's competitive edge in developing coaches and bettering athletes. Recent Mayors Youth Choice Award recipient and fellow speed skater, Dylan Wing, commented on the importance of such a facility will have on the community as it will increase volunteer opportunities and will encourage healthy and active living.

Area students Catherine and Julian McDonald outlined the positive impact the Oval will have on the environment and on the local economy. "With an estimated $14 million of economic impact annually local hotels, restaurants and shops with thrive", stated Catherine. Julian specified that the Oval will remove 11 000 tonnes of greenhouse gases, noting that, "(it is) important to reduce global warming, so that future generations can also enjoy this planet."

CEO and President of the Greater Peterborough and Area Economic Development Corporation, Andy Mitchell, emceed the event and reiterated the impact the Oval project will have on the area economy through the tourism generated; as well the project also speaks to the sense of community in fostering pride in our athletes and in having a world-class facility in the area.

"Today, the Oval project answers the question 'will the oval be built' and we are now working towards answering the question 'when will the oval be finished', stated Wilkins.

The Peterborough DNA Cluster

The Peterborough DNA Cluster is an exciting regional economic development initiative focused on commercializing regional DNA and related life sciences innovation, built on strategic alliances between private and public sector participants.

  The DNA Cluster is founded on a multi-party collaboration between Trent University, the Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation, Sir Sandford Fleming College, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and private sector representatives. It is incorporated as a not-for-corporation entity with a Board of Directors that has strong leadership and governance experience. The Cluster enjoys widespread citizen support throughout the greater Peterborough region.

The DNA Cluster is in advanced stages of its initial development and is actively working with the Ontario and Federal governments, local governments and potential private sector partners to move forward to the next phases in its growth focused on commercialization development. The DNA Cluster organization is a consortia member of the RIN - Regional Innovation Networks program of the Ontario government Ministry of Research and Innovation.

The DNA Cluster received its letters patent on January 07, 2004 as a non-profit corporation aimed at adding value to the region by facilitating the growth and commercialization of regional innovation. The goals for the DNA Cluster in our region are to:

• Attract new businesses
• Attract new institutes
• Create, build and expand businesses
• Expand research and development at Trent University and commercialize IP
• Expand research and development at Fleming College and commercialize IP
• Build a sustainable organization to promote the commercialization of regional innovation

The DNA Cluster is a major initiative aimed at facilitating economic growth and global competitiveness in the Greater Peterborough region. This initiative will attract and expand knowledge-based job creation, investment and company creation in the DNA and life sciences-related sector. The DNA Cluster will create the appropriate conditions for the commercialization of technologies. This will include the commercialization of technologies in DNA profiling, bioinformatics, the environmental sciences, forensics, natural resources management and related life sciences.

Federal Government and Peterborough MP Dean Del Mastro Announces $1.2 Million for Oval Project.

April 20, 2007 For Immediate Release

Kawartha Lakes-Lakefield

The Board of Directors and the Organizers of the Ontario Speed Skating Oval project received news in Lakefield today that they will be receiving $1.2 million in Federal funding towards the Oval Project. Peterborough MP Dean Del Mastro announced this morning that the funding will be used toward the purchase of the Ice Kube System refrigeration plant. The funding comes through Natural Resources Canada Technology Early Action Measures (TEAM) program which supports projects designed to reduce Green House Gas emissions nationally and internationally while sustaining economic and social development.

CEO and President of the Greater Peterborough and Area Economic Development Corporation (GPAEDC), Andy Mitchell, spoke of the many benefits the project offers the communithy. Peterborough and Kawartha lakes accommodation providers will benefit greatly from the shoulder season benefit to tourism. Conference centres and banquet facilities in the Peterborough and Lakefield area will see a definite benefit from the increased corporate activity created by such a project. Andy Mitchell concluded by stating that this project is the strongest and most unique initiative to take shape in years in the Kawartha Lakes and Greater Peterborough district.
MPP Jeff Leal and Minister of sport, Jim Watson identified the Ontario Speed Skating Oval as a project with provincial and national importance.

Graham Wilkins, a former Canadian Olympic rower and Chairman of the Oval Board stated, "The announcement today has changed the project from a development project in the Peterborough and Lakefield area, to a construction project and we are ready to move ahead".

Based on an article by:
George Gross Jan
28th 2006.

"Catriona Le May Doan could sell an ice box to the Inuit. After all she hails from Saskatoon. Canada's Olympic speed-skating queen was in town yesterday, to officially accept her appointment as chief spokesperson for a proposed $11-million speed skating oval in Lakefield, near Peterborough.

The two time Olympic Gold Medalist, in Nagano 1998 and Salt lake in 2002, was very passionate when speaking of the need to have a speed-skating oval in Ontario, our largest province.

Le May doan promised to fully support the construction of a speed-skating oval in Lakefield

"It's hard to imagine" said Doan, that "a province with 27 speed-skating clubs and 3,000 speed skaters doesn't have an oval."

Alan Heritage, a key member of the fundraising team, is adamant that "The Oval will benefit not only Ontarians but Canadians as a whole".

Newly elected Conservative MP Dean Del Mastro has promised to suport the financial drive.

