Peterborough County Approves 2026 Budget Increase of 5.29 Per Cent

Peterborough County Council approved the 2026 Budget which includes a 5.29 per cent increase in the levy during their council meeting on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The budget increase covers:

• A dedicated infrastructure levy set at 2.5 per cent

• An increase of 2.80 per cent for the Operating Budget, which includes a 1.2 per cent increase for County Operations and a 1.6 per cent increase for Shared Services.

This increase in the levy translates to a tax rate increase of 3.93 per cent or approximately $17.35 for every $100,000 in residential assessment.

“County Council has continued to invest in our critical infrastructure with our commitment to a 2.50 per cent dedicated infrastructure investment to support our roads and bridges – vital to providing the links for our residents and businesses,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County warden. “Staff brought forward a very responsible operational increase, below inflation this year, which focuses on our commitment to service delivery reviews and operational excellence.”

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City of Peterborough Recommends Several Amendments to Its 2026 Draft Budget

City Council reviewed the budget and recommended several changes in the City’s Draft 2026 Budget to maintain current levels of service primarily and to invest in municipal infrastructure on Monday and Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

After Council’s budget deliberations, the Draft 2026 Budget currently reflects an operating budget increase of 2.11 per cent, a 2.16 per cent increase for infrastructure and capital needs, a 0.53 per cent increase in the sanitary sewer fee, and a 1.76 per cent increase for external agencies the City funds.

When combined, the 6.56 per cent all-inclusive rate increase, including the municipal, education, and sanitary sewer surcharge rates, would amount to about $28.31 per month for the median residential property.

To reduce the expected property tax increase, Council has recommended using an additional $3 million from the Legacy Income Retention reserve account in 2026. Money in the Legacy Income Retention reserve account comes from interest earned on investments using the proceeds of the sale of assets of Peterborough Distribution Inc. The $3 million injection from the Legacy Fund reserve fund reduced the tax requirement in the Draft 2026 Budget by 1.32 per cent.

Council also wants to hear if there could be potential reductions in the Police Service budget. Council directed that the Police Service budget be returned to the Police Service Board. The Police Services Board 2026 request of $41,506,841 is an increase of 9.8 per cent or $3,704,600, over 2025.

The City’s 2026 Budget is anticipated to be presented for adoption on Dec. 8. Residents can register to be a delegation during the Council meeting through an online form at Peterborough.ca/delegations or by calling 705-742-7777 ext. 1820.

With the recommendations approved by Council, the Draft 2026 Budget includes $434.2 million in municipal service spending and $139.2 million in capital investments.

The $434.2 million is funded by revenues of $235.8 million from non-municipal property tax sources, such as user fees, grants from other governments, recoveries, interest from investments, and service charges, resulting in a tax requirement of $ 198.4 million.

Capital projects include the police station renovation and expansion, Lansdowne Street West between Spillsbury Drive and Clonsilla Avenue, Wastewater Treatment Plant revitalization, extending a taxiway at the Peterborough Regional Airport, road paving, purchasing transit buses, and water service distribution infrastructure.

A list of major capital projects and a breakdown of what a taxpayer pays for various municipal services is available at peterborough.ca/budget.

Through its budget deliberations, Council made various changes or directions related to the Draft 2026 Budget, such as:

• Reducing the proposed employee benefits cost requirement by $665,000 from what was included in the draft budget documents;

• The City was informed that its Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund grant will be $269,000 more than anticipated;

• On Nov. 3, Council awarded RFP48-25 for shelter services and daytime drop-in program to One City, which added $1.12 million to the Draft 2026 Budget;

• Increasing the net tax levy by $90,137 in 2026 for the Community Development Program to offset a reduced funding from Peterborough County;

• Reducing the net tax levy requirement by $204,477 to reflect the increased final current value assessments from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation;

• That the Police Service budget be returned to the Police Service Board for potential reductions;

• Deferring until 2027 consideration of a $900,000 project for a public washroom at Jackson Park;

• Deferring $25,000 that had been requested to convert a washroom space into a kitchenette at City Hall;

• Deferring until 2027 consideration of a $375,000 budget for the Coldsprings Growth Area – Planning Studies;

• Extending the Community Service Agreement with Electric City Culture Council (EC3) for Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2026, including $100,000 for EC3 operations plus $50,000 for EC3 to provide Artsweek and the Individual Artists program, as well as increasing the funding by an additional $25,000 toward the Individual Artists program; and

• Increasing funding for the Peterborough Public Library collections acquisition by an additional $32,000 funded from the Library Materials Acquisition Reserve.

