City Council Unanimously Against By-Law 25-126 to Assume Power From Peterborough DBIA Board of Management

City Council has voted unanimously against passing By-law 25-126 to assume a power from the Board of Management for the Central Area Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) during their meeting on Monday evening.

Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director during the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce Meet the Candidates event for the federal election earlier this year. File photo.

The by-law, if passed, stated as follows:

1. On Feb. 21, 2017, Council approved the recommendations in closed session Report OCS17-003 and passed By-law 17-013 authorizing execution of a settlement agreement between the Board of Management for the Central Area Downtown Business Improvement Area, The Corporation of the City of Peterborough (City) and another party to an appeal to the then Ontario Municipal Board against Official Plan Amendment Number 173 and Zoning By-law 16-053 (Settlement Agreement).

2. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the City makes 20 annual payments to the DBIA of $150,000 each for a total of $3,000,000.

3. DBIA is a local board of the City.

4. Pursuant to section 216 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, a municipality may change a local board including assuming a power or duty of the local board.

As a result of City Council’s vote, The Corporation of the City of Peterborough by the Council has enacted the following:

1. The City hereby assumes the power of DBIA to receive from the City annual payments of $150,000 each pursuant to the Settlement Agreement.

2. Any by-laws or resolutions of DBIA pertaining to the exercise of the assumed power are deemed to be repealed or amended to the extent necessary to permit the City to receive the said annual payments of $150,000 and to spend the proceeds thereof subject only to the City’s performance of DBIA’s obligations respecting such payments pursuant section 3 of the Settlement Agreement.

3. This By-law is in effect when it is passed.

The DBIA issued a strong warning to City Council not to pass the by-law on Friday afternoon.

“Downtown businesses have been navigating higher operating costs, increased taxes, tariffs, and the lingering impacts of COVID-19,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “This is precisely the time when they need more support, not less. We have been transparent, responsible, and accountable with every dollar we manage. That’s why this by-law is so concerning; it breaks trust. If the City can change direction without discussion on something this important, what will they do next? Trust requires year-over-year consistency. Right now, that’s what’s at risk.”

The DBIA released a statement regarding the decision on Tuesday afternoon:

Dear DBIA Members,

On behalf of the Board of Directors and our entire team, I want to extend my deepest thanks for your incredible support over the past week. Because of your engagement, your voices and your commitment to the future of our downtown, City Council voted unanimously against By-law 25-126.

This outcome was only possible because our members showed up.

You delegated, you wrote letters, you asked questions and you made it clear that the vibrancy of downtown and the independence of the DBIA matter deeply to this community.

Your efforts reaffirmed what makes downtown Peterborough so special; a strong, united business community that cares, collaborates and stands together when it counts.

Thank you for your advocacy, your time, your belief and most importantly your trust in the work we do every day. We will continue to champion the needs of our members, strengthen our partnerships with the City, and build a downtown that reflects the energy, creativity and resilience of the people who drive it.

This was a meaningful win for all of us; and we achieved it together!

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough DBIA Issues Strong Warning to the City Regarding Risks of By-Law 25-126

The Downtown Peterborough Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has issued a strong warning regarding By-law 25-126, which is scheduled to go before City Council for approval during their meeting on Monday evening.

Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director during the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce Meet the Candidates event for the federal election earlier this year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to the DBIA, if passed, the by-law would shift authority over funds that have long supported downtown stability, revitalization, safety and economic activity – potentially weakening the DBIA’s ability to deliver services at a time when downtown businesses are already facing unprecedented pressures.

The DBIA says they were not consulted on the development of the by-law. Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director, said she raised questions about how this change would affect the organization’s ability to carry out its mandate during an already challenging economic period.

“Downtown businesses have been navigating higher operating costs, increased taxes, tariffs, and the lingering impacts of COVID-19,” said Mazloum. “This is precisely the time when they need more support, not less. We have been transparent, responsible, and accountable with every dollar we manage. That’s why this by-law is so concerning; it breaks trust. If the City can change direction without discussion on something this important, what will they do next? Trust requires year-over-year consistency. Right now, that’s what’s at risk.”

She also stated that the DBIA has a long-standing, collaborative working relationship with City staff and remains committed to maintaining that partnership but emphasized that major financial or governance changes require proper consultation.

“By-laws have consequences and this one has them,” she said.

