Facilitated Discussions Underway For Support Future Growth Opportunities In Peterborough Region

After the City of Peterborough’s request for future employment and residential land need requirements, the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has responded by appointing a Facilitator from the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator’s Office to guide discussions among the City of Peterborough, Cavan Monaghan Township and Peterborough County.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Under the direction of the Facilitator, the City of Peterborough and Cavan Monaghan Township have completed independent Land Needs Studies conducted by third-party consultants. These confidential studies provide critical data to support informed discussions regarding future growth opportunities within the region.

Representatives from all participating municipalities and stakeholders attended the first facilitation meeting to review and share the findings of the Land Needs Studies on Thursday. Additional meetings are planned in the coming months to further examine the data and discuss potential options for accommodating future growth.

This collaborative process aligns with both provincial and local priorities by supporting responsible growth, increasing housing opportunities, creating employment lands, fostering economic development, and ensuring communities are positioned to meet future needs.

At this stage, discussions remain confidential to allow all parties to engage in open and constructive dialogue. Peterborough City Council will continue to receive confidential updates regarding the progress of the facilitation process. Should the participating municipalities reach a mutually supported proposal requiring approval from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, details would be made available to the public as part of a future community engagement and approval process.

“Our focus as a region is on enabling growth, housing construction, employment lands for job creation, and opportunities for residents,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Peterborough is committed to finding solutions that contribute to shared economic growth and long-term sustainability. I want to personally thank the Province of Ontario for its strong leadership on this critical need for housing and economic prosperity in the Peterborough Region.”

However, Peterborough County is aware of the City’s facilitated discussions, citing the only had one meeting on Friday. At that point, the City presented their Lands Needs Study; the County and Township have not yet had a similar opportunity. 

As the County is in negotiations with the City, facilitated by the Provincial Facilitator and bound to a confidential process, they will abide by the terms of the agreement that all parties signed.

“I am very disappointed that Mayor Leal has decided to issue a release contrary to the agreement,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden.” We take agreements and confidentiality as paramount. To my knowledge, there has been no proposal put forward by the City, and this release seeks to undermine the agreed-upon collaborative process.”

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City of Peterborough Invites Residents to Complete Effectiveness and Efficiency Review Survey

The City of Peterborough has invited residents to complete a survey and share comments on how the municipality delivers services to help inform the City’s Effectiveness and Efficiency Review. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The survey is open until 9 p.m. on July 28. The survey can be completed online or a printed copy can be picked up at City Hall.

The Effectiveness and Efficiency Review includes: 

• Collecting, reviewing and analyzing data from the City of Peterborough 

• Assessing selected comparator municipalities to contextualize service delivery 

• Reviewing service delivery models 

• Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery 

• Reviewing the organizational structure and staffing levels 

• Presenting analysis and recommendations to City Council 

The final report is expected to be presented to City Council in September. It is anticipated that recommendations will be considered as part of the City’s 2027 Budget process.

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City Council Approves New Stormwater Management Fee

Peterborough City Council has approved a new funding model for the City’s stormwater fee that they claim balances fairness in payment, accuracy, administrative feasibility and the long-term financial sustainability of the City’s stormwater infrastructure. 

Photo by Evan Holt.

Under the new stormwater user fee structure, single-detached homeowners, who represent about 80 per cent of all properties in the City, are expected to pay less than under the current interim fee. 

Stormwater is rain and melted snow that runs off roofs, driveways, lawns and other surfaces, making its way into the ground or into the storm drains found on City streets and in parking lots.  Hard surfaces like parking lots, driveways and rooftops prevent water from naturally soaking into the ground. Instead, this runoff flows into the City’s stormwater system. 

The City manages stormwater to reduce flooding and erosion, protect homes, roads and public infrastructure, and protect water quality in local rivers and waterways. 

In April 2025, the City transitioned the stormwater management fee, moving it from the property tax bill to an interim stormwater fee on water utility bills. This fee was based on a property’s assessed value, not on how a property affects the stormwater system. For example, a large retail store with a big parking lot generates more stormwater runoff than a small downtown business. Yet if the smaller business has a higher assessed property value, it will pay a higher stormwater fee, despite placing a lower load on the stormwater system. 

Under the approved funding model, residential properties will be charged based on housing size and type. Different property types, like condo units, semi-detached and single-detached homes, will each have a different stormwater fee. Larger homes will have a higher fee than smaller homes.  

Non-residential properties will be charged based on the amount of hard surface area on each property.  

City staff will begin drafting a By-law and phase-in plan for Council approval. 

The total cost of stormwater management to Peterborough taxpayers is not changing. The stormwater program is already funded through a combination of the stormwater utility fee, sewer surcharge, capital levy, and general tax levy, costs ratepayers are already paying. What is changing is how that cost is calculated on the utility bill, transitioning from a formula based on assessed property value to one based on housing type and size for residential properties and on measured hard-surface areas for non-residential properties.

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Nomination Period For City Council and School Board Trustees Ends Aug. 21

The nomination period to file to run as a candidate for City Council or school board trustee in the Oct. 26 municipal election closes at 2 p.m. on Aug. 21.

File Photo.

Candidate packages and resources are available online at PeterboroughVotes.ca. 

Nomination filings are accepted by appointment through the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall. To schedule an appointment, email elections@peterborough.ca or call 705-742-7777 ext. 1619. 

The nomination period opened May 1.

To file for office, candidates must submit a completed nomination form, the applicable filing fee and endorsement signatures from at least 25 eligible electors in the municipality. An elector is a person who is eligible to vote in the City of Peterborough. Electors may endorse more than one candidate. The endorsement requirement does not apply to school board trustee candidates. 