Introduction to Lakefield-Courtesy of the Ontario Marine Association Boating Destination Guide 2007

If you're a history buff, Lakefield in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes, just north of Peterborough, should be on your destination list. Visit the homes of village founders such as Col. Samuel Strickland and acclaimed author Catherine Parr Traill.

Every July, Lakefield celebrates Canada's literary heritage, with the Lakefield Literary Festival. Readings from their works, and discussions regarding the works of past resident authors such as Margaret Laurence, Catherine Parr Traill, Susanna Moodie and Isabella Valency Crawford. The event is also attended by contemporaries such as Alice Munroe, Robert Harris and Shelagh Rodgers, to name a few. Other events not to miss include Victoria Days and the annual Jazz and Art Festival at Isabel Morris Park, in the past featuring artists such as Joe Sealy.

A visit to Lakefield also means browsing the many unique shops for antiques and collectibles, or purchasing a rare gift created by local artists.

The Millennium Trail is another attraction as it leads walkers and cyclists, along the scenic Otonabee River, to Trent University, Peterborough and the Trans Canada Trail.

For more information visit call the Kawartha Lakes Chamber of Commerce at (705) 652-6963.

Leader of the pack in trail research

by John Marsh

The recent celebration in Peterborough, of the Trans Canada Trail, and the official opening of the Trail in Ottawa on September 9 draw attention to the important place of trails in Canadian landscapes and lifestyles. For thousands of years, Native people criss-crossed this country on trails and portages, securing natural resources and conducting trade. The Kawartha's strongest evidence of this being the Petroglyphs located at Petroglyphs Provincial park. The local Chemung Portage, as well as the Percy Portage, are other good examples though more difficult to locate. We have a legacy of more recent trails, such as the Chilkoot Pass trail to the Klondike, the trail from Kingston to Fort York, and the West Coast Trail, the old lifesaving route along the treacherous coast of Vancouver Island. Perhaps many such routes should be recognized as National or Provincial Historic Trails.

Today, we value trails primarily for recreation and tourism. They afford opportunities for healthy activities, from walking the dog, to roller blading. Last weekend, I encountered over 100 people in 20 minutes on the Rotary Trail. Trails can also encourage alternative transportation, and serve as commuter routes, as exemplified by students who are once again riding from downtown Peterborough along the Rotary Trail to Trent. The potential tourism value of trails was demonstrated by a study we conducted of the Bruce Trail. It counted over 340,000 hikers in a year who spent some $50 million on this activity, the equivalent of 632 full-time jobs.

The abandonment of numerous railway lines has given us a unique opportunity to develop a system of trails from inner city areas to the countryside and wilderness beyond. In this area, the defunct line from Lindsay to Peterborough and Stirling, the proposed route of the Trans Canada Trail, is a good example. However, the provincial government has been tardy in acquiring it for such use, so public support for this is needed and should be expressed now.

Given our heritage of trails, the need to develop new routes and to manage them for local recreation and tourism, there is a considerable demand for research on trails. In recognition of this, Trent University, in cooperation with Fleming College, established a Trail Studies Unit, in 1992. It now has a library of over 3000 references on all aspects of trails and receives requests for information from all over the world. The Unit has hosted national and provincial conferences on trails, and published books on "Rails to Greenways" and "Trails and Tourism." The Unit conducts research involving students, and on a consulting basis. MA theses have been written on the Mackenzie-Voyageur Route across Canada, on policies for trails in Ontario, and on the management of environmental impacts and conflicts in the Ganaraska Forest. Undergraduate students have studied the impacts of mountain bikes and ATVS, as well as the environmental impacts of trail recreation in places as diverse as: Silent Lake and Quetico Provincial Parks in Ontario, Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta, and Auyuittuq National Park on Baffin Island. Such studies have been supported by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Northern Scientific Training Grants, Mountain Equipment Coop, and Shimano Canada.

Students can get practical experience on trails doing a course on trail construction at Fleming College - Lindsay, on trails on the University Campus, as well as through summer jobs. This August, students, faculty and members of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers built a new trail, which we invite you to hike, on the drumlin behind Lady Eaton College. Such academic and practical experience has helped students get jobs with such agencies as Haliburton Trails and Tours, Ontario Parks, Victoria Country Tourism Office, Naturally Superior Adventures and Parks Canada. Students have assisted with trail research for Kawartha Lakes Tourism, Otonabee Conservation, the Rotary Club and the City. Recent local research investigated the use and conflicts on the Rotary Trail, and attitudes of landowners adjacent to it. Few conflicts are being experienced that could not be resolved by education and design. Adjacent landowners generally have a positive attitude towards it. Currently, Consuelo van Beek is studying the use of this trail, and its economic impact on Lakefield. She has found that users of the trail spend an average $4.82 in Lakefield, mainly on ice cream and drinks. While this may not seem much, given the increasing popularity of the trail, Lakefield will likely receive about $40,000 from trail users by the end of the summer. The Unit also produces trail guides, and just issued ones for the Rotary-Greenway Trail to Lakefield and the Promise Rock Trail on campus.

For more in formation on trails (including descriptions of trails in the local area), and the Trail Studies Unit, see our website (www.trentu.ca/academic/trailstudies), or call: 748-1011, ext.1419, or email me. John Marsh (jmarsh@trentu.ca)