“You can’t pass a by-law without considering the consequences. This one has them,” said Sacha Lai-Svirk, DBIA Chair. “A by-law like this sends a message about the City’s commitment (or lack of commitment) to stability, predictability, and partnership. After the progress we’ve made together, introducing doubt right now is strategically harmful. It risks undoing years of work to rebuild confidence with the City.”

Lai-Svirk emphasized that the DBIA is not opposed to tough conversations but decisions of this magnitude must be informed, transparent, and collaborative.

“I’ve run a small business downtown for 20 years. I know exactly what uncertainty does to a business,” she said. “The last thing our businesses need is confusion about the City’s support.”

Lai-Svirk also addressed an online comment that the by-law ‘does not change anything.’

“If this by-law doesn’t change anything, then passing it is unnecessary,” she explained. “And if it does change something, the City needs to explain exactly what — and why.”

Lai-Svirk added that the DBIA warns that shifting administration of the funds to the City creates the possibility of future reductions or redirection, undermining the stability provided through existing commitments through 2037.

“We have stability until 2037. There is no reason to revisit this now. This by-law should be set aside until then,” she said.

The DBIA has highlighted the following strategic implications if the by-law is passed:

Passing By-law 25-126 without review or consultation risks:

• Undermining downtown stability during a volatile economic period

• Creating uncertainty for 400+ businesses who rely on DBIA support

• Damaging trust between the City and downtown stakeholders

• Sending a negative signal to investors, developers, and new businesses

• Interrupting momentum at a time when the downtown has finally turned a corner

• Jeopardizing future collaborative initiatives, including:

• permanent lighting strategy

• downtown boundary expansion

• high-speed rail (Alto) integration

• Event Centre activation

• new streetscape, placemaking, and safety programs

“These are the conversations we should be having,” said Lai-Svirk. “Not a by-law that destabilizes the very partnership that makes these projects possible.”

The DBIA is formally requesting that Council:

1. Vote against the by-law

2. Conduct a full legal and strategic review

3. Engage directly with the DBIA, AON Inc. and downtown stakeholders

4. Reassess the by-law in the context of downtown’s economic recovery

“We are prepared to defend the future of downtown businesses,” said Sacha Lai-Svirk. “If Council chooses to move forward without consultation – AON Inc. and the DBIA, are prepared to take every appropriate step to protect downtown businesses and the commitments made to this community,” said Lai-Svirk. “But our hope is to resolve this collaboratively. We want decisions that strengthen our momentum, not undermine it.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Social Services Cheque Pickup For Friday

Social Services clients who are set to receive a monthly cheque on Friday, can pick up their cheque at the Social Services office located at 178 Charlotte St., announced on Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Social Services office is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

The City of Peterborough’s Social Services department has resumed mailing all other cheques and mail following the labour dispute at Canada Post.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

City Opens Applications For Low Income Property Tax Assistance For 2025/26

Applications are available for the City of Peterborough Low Income Senior and Low Income Property Tax Assistance Program.

File Photo.

Qualifying applicants will receive a $414 tax credit on their tax accounts which will be applied to the February 2026 interim tax bill. Applicants who previously received more than a $414 credit will receive their pre-existing credit amount. 

Applicants can apply under one of the following qualifications:

1. Low Income Senior aged 65 years or older.

2. Low Income Senior aged 55-64 years of age.

3. Low Income Disabled Person receiving benefits under the ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program).

Applications are available on the City’s website at peterborough.ca/TaxAssistance or the City Hall Tax Office, 500 George St. N. Residents who received tax credits in 2025 will automatically receive a 2026 Property Tax Assistance application in the mail.

The deadline for submitting this application is Feb. 6.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

City of Peterborough Seeks Community Input to Shape Tourism Strategy

The City of Peterborough is developing a tourism strategy to guide the growth of Peterborough as a competitive, sustainable and four-season destination and is seeking community input.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Over the coming weeks and months, the community will have opportunities to participate in conversations and other engagement activities that will help shape the future of tourism in Peterborough.

The City has engaged Bannikin, an Ontario-based tourism consultancy with extensive experience in developing tourism strategies for communities and destination marketing organizations according to a press release. A proposed Tourism Strategy is expected to be presented to City Council in spring 2026. As the busy summer tourism season comes to a close for another year, this project will focus on community engagement activities, including connecting with tourism-sector businesses and the broader community.

“Tourism is vital to the City of Peterborough – it enhances quality of life, generates economic returns for businesses, and creates jobs for community members,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “This new Tourism Strategy will provide a road map for collaborating on tourism development, management, and marketing.”

Meaningful community engagement is at the foundation of this tourism strategy development work and several opportunities for community participation are built into this project across fall 2025.