Beyond the immediate budgetary considerations, Council made several recommendations on program direction on items that will return to Council for consideration in the future, such as:

• That Ashburnham Memorial Park be given priority for the next round of park improvements;

• That a preferred option for a pedestrian crossing involving the Crawford Trail Extension Project - Monaghan Road to Townsend, be at the signalized intersection of Monaghan Road and Lansdowne Street; and

• That staff be directed to bring forward a report to the 2027 Budget to explore parking and other revenue opportunities at the Riverview Park and Zoo.

The official minutes of the meeting, including all of Council’s endorsed motions, will be available at peterborough.ca/agendas.

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OLG Makes First-Quarter Payment of Over $712,000 to The City of Peterborough

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has made its first-quarter payment of $712,281 to the City of Peterborough for hosting Shorelines Casino Peterborough, announced on Wednesday.

Since 1994, host communities have received more than $2.3 billion in non-tax gaming revenue. File Photo.

The first quarter ran from April 1 to June 30. Peterborough has received $15,807,492 since the Shorelines opened in October 2018.

These payments to host communities are based on a formula consistently applied across all gaming sites in Ontario using a graduated scale of gaming revenue at the hosted site as stated in a press release. 

“OLG is a strong partner that provides substantial benefits to Peterborough,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “In addition to the jobs at Shorelines Casino Peterborough, important investments in our local community are made possible through OLG’s sharing of casino revenue.”

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Peterborough Public Library Staffing Reorganization Paused For Considerations

The Peterborough Public Library staff reorganization, which was expected to result in a net reduction of one full-time position, has been paused for the City to consider alternative options for meeting budgetary constraints, announced on Monday.

File Photo.

A Library staff reorganization was planned to reduce the Library’s 2025 operating budget increase from 10.9 per cent to about 8 per cent, as approved through the City’s 2025 Budget. 

While the approved budget needs to be followed, the City is exploring all options to ensure the most effective means to reduce the budget while maintaining the same level and quality of service, through constructive meetings with Peterborough Public Library staff. 

Through the initial plans for a staff reorganization, the Library planned to maintain children’s library services, but would have delivered them differently through staffing changes.  

The City says it has heard and appreciates the support for Library services expressed by residents and others who have advocated for the Peterborough Public Library. The Library is a core community service that continues to receive strong support, including the opening of a new Library branch in the City’s south end at the Miskin Law Community Complex to improve access to library services. 

A press release states the City is continuing an open dialogue with Peterborough Public Library staff and their union executive, as represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1833, as discussions progress on implementing changes within the Library’s approved budget and as the collective bargaining process continues. 

The staff reorganization at the Peterborough Public Library was one of several budget changes in various City program areas that City Council approved in the City’s 2025 Budget to reduce the property tax increase, such as ending the lifeguard service at Rogers Cove beach with lifeguard service being maintained at the nearby Beavermead Park beach, ending the maintenance of the ice for skating on the Trent-Severn Waterway next to the Lift Lock, reducing preventative maintenance of City facilities, reducing funding for advertising and increasing the Peterborough Transit single ride fare by 25 cents. 

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City Council to Hear On 2026 Budget On Tuesday's General Committee Meeting

Peterborough City Council will hear preliminary information on factors that may affect the City’s Draft 2026 Budget, during a General Committee meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall, starting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Council will receive presentations from the City’s Finance Division, which leads the budget process, as well as presentations from Community Services, Infrastructure, Planning and Growth Management, and Peterborough Police Service. 

The June 10 General Committee report regarding the 2026 Budget process will go to the June 30 City Council meeting for approval. 

The budget process will continue with a community engagement meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, in the Banquet Hall at Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd. 

The Draft 2026 Budget is expected to be presented in November, followed by further public consultation and Council debate on the Draft Budget. 

Under Strong Mayor Powers legislation, the City receives direction from the Mayor on the development of the City’s Budget. Council recommendations on the direction for the Draft Budget would be made to the Mayor, requesting that the Mayor consider them when providing direction to staff on the preparation of the budget. 

It is anticipated that the Mayor will present the budget for adoption in December. After the Mayor puts forward the budget, Council can pass resolutions to amend the budget within 30 days. The Mayor may veto a Council budget resolution and Council may then override a mayoral veto with a two-thirds majority vote. 