The filing fee is $200 for mayoral candidates and $100 for councillor or school board trustee candidates. A valid photo ID showing proof of a qualifying address in the City of Peterborough is required. 

In the City of Peterborough, positions for election are Mayor and two ward Councillors for each of the five wards (Otonabee, Monaghan, Town, Ashburnham and Northcrest), as well as trustee positions for the following school boards: 

• Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board 

• Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board 

• Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir 

• Conseil scolaire Viamonde 

The City of Peterborough’s Municipal and School Board Election will take place on Oct. 26.

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City of Peterborough Invites Input on Economic Development Strategic Plan

Residents, businesses, community groups and local organizations are invited to help shape the future of economic development in the City of Peterborough through its Economic Development Strategic Plan.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The plan will guide economic growth and investment priorities over the next five years. It will establish a vision, goals and actions to support local businesses, attract investment, encourage entrepreneurship, strengthen the workforce, support key sectors and create opportunities for long-term economic success according to Mayor Jeff Leal.  

“Peterborough’s economic future depends on the ideas, talent and ambition of the people who live and work here,” he said. “This is an opportunity for the community to help shape a strong, resilient economy that creates jobs, attracts investment and supports prosperity across our community. It’s all about making tomorrow better than today.” 

Community input will play an important role in ensuring the plan reflects local priorities and opportunities. 

A community survey is open until July 27 at 11:59 p.m. Paper copies of the survey are available at Service Peterborough. 

A Community Open House will be held on July 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Miskin Law Community Complex in Multi-Purpose Room A-B (located on the second floor). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The open house will begin with a brief presentation at 6 p.m. 

The Economic Development Strategic Plan follows the transition of economic development services to the City, beginning at the start of 2025. Feedback gathered through the engagement process will help inform the plan, which will guide the City’s economic development efforts from 2027 to 2032. 

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Drop-in Sessions For Glenn Pagett Park and Whitefield Park Run Next Week

The City of Peterborough invites residents to drop-in sessions for Glenn Pagett Park and Whitefield Park to share their ideas and thoughts on improvements to the parks take place next Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Both drop-in sessions take place at the Miskin Law Community Complex.

The drop-in session for Glenn Pagett Park takes place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. To learn more about this project and to fill out an online survey , residents can visit the Connect Peterborough project page at connectptbo.ca/pagett.   

The drop-in session for Whitefield Park takes place from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. To learn more about Whitefield Park and to fill out an online survey, visit connectptbo.ca/whitefieldpark. 

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City of Peterborough's Public Drop-In Session For Keith Wightman Park This Thursday

The City of Peterborough is hosting a public drop-in session for Keith Wightman Park from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday at Keith Wightman Public School.

Keith Wightman Park. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Residents are encouraged to come to the drop-in session to discuss improvements to Keith Wightman Park. These improvements would include new amenities and enhancements designed to meet the needs and priorities of the surrounding neighbourhood and those who use the space every day.  

“Parks play a vital role in bringing people together, supporting active lifestyles and creating spaces where communities can thrive,” said Otonabee Ward Councillors Lesley Parnell and Kevin Duguay. “This is an opportunity for residents to directly shape the future of their neighbourhood parks. We strongly encourage everyone to take a few minutes to complete the survey or attend a drop-in session. Your input will help ensure these spaces reflect the needs, ideas, and priorities of the people who use them every day.” 

Residents unable to attend the meeting can share their comments, complete the online survey and learn more about Keith Wightman Park at connectptbo.ca/wightman.

The public survey will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on June 17.  

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Residents Invited to Help Shape Peterborough’s Transportation Safety Program

The City of Peterborough invites residents to learn about and provide input on the development of the City’s new Transportation Safety Program.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

A drop-in style Public Information Centre will be held on June 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Healthy Planet Arena. 

City staff and the project team are available to share information, answer questions, and gather feedback from the community. 

Residents can also participate through the project page online. Feedback can be submitted through an interactive map and a survey. The survey will remain open until June 21 at 11:59 p.m.  

Public input will help inform the development of the Transportation Safety Program and support the City’s efforts to create safer streets for everyone in Peterborough. 

The City is developing a comprehensive 15-year Transportation Safety Program to substantially reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries across the community. The plan will guide the prioritization and implementation of road safety improvements in a coordinated, proactive and sustainable way. 

Building on previous initiatives such as the Transportation Master Plan, the Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Policy and speed limit reductions in school areas, the program will help shape safer streets and more comfortable travel for all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, transit users and drivers. 

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City of Peterborough Requests Residents to Confirm School Support Designation by June 1

The City of Peterborough is asking residents to review or update their school support designation through the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) by June 1 to ensure their information is accurate for the 2026 municipal and school board elections.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The designation determines which school board trustee candidates appear on a voter’s ballot. In Peterborough, voters can support trustees for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board, or Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir. 

If no designation is selected, school support defaults to the English public system. The designation does not affect property taxes but is used to determine school board representation during municipal elections. It applies to both property owners and tenants, regardless of whether they have children enrolled in school. 

Voter information maintained by Elections Ontario, along with school support data from MPAC, is used to help compile the preliminary list of electors for municipal and school board elections. 

Residents can update their designation online or download the Application for Direction of School Support form through MPAC at mpac.ca. 

Information about the 2026 municipal election, including candidate nominations, voter eligibility and key dates, is available at peterboroughvotes.ca. The 2026 municipal election will be held on Oct. 26.

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City of Peterborough Prohibiting Smoking In Outdoor Recreation Spaces

Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all City of Peterborough parks, sports fields, playgrounds, wading pools, splashpads and beaches except in designated smoking areas.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Smoking is prohibited in these areas under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and the Peterborough Smoking By-law.

Anyone smoking outside a designated smoking area could be subject to a penalty of $305.

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