An online survey is now open and responses will be accepted through to the end of October. Additional information and updates, including dates and times for in-person ‘community café’ sessions, will be available in the coming weeks and will be published on the Connect Peterborough website.

An overview of engagement activities is included below:

• Online Community+ Survey throughout the month of October

• Virtual Key Informant Interviews throughout October

  • To engage selected voices from the community, including elected officials, City staff, local partners and collaborators, and leaders from Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation 

• Virtual Focus Groups in early to mid-November

  • To engage representatives of key interest groups and representatives of tourism business clusters

• In-person Community Cafés in mid-November

  • To engage with residents, including re-engaging with those who have participated in other engagement activities like the online survey

“The City has had some incredible wins since bringing tourism service delivery in-house, including successfully landing the Women’s Major Series Lacrosse Tournament, the TELUS Cup, and securing media coverage like CP24 Breakfast,” said Brendan Wedley, Strategic Communications and Service Peterborough Director. “The new Peterborough Tourism Strategy allows for us to play to our strengths, develop opportunities, collaborate with businesses and community organizations, and ultimately, define how we position our destination for visitation and sustainable growth in 2026 and beyond.”

The development of this comprehensive, city-focused Tourism Strategy is the latest initiative undertaken by the City of Peterborough since tourism service delivery was brought ‘in-house’ at the beginning of 2025. Other initiatives undertaken by the City’s destination marketing program include several successful sports tourism bid opportunities coming to Peterborough in 2025 and 2026, media hosting including a live broadcast with CP24 Breakfast, the launch of a new year-round Visitor Centre operating out of the Peterborough Memorial Centre and a suite of digital and print marketing pieces.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

City Seeking Intersection Improvements For Fairbairn Street and Towerhill Road/Lily Lake Road

The City of Peterborough is seeking input on the upcoming project to improve the intersection at Fairbairn Street and Towerhill Road/Lily Lake Road. 

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The project is being designed to improve vehicular, pedestrian, and cycling accessibility according to the City.

Residents are invited to view the project scope and plans, as well as additional project information and resources and submit questions and feedback through the interactive features on the City’s community engagement hub.  

The general scope of this project is to: 

• Install traffic signals to improve the functionality of the intersection; 

• Implement dedicated turn lanes at the signalized intersection to improve vehicular traffic flow; 

• Improve the roadway geometry on the approaches to the intersection; and, 

• Improve pedestrian and cyclist access along Lily Lake Road by providing an off-street multi-use trail on the south side of Lily Lake Road from York Drive to the subject intersection. 

This project is planned to be constructed in multiple phases, with the anticipated phasing as follows, subject to funding approvals: 

• Phase 1 (2025): Preliminary design and utility coordination 

• Phase 2 (2026): Detailed design, property acquisitions and utility relocations 

• Phase 3 (2027): Construction 

With the information collected through the Connect Peterborough question and comment engagement tool, the Cityy says the project team will review and consider all feedback, implementing changes to the project plans where feasible. This feedback period will close on Oct. 31.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

City of Peterborough Systems May Experience Some Temporary Service Disruptions

The City of Peterborough is experiencing intermittent disruptions to its information technology network and applications, announced on Friday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to the City, this may affect the municipality’s phone systems, as well as in-person and online services, including the ability to complete payments.

The City regrets any inconvenience this may cause. An update will be provided when the situation is resolved.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

City of Peterborough Hosting Consultation Session For Morrow Park Ball Diamond Improvements

The City of Peterborough is inviting the public to learn more about planned Morrow Park Ball Diamond Improvements at a public drop-in session on Oct. 1 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Miskin Law Community Complex.

File Photo.

City of Peterborough staff will be available to answer questions about the project. Residents can provide feedback on the amenities they would like to see in the proposed park improvements.  

A public survey is available online. Hard copies of the survey are available at City Hall and is open until 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 7. 

The Morrow Park Ball Diamond is currently a Level B diamond. Improvements will bring it to a Premier/Level A diamond, including a tension netting mesh backstop and screens, new dugouts, outfield and line fencing, batting cages, irrigation, accessible aluminum bleachers with a media box and sports field lighting to provide consistent light levels across the ball diamond.  

The improvements will extend the facility’s overall lifespan, enhance local programming opportunities and improve accessibility features. The asphalt parking lot will also be rejuvenated.  

Work is expected to be completed in 2026. 