At this early stage of the 2026 Budget process, the Mayor has directed that the City staff prepare a Draft 2026 Budget that: 

• Initiates a collaborative budget process with members of Council; 

• Maintains current service levels approved by Council in the 2025 Budget, that reflects increases related to inflation, 2026 costing adjustments, Council approved changes, and legislated requirements; and 

• Includes an anticipated 10 per cent increase for Peterborough Police Service due to legislative requirements. 

The community engagement meeting on June 19 will include a brief presentation on the 2026 Budget process outlining how the budget is put together, a summary of results from the 2026 Budget survey that closed in April, and initial information on anticipated financial impacts that may affect the 2026 Budget. 

Information on the City budget is available at peterborough.ca/budget or on the City’s community engagement hub at connectptbo.ca/2026Budget, where comments can be submitted to the City’s Budget team.  

2026 Budget process  

• 2026 Budget survey opened, April 7

• 2026 Budget survey closed, April 25

• General Committee meeting, presentation on preliminary information/factors that are anticipated to affect the City’s Draft 2026 Budget, June 10 at 9 a.m., City Hall, 500 George St. N.

• Community budget consultation meeting with brief presentation, conversations with Budget team and Council members, June 19 at 6:30 p.m., Healthy Planet Arena Banquet Hall, 911 Monaghan Rd.    

• City Council meeting, consider items related to drafting the 2026 Budget, June 30, City Hall, 500 George St. N.  

• Draft 2026 Budget presented to City Council, Nov. 3, City Hall, 500 George St. N.  

• Budget consultation meeting with brief presentation, conversations with Budget team and Council members, Nov. 6

• Budget consultation drop-in opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, have conversations with Budget team and Council members, Nov. 10, main foyer, City Hall, 500 George St. N.   

• Public meeting for City Council to hear from delegations about the Draft 2026 Budget, Nov. 10

• City Council reviews and discusses the Draft 2026 Budget during General Committee meeting, Nov. 17 and Nov. 18

• Mayor will present the 2026 Budget for adoption, Dec. 8

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City Council Approves 2025 Budget

City Council has approved the City's 2025 Budget which outlines investments in municipal services and infrastructure during its meeting on Monday night.

File Photo.

The budget has a 6.72 per cent all-inclusive rate increase that equates to $10.44 per month per $100,000 of property assessment for the typical residential property,

Through its budget deliberations in November, the City of Peterborough reports that Council cut spending in several areas and added back in funding that had been removed earlier in the budget process to reduce the property tax requirement. Council started with a 7.8 per cent all-inclusive rate increase when the draft budget was initially presented.

To reduce the tax requirement for residents and businesses, Council asked the Peterborough County/City Paramedics and Peterborough Police Services Board to reduce their requested increases for 2025. Peterborough Paramedics reduced its funding request to $7,299,067, an increase of $488,270, or 7.2 per cent from 2024. Peterborough Police Services Board responded with a request for $37,802,241, an increase of $2,727,054, or 7.8 per cent, from 2024 – after initially requesting an 8.8 per cent increase.

Council made many changes to the City’s Draft 2025 Budget to reduce the property tax requirement by decreasing spending, increasing revenue and drawing from reserve funds.

Among the changes to the draft budget Council:

• Restoring $298,153 for Community Grants that had been cut from the draft budget

• Adding a $500,000 interest-free loan for the replacement of the roof at Showplace Performance Centre

• Reducing the proposed 2025 stormwater management funding by $620,000

• Providing $250,000 from the Social Services Reserve to help fund architectural, engineering and planning services for the proposed new Brock Mission Housing Project that would create 50 transitional housing units

• Drawing $904,000 from the Social Services Reserve for several housing and homelessness services enhancements, including extending the Trinity Community Centre overnight drop-in program to a full-year service, increasing funding to the Housing Stability Fund, and increasing the capacity of the Brock Mission shelter to 40 beds from 32 beds

• Restoring funding for discretionary benefits, which had been proposed to be reduced, at a cost of $235,695

• Reducing preventative maintenance at municipal facilities for a savings of $153,000

• Ending the lifeguard service for swimming at Roger’s Cove for a savings of $39,995 (lifeguard service continues to be provided at the nearby Beavermead Park beach)

• Ending the maintenance of the Trent-Severn Waterway canal south of the Lift Lock in winter for skating for a savings of $100,000

• Reinstating a $150,000 annual payment to the Downtown Business Improvement Area that had been proposed to be removed

• Removing a $132,500 expense for contracting streetscape maintenance services to the Downtown Business Improvement Area as the City will directly provide the service in 2025

• Reducing spending on graffiti management, forestry contractual services, and street cleaning totalling $60,000

• Reducing Transit expenses for cleaning supplies and contractual services by $75,000

• Reducing the budget provision for insurance premiums by $115,000

Through its 2025 Budget, Council has endorsed transitioning stormwater funding from the tax base to a dedicated user fee effective April 1, using a simplified interim rate structure. The proposed user fee will replace what is being paid by property owners through the property tax base and place a charge, or a user fee, on the utility bill. Unlike many municipalities with dedicated stormwater networks and raise the necessary funding through a user fee, the City of Peterborough currently funds the program through the tax base.

