City of Peterborough Hosting Drop-In Session For Community Input on Proposed Improvements to Kawartha Heights Park

The City of Peterborough is inviting residents to learn more about proposed improvements to Kawartha Heights Park at a public drop-in session from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Peterborough Sports and Wellness Centre.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough, facebook.

Located at 2229 Kawartha Heights Blvd., Kawartha Heights Park currently features a playground, soccer field and basketball court.  

The City is looking to upgrade some existing features and add new amenities in the neighbourhood park. Residents are invited to provide feedback on which park amenities are best suited to meet the community's needs.  

The Kawartha Heights Park project is expected to happen over two phases. Phase 1 is planned for 2027 and includes upgrades to the ball diamond or the rectangular field to a Level B and formalizing parking. Phase 2 is planned for 2028 and includes the addition of a splash pad, a pet exercise area and a multi-use sport court. 

“Kawartha Heights Park is a valued neighbourhood space where residents come together to play and enjoy the outdoors,” said Monaghan Ward Councillors Matt Crowley and Don Vassiliadis in a joint statement. “These proposed improvements represent an exciting opportunity to build on that foundation, enhancing the park as a vibrant, welcoming community hub with something for everyone. From new amenities to upgraded spaces, this project will help create more opportunities for people of all ages to be active, gather and make lasting memories in their neighbourhood.”  

The opportunity to improve Kawartha Heights Park was identified as part of the City’s Parks and Outdoor Recreation Facilities Study. 

“The Parks and Outdoor Recreation Facilities Study is an important tool that helps us understand where there are opportunities to enhance parks and better meet the needs of residents across Peterborough,” said Community Services co-chairs Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “Kawartha Heights Park is one of the locations identified through this work, and this engagement process will help ensure future improvements reflect what the community values most.” 

During the drop-in session, City staff will be available to answer questions about the project. 

All proposed upgrades are subject to budget approval.  

A public survey is available online. Hard copies of the survey are available at City Hall (500 George St. N.) The survey will be open until 11:59 p.m. on May 8.

Further information about the project, including updates, a site plan and a summary of the public survey findings, will be posted online.

Residents with questions or concerns can also call 705-742-7777 ext. 1829.

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City of Peterboorugh Launches Initiative to Streamline the Review Process of Traffic and Parking Concerns

A new city-led initiative is giving residents a direct way to report traffic and parking concerns by creating the Traffic Technical Working Group (TTWG) and an online application form. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The TTWG, recently launched following City Council approval in January, brings together subject-matter experts from multiple City departments to take a coordinated, data-driven approach to addressing traffic and parking concerns throughout the city. 

The group includes staff specializing in Traffic, Parking, Engineering, Transportation Planning, Law Enforcement, and Municipal Operations. The TTWG will review community-submitted concerns and recommend data-driven solutions. 

Residents play a key role in this initiative. Community members are encouraged to submit traffic and parking concerns through the application form. Submissions will be reviewed by the TTWG, with updates provided to residents so they can stay informed about the status of their request. 

This new approach will help streamline the assessment of traffic and parking issues and concerns, ensure consistent decision-making, and support improved traffic operations within the city.

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Safe Moves Peterborough: Creating Safer Streets through the Transportation Safety Program

A 15-year Transportation Safety Program (TSP) is being developed as a step towards making streets safer in the City of Peterborough. 

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Building on previous initiatives such as the Transportation Master Plan, Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Policy, speed limit reductions and Active School Travel programs, the TSP will provide a clear, long-term approach to road safety across the community in a proactive and sustainable way, according to Mayor Jeff Leal. 

“This program is about making our streets safer for everyone in Peterborough,” he said. “It will allow us to look closely at where safety concerns exist and work to reduce serious collisions. It’s about making everyday travel safer, whether you’re walking, cycling, driving, or taking transit.” 

The TSP aims to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries by creating safer roads that help prevent harm. It focuses on shared responsibility between everyone who uses the roadways, including motorists, cyclists and pedestrians and those who design and manage the city’s roads. 

The success of the TSP relies on meaningful input from the community. Feedback helps ensure that the program reflects the experiences of people who live, work and travel in Peterborough. 

How to share feedback: 

• Visit the project page: Residents can provide input on their experiences with road user safety and identify high-risk locations through a mapping tool and survey available on the project page, connectptbo.ca/safemovesptbo.  
  Paper copies of the survey are available at the Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer Street N. and at City Hall, 500 George Street N. The survey closes on Friday, June 5. 

• Public Information Centres: Two Public Information Centres (PICs) will be hosted in June. The PICs will provide an opportunity to learn more about road safety risks and challenges. Attendees can share feedback and recommendations on the TSP. More details on the upcoming PICs will be shared when they become available.