The Ontario government is investing $1 million to help upgrade Morrow Park announced back in mid-July. This investment is part of the province's $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund. It is a province-wide initiative that helps communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.

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

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

City of Peterborough Sends Call For Advisory Committee and Board Volunteers

The City of Peterborough is encouraging the public to get involved in local government by joining an advisory committee or board.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Advisory committees provide input and guidance on municipal services and programs for the Peterborough community.

The City selects volunteers through a formal selection process and some positions may require an interview. Applicants must reside or own property in the City of Peterborough.   

The following opportunities to join a committee or board are available:  

• Accessibility Advisory Committee (two vacancies)

• Community Investment Grants Advisory Committee (eight vacancies)

• Property Standards Committee (one vacancy)

• Peterborough Public Library Board (one vacancy)

• Planning Advisory Committee (one vacancy)

All terms will end in December next year.  

Interested residents are encouraged to pick up an application form in person at City Hall or online.  

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

PTBOCanada Editorial: Air Canada Strike Gave Passengers More Than What They Bargained For

With the Air Canada strike occurring since late last week, passengers — including myself — were hit with flight cancellations that left them stranded at their respective locations, leading to extra costs.

Air Canada’s lobby at Vancouver International Airport. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Why Was I In Vancouver?

I went on a personal trip with friends to Vancouver to compete in a prestigious Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game tournament for the weekend and had booked my Air Canada flight months in advance.

We were informed of a possible strike when we departed for our trip but were hopeful that we would be able to return home safely and in a timely manner.

A field of what a Yu-Gi-Oh Trading Card Game field could look like. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Timeline of the Air Canada Strike

As of 12:58 a.m. on Saturday, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) representing 10,000 flight attendants had declared a strike. All Air Canada flights were cancelled as a result — at least 124 — affecting over 500,000 customers as of Monday, said the airline.

This included all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge operations but flights by Air Canada Express — operated by third-party airlines Jazz and PAL — were not.

“We regret the impact a disruption will have on our customers, our stakeholders and the communities we serve,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive of Air Canada. “However, the disappointing conduct of CUPE’s negotiators and the union’s stated intention to launch a strike puts us in a position where our only responsible course of action is to provide certainty by implementing an orderly suspension of Air Canada’s and Air Canada Rouge’s operations through a lockout. As we have seen elsewhere in our industry with other labour disruptions, unplanned or uncontrolled shutdowns, such as we are now at risk of through a strike, can create chaos for travellers that is far, far worse.”

Air Canada strongly advised affected customers not to go to the airport unless they have a confirmed ticket on another airline.

Patty Hajdu, the Federal Minister of Jobs and Families, instructed the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to use binding arbitration, as the board deemed CUPE’s strike unlawful and workers must return to work by Sunday at 2 p.m. EST.

“The Liberals have talked out of both sides of their mouths. They said the best place for this is at the bargaining table. They refused to correct this historic injustice through legislation,” said Wesley Lesosky, President of the Air Canada Component of CUPE. “Now, when we’re at the bargaining table with an obstinate employer, the Liberals are violating our Charter rights to take job action and give Air Canada exactly what they want — hours and hours of unpaid labour from underpaid flight attendants, while the company pulls in sky-high profits and extraordinary executive compensation.”

Despite the order, CUPE refused to go back to work and continued striking. The union was fighting for Air Canada to stop unpaid work, as flight attendants were only compensated for their time from the moment the flight doors closed until they opened. CUPE workers also sought fair cost-of-living wage increases.

“We will be challenging this blatantly unconstitutional order that violates the Charter rights of 10,000 flight attendants, 70 per cent of whom are women, and 100 per cent of whom are forced to do hours of unpaid work by their employer every time they come to work,” according to a public statement released by CUPE.

Air Canada offered a deal that would have made their flight attendants the highest compensated in the country according to Rousseau.

“Our latest offer included a 38 per cent increase in total compensation over four years that would have made our flight attendants the best compensated in Canada, along with provisions for ground pay and other work-life balance, career and pension improvements,” he said. “At the same time, we asked for no concessions from the union. Given this, while we remain available for discussions with CUPE, we have requested government-directed arbitration as we now view it as the only certain avenue to bring closure to bargaining and mitigate the impact on travellers, business and the Canadian economy.”

As the strike continued into Monday, CUPE said they were willing to work out a deal but had to be at the table. There was ‘no limit’ to how far CUPE would take negotiations, said Mark Hancock, CUPE national president.

“If it means folks like me going to jail, then so be it. If it means our union being fined, then so be it. We’re looking for a solution here,” he said.