The City says benefits to implementing a Stormwater Management Fee include:

• Dedicating a funding stream allocated back to providing the service

• Awareness and transparency showing owners what they pay for the service and what is required for capital and operating costs

• Fairness where owners may pay based on stormwater contribution as opposed to property assessment

• Introducing the opportunity for economic incentives, giving owners the opportunity to reduce their costs associated with delivering the service

The Budget details investments in municipal services and infrastructure, such as water and wastewater infrastructure and treatment, garbage collection, the Green Bin program, the landfill and composting facilities, affordable housing, homelessness services, roads, recreation and parks, arts and culture, policing, fire services, paramedics, and public health.

The Draft 2025 Budget, as presented on Nov. 4, includes $411 million in operating expenses, with $185.9 million from property taxes and the remainder funded by other revenues such as grants from other governments, user fees, and service charges.

On the capital side, the Draft 2025 Budget as presented on Nov. 4, includes $147.4 million for 174 projects such as the Transit Garage Replacement, police station renovations, major infrastructure work on Brealey Drive between Lansdowne and Sherbrooke streets, updating and replacing equipment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and various road projects.

The City started the 2025 Budget process in March 2024 with community consultation, including a survey and public meetings held through March and April. Council held General Committee meetings in June to review information and consider input from the community. Council considered detailed breakdowns of budget implications for services and capital projects before recommending guidelines for preparing the Draft 2025 Budget.

Council heard from public delegations on the Draft 2025 Budget at a meeting on Nov. 12.

The City held informal public meetings on Nov. 7 and 12 to present information, respond to questions and get feedback on the Draft 2025 Budget ahead of Council’s deliberations.

At its meeting on Dec. 9, Council gave final approval to specific projects and programs in the 2025 Budget to allow that work to proceed while Council considers the remainder of the Draft 2025 Budget. Council also approved the 2025 User Fees and Charges.

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City Council to Determine Approval of 2025 Budget On Monday's Meeting

City Council will consider approving the City's 2025 Budget, which outlines investments in municipal services and infrastructure, during its meeting that starts at 6 p.m. on Monday.

File Photo.

The budget has a 6.72 per cent all-inclusive rate increase that equates to $10.44 per month per $100,000 of property assessment for the typical residential property,

Through its budget deliberations in November, the City of Peterborough reports that Council cut spending in several areas and added back in funding that had been removed earlier in the budget process to reduce the property tax requirement. Council started with a 7.8 per cent all-inclusive rate increase when the draft budget was initially presented.

To reduce the tax requirement for residents and businesses, Council asked the Peterborough County/City Paramedics and Peterborough Police Services Board to reduce their requested increases for 2025. Peterborough Paramedics reduced its funding request to $7,299,067, an increase of $488,270, or 7.2 per cent from 2024. Peterborough Police Services Board responded with a request for $37,802,241, an increase of $2,727,054, or 7.8 per cent, from 2024 – after initially requesting an 8.8 per cent increase.

Council made many changes to the City’s Draft 2025 Budget to reduce the property tax requirement by decreasing spending, increasing revenue and drawing from reserve funds.

Among the changes to the draft budget Council:

• Restoring $298,153 for Community Grants that had been cut from the draft budget

• Adding a $500,000 interest-free loan for the replacement of the roof at Showplace Performance Centre

• Reducing the proposed 2025 stormwater management funding by $620,000

• Providing $250,000 from the Social Services Reserve to help fund architectural, engineering and planning services for the proposed new Brock Mission Housing Project that would create 50 transitional housing units

• Drawing $904,000 from the Social Services Reserve for several housing and homelessness services enhancements, including extending the Trinity Community Centre overnight drop-in program to a full-year service, increasing funding to the Housing Stability Fund, and increasing the capacity of the Brock Mission shelter to 40 beds from 32 beds

• Restoring funding for discretionary benefits, which had been proposed to be reduced, at a cost of $235,695

• Reducing preventative maintenance at municipal