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Public Input Sought on Waste Services Clean Streets Peterborough

The City of Peterborough is seeking community input to support Clean Streets Peterborough, a review of waste collection, litter management, and garbage on streets, in parks, on trails and in public spaces across the city. 

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The review will assess how waste services are delivered and identify opportunities to improve and modernize delivery. It will also evaluate how well current programs meet the needs of a growing and changing community, according to Cassandra Babcock, Public Works Operations Director.

“As our services evolve, it is important that we hear directly from those who rely on them,” she said. “Public input will help guide future improvements and ensure our programs continue to meet community needs.”  

Feedback is being collected to understand how current programs are working and where improvements may be needed.

Input will help inform the evaluation of:  

• Collection schedules and service levels  

• Waste diversion programs  

• Public education  

• Enforcement  

• Waste-related by-laws  

• Landfill operations

• Placement and maintenance of waste bins in parks, trails, and high-traffic areas

Survey feedback will inform future service planning and support ongoing efforts to maintain a clean and sustainable city and the survey will go live at a later date.

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City Hosting Public Drop-In Session For Riverview Park and Zoo Accessible Playground

Residents are invited to learn about proposed upgrades to the accessible playground at Riverview Park and Zoo and provide feedback to help shape the project.

Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

A public drop-in session will take place on April 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Rotary Education Centre in the Riverview Park and Zoo. Project staff will be available to answer questions and gather feedback from residents on the proposed accessibility improvements.

A public survey is also available online. Paper copies are available at City Hall (500 George St. N.) The survey will be open until 11:59 p.m. on May 1.

Accessible playground upgrades are part of a multi-year project focused on reducing steep slopes and improving access to the existing playground.  

Riverview Park and Zoo, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Peterborough, is working to raise $1.5 million to bring this vision to life. Project ROAR, a community-driven fundraising campaign, will support the development of an accessible, inclusive playground. 

“This project is about making sure every visitor to Riverview Park and Zoo has the opportunity to play, explore and feel included while enjoying the playground,” said Community Services co-chairs Councillor Lesley Parnell and Councillor Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “We encourage residents to share their ideas to help shape a space that reflects the needs of our community and supports a more accessible and welcoming experience for everyone.” 

Donations to support the Playground Accessibility Project can be made online.

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Parks Canada Hosting Public Information Sessions For Infrastructure Projects in Peterborough

Parks Canada is hosting two Public Information Sessions on several major infrastructure projects taking place along the Trent–Severn Waterway National Historic Site in Peterborough. 

Parks Canada is undertaking these projects to help ensure public safety and support the long-term stewardship of the Trent–Severn Waterway National Historic Site, preserving this important historic canal corridor for future generations.  Photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

Contractors are currently on site and work will soon begin on coordinated, multi-year projects that include the rehabilitation of the Peterborough Earth Dams, repairs and maintenance to the Peterborough Lift Lock and the replacement of the Maria Street Swing Bridge says Parks Canada.

The Public Information Sessions will provide an opportunity to learn more about the projects, including construction phases, timelines, anticipated impacts, mitigation measures, and the long-term benefits they will bring to the community. Representatives from Parks Canada will present project information and be available to answer questions. 

The same information will be presented at two sessions: 

• Virtual Public Information Session: March 23 at 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 

• In-Person Public Information Session: March 24 at 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 
  Peterborough Lions Club, 347 Burnham St. 

Residents can register for either session by emailing Parks Canada at trentsevern@pc.gc.ca.  

Residents can also sign up for project updates by emailing trentsevern@pc.gc.ca and including “Peterborough Canal Projects” in the subject line. 

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Peterborough Tourism Strategy Community Feedback Survey Now Open

Community members are invited to provide feedback on the draft direction of the Peterborough Tourism Strategy through a Community Feedback Loop Survey.

File photo.

The survey is open until March 22 at 11:59 p.m. It is an opportunity to review and provide feedback on the draft vision, goals, and strategic priorities developed based on the input received so far.

To date, the Peterborough community has been engaged through a survey, key informant interviews, in-person community cafés, and virtual focus groups according to the City. Insight and input gathered through these methods have served to inform the strategic direction for tourism, which will be presented to City Council for approval in spring 2026.

Work on developing the Peterborough Tourism Strategy began in the summer last year, with community engagement activities taking place over the fall months. The City has engaged Bannikin, an Ontario-based tourism consultancy with strong experience in facilitating the development of tourism strategies for communities and destination marketing organizations.

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City of Peterborough’s Corporate Accessibility Policy Seeking Public Contributions and Input

The City of Peterborough is inviting residents to provide input into its Corporate Accessibility Policy update.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

According to the City, the Corporate Accessibility Policy will help strengthen and standardize accessible service delivery across all City departments. By providing staff with consistent guidance and improving procedural access to City services, the policy promotes equity, inclusion and customer-focused service. 