A mediated tentative agreement was reached on Monday morning. The first flights are scheduled for Tuesday evening, but full, regular service may require seven to 10 days as aircraft and crew are out of position. Air Canada had some flights cancelled until the schedule is stabilized.

“The suspension of our service is extremely difficult for our customers. We deeply regret and apologize for the impact on them of this labour disruption. Our priority now is to get them moving as quickly as possible,” said Rousseau. “Restarting a major carrier like Air Canada is a complex undertaking. Full restoration may require a week or more, so we ask for our customers’ patience and understanding over the coming days. I assure them that everyone at Air Canada is doing everything possible to enable them to travel soon.”

Outside Vancouver International Airport at the Air Canada Departures gate. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

What Did This Mean For Passengers?

Despite the return to flight service, stranded passengers had to pay for food, lodging, transportation and other expenditures during the strike. According to Mercer, Vancouver is the second-ranked City in Canada with the highest cost of living next to Toronto in 2024.

Splitting Airbnbs with friends still costs me hundreds of dollars over three to four days. Waiting at the airport was a budget option for some stranded travellers. Still, Air Canada was not doing much to help, according to a Peterborough residents who went on the same trip.

“It felt as if the Air Canada attendants who were not on strike did not want to help or offer solutions,” said an anonymous resident. “They handed out pamphlets and did not want to talk to anyone who was at the airport. (They) did not offer any voucher for hotel stays or meals outside of the $15 auto-generated meal voucher email.”

“Air Canada has proven itself utterly incapable of basic responsibility — no commitment, no care and no planning,” said Ian Shields. “They’ve completely dropped the ball, screwed over their customers and left me to fend for myself in a foreign place miles away from home without a shred of concern for my well-being.”

When flights had been cancelled on Sunday, Air Canada said they attempted to get customers rebooked on other flights. Under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), the airline is obligated to do so.

“We’re searching for rebooking options on more than 120 carriers for up to three days after your cancelled flight. This may take some time. If you don’t want to wait and you prefer to search options yourself or cancel your booking to receive a refund, please use the button below,” said Air Canada in an email.

However, none of my travelmates or out-of-town friends who attended the event were successful in rebooking their flights.

Air Canada had offered refund options for those affected that included non-refundable fares.

“When it came to rebooking flights, there were ‘none available’ but when given flight options that were available, the answer was ‘we aren’t partnered with them so we cannot book that flight.’” said the former Peterborough resident. “It left myself having to make a choice of spending upwards of $2,000 on a new flight, trying to book a hotel and staying for an extended period of time until they could rebook me or taking a long alternative route to stay cost-effective to be able to get home in a reasonable amount of time.”

I initially bit the bullet on Monday evening to book a non-refundable flight back to Detroit with a different airline on Thursday night to arrive on Friday morning. I had a chartered ride home from there. The flight had cost $600, which was considered a cheaper flight at the time.

Prices for other airlines from Monday to Wednesday had skyrocketed. I had friends travelling back to cities such as Ottawa or Montréal, which would cost upwards of $1,000. Thankfully, more flights had opened up and I was able to book a return flight with Air Canada at no additional cost for Thursday. I also called the booking agent for my flight and despite the ticket being initially non-refundable, I was able to get all my money back with a sigh of relief.

Air Canada is offering reimbursement assistance for those affected by the labour action according to their website.

Passengers must fill out a form with flight details and a reason to be eligible.

The form can only be filled if it was booked directly with the airline, completed part of their flight with Air Canada and/or needs reimbursement for an alternative mode of transportation.

Passengers are asked not to fill out the form if they have booked through Aeroplan, a travel agent, an online travel agency or another airline.

According to their website, reimbursement can be up to $12,500 under the convention if the individual can prove losses or damage.

What’s Next For the Flight Attendants?

The 10,000 flight attendants will vote next week on the tentative agreement to raise wages and establish a pay structure for time worked when aircraft are on the ground.

All members will receive a three per cent raise next year, with a 2.5 per cent raise in 2027 and a 2.75 per cent raise in 2028.

The deal must be ratified by the flight attendants, with the vote taking place from Aug. 27 to Sept. 6.

Air Canada Boeing plane minutes away from landing in Toronto. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Glad to Be Home

With a slow return of full flights to Air Canada, I can say I finally reached home safely at the publication of this editorial. Lessons were learned but regardless of the outcome, I am happy to be in one piece back in Peterborough and come home to my wife and daughter.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.