Ontario butter tart controversy melts into collaboration

They're sweet, they're gooey and heating butter tarts have also heated tempers in two rural Ontario towns. But as the pans cool, so, too may cooler heads prevail, creating a partnership between two baking rivals.

Officials in Wellington North township, creators of the Butter Tart Trail, smelled a familiar aroma wafting from Kawartha Lakes earlier this year, and they didn't like it one bit.

[ Related: Newfoundlander offering sweet treats at Paris bakery ]

The community about 200 kilometres east of Wellington North had created and trademarked the Butter Tart Tour, which is a path of 30 bakeries in the area that sell the treat. Wellington North sent its neighbour a cease-and-desist letter, and bakers in each community spat criticisms at each other through the Globe and Mail, each saying their butter tarts were the best.

CTV reported Kawartha Lakes agreed to change their tour's name to the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour, creating some distinction between the two attractions.

The tension might not have lifted for everyone, but the Peterborough Examiner reported the two townships would be part a teleconference to brainstorm cross-promotional ideas for butter tarts in their towns and elsewhere in Ontario.

[ Related: Los Angeles shop churns ice cream by bike pedalling ]

Officials suggested more meetings and collaboration could follow.

I wonder who will bring dessert.