The update ensures the City continues to meet current accessibility legislation, adopts modern best practices, and applies accessibility principles consistently across all City programs, services, and operations. 

Residents can review the proposed policy and share their thoughts through the Connect Peterborough page.

The draft policy can be viewed under the ‘documents’ section on the webpage. Comments can be submitted directly through the online portal. 

Any feedback received will be used to inform the final policy and revise language where necessary. All comments will be reviewed by the Program Manager of Accessibility Standards and Integration and the Accessibility Advisory Committee before the policy is presented to City Council for final review. 

The public comment period will remain active until Feb. 27. 

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Compliance Audit Committee Applications Now Open

Applications are now open for citizens interested in serving on the Compliance Audit Committee for the City of Peterborough’s 2026 municipal election.  

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Compliance Audit Committee is a requirement under the Ontario Municipal Elections Act. The Committee will address applications requesting an audit of a candidate’s or third-party advertiser’s election campaign finances and will oversee investigations into candidate finances. 

Interested applicants should have experience in accounting and auditing, law, law enforcement or related academic fields. The committee remains in place for the term of the newly elected Council until the next municipal election in 2030. This is largely a volunteer position and an excellent opportunity for individuals to assist with municipal election requirements. 

Applications may be submitted online with the interactive form. Packages are also available at City Hall, 500 George St. N. 

Applications will be accepted until March 20 at 4:30 p.m.

Purpose of the Committee

• To consider whether to grant or reject a compliance audit application made by an eligible elector;

• To appoint an auditor, if the application is granted;

• Receive and consider the auditor's report and decide whether legal proceedings should be commenced;

• Consider reports from the Clerk identifying contributors who appear to have contravened election contribution limits and decide whether legal proceedings should be commenced.

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City Council Approves Procedure By-law Update

Council approved a new Procedure By-law, developed in consultation with the Procedure By-law Working Group, to govern Council meetings during their Monday night meeting.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The revisions in the proposed Procedure By-law focus on improving clarity, aligning with current legislative requirements and supporting efficient and transparent meeting processes according to Council.

It is customary during each term of Council to consider amendments to the current Procedure By-law. The Procedure By-law Working Group, comprising the Mayor, the Chair of the General Committee, the Chair of the Planning Committee, the CAO, the Commissioner of Legislative Services, the City Clerk, and the Deputy Clerk, met on several occasions to discuss procedural considerations. The Ombudsman’s Office was consulted and a review was undertaken of best practices from municipalities including Caledon, Cambridge, Chatham-Kent, Guelph, Pickering, Richmond Hill, St. Catharines, Whitby and Windsor.

The Procedure By-law updates certain aspects of how Council governs its meetings, such as the following examples:

• The authority and duties of the Chair in maintaining order, decorum and the effective conduct of meetings;

• Restricting the use of electronic devices during meetings to support transparency and uphold the statutory open meetings requirements;

• Aurally recording Council's closed session meetings, with the recordings kept confidential in accordance with legislative requirements;

• Using a consent agenda process for Council's closed session meetings, with Council having the option to approve reports through one motion prior to going into closed session and only matters not included as part of the consent agenda will be considered during the closed meeting;

• Requiring that notices of motion be introduced at Committee meetings, not at a regular Council meeting, to follow a two-step approval process;

• Setting a limit of four delegations per agenda item at a Council meeting to support efficient agenda management, with the delegations limit not applying to delegations heard as part of a statutory public meeting under the Planning Act or applicable legislation;

• Setting a limit of two questions per Council member for questions on delegations, with the question specifically related to the content of the delegation and the response to the question from the delegate not to exceed 90 seconds - this change was amended during Council's General Committee consideration of the proposed by-law to increase the limit to two questions from one question;

• When a motion to amend or a motion to defer a recommendation from City staff report is presented, the Chair of the meeting will ask staff to provide information on any implications on the amendment or deferral to ensure Council has the complete and accurate information prior to making a decision;

• A majority vote is sufficient for a Motion to Reconsider where the original matter was not decided by
  Council, or where it was decided by Council during a previous term of Council;

• A two-thirds vote will be required to pass a Motion to Reconsider where the original matter was decided by Council within the current term of Council; and

• To support efficient and orderly debate, it is proposed that Members be permitted to speak to a Motion no more than twice, with each speaking opportunity limited to five minutes during General Committee meetings and a maximum of three minutes during Council meetings.

Council amended the direction on the maximum number of delegations from the original recommendation to set a limit of 10 at a Council meeting, except for statutory public meetings under the Planning Act or other applicable legislation, where the limit does not apply. Council changed the limit to four delegations per agenda item at a Council meeting, except for statutory public meetings under the Planning Act or applicable legislation, when the limit will not apply.

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