Trent University and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) today announced an exciting new partnership that will see the expansion of the Trent University student card (TrentU Card) program, allowing students to use their card at several off-campus merchants, including Black Honey, Natas Café, and The Whistle Stop.

“This is an important step forward in our attempt to connect our students with Peterborough’s downtown,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor at Trent University. “We’re keen to offer more options to our students with the support of the DBIA. With the DBIA, we are interested in working with downtown partners to encourage students to take advantage of the restaurants, businesses, and cultural activities in the City’s downtown core.”

As of today, students, staff and faculty will have the ability to load money onto their TrentU Card and use their card to make purchases at Black Honey, Natas Café, and The Whistle Stop, the top three merchants, which were selected by Trent students in a survey conducted in the spring of 2014. Window decals have been placed in each of the three businesses, announcing to the Trent community they now accept the TrentU Card.

"Trent is a vital part of the health and vibrancy of the downtown. This new initiative demonstrates Trent's desire to continue to be connected with the core. A vibrant downtown is of critical interest to draw students. This unique program will be most welcome in the downtown and has the potential for immense economic and cultural spin-offs," said Terry Guiel, executive director of the DBIA. “The DBIA is extremely excited to see the full potential of this initiative and what it could grow into."

Based on the success of the initial pilot project, which will run for one academic year, Trent plans to roll out additional machines with interested businesses across the city and is hopeful for a more wide-spread use and acceptance of the TrentU Card in Peterborough.

About the TrentU Card

The TrentU Card program launched at Trent University in January 2013. At the time, the TrentU Card could be used to pay for printing and photocopying only. Since then, the TrentU Card program has grown to having 85 point of sale devices across campus including laundry, access to the Trent Athletics Centre, food outlets and the Trent Bookstore. The TrentU Card-specific machine, which has been installed at the three downtown merchants, has a tap-reader, rather than a pin, chip or swipe, and includes the user’s photo printed on the front of the card for added purchase protection.