The Perkolator Story

News To Perk You Up

Since 1995, The Perkolator has been giving people a reason to pause, smile and enjoy a little good news.

Our first edition appeared in Huntsville and North Muskoka in August 1995. Founder Brian Garvey had a simple idea: create something people would enjoy reading over coffee or a meal, while giving local businesses an affordable way to reach customers in their own communities.

That idea became The Perkolator—a free publication filled with humour, trivia, interesting facts and positive, uplifting stories. Its distinctive folded, three-column format made it easy to pick up, read at a table and share with a friend.

More than 30 years later, that familiar combination of entertainment and encouragement remains at the heart of what we do.

A Familiar Face in the Community

From its beginnings in Huntsville, The Perkolator expanded into neighbouring communities, including Orillia, Bracebridge and Gravenhurst. Over the years, it has become a familiar companion in restaurants, coffee shops, waiting rooms and other gathering places.

Our readers come from all walks of life. Some turn straight to the jokes. Others enjoy testing their trivia knowledge or finding a fresh perspective in an uplifting article. Whatever brings them to the page, our goal is the same: to leave them feeling a little better than when they picked it up.

For advertisers, that connection offers something valuable—a welcoming place for their business to be seen, remembered and supported by local people.

A New Chapter, With Familiar Roots

Today, The Perkolator is owned and published by Marley Wigston through Muskoka Graphics Ltd.

Marley’s involvement began well before taking ownership. Through Muskoka Graphics, she had worked with The Perkolator since 2020, developing and maintaining its website and helping bring the publication to readers online. When Brian was ready to retire, Marley took the opportunity to carry his vision forward.

With a background in design, printing, websites and marketing—and deep roots in Muskoka—Marley brings fresh energy to a publication with a well-loved history.

That means preserving what readers enjoy while developing new ways to serve our communities, support advertisers and welcome the next generation of local area publishers.

In Print and Online

The Perkolator now reaches readers both on paper and on screen.

Our free print editions offer an enjoyable break from the day, while our weekly online editions bring more laughs, stories, trivia and inspiration wherever readers happen to be. Features such as On The Upside with Marley continue our tradition of finding the brighter side of everyday life.

Whether you discover us over breakfast, in a waiting room or on your phone, you’ll find the same friendly spirit.

Local People. Local Opportunity.

Supporting local business has been part of The Perkolator’s purpose from the beginning.

Our area publisher model also creates opportunities for independent entrepreneurs to build a business through local advertising sales and distribution. Behind every edition are people making connections, getting to know business owners and keeping The Perkolator part of community life.

We believe those connections should be welcoming and inclusive. Readers, advertisers and publishing partners of every age, gender and background have a place here.

As we look ahead, our purpose remains simple: bring people a little joy, help local businesses grow and give communities something positive to share.

The Perkolator—News To Perk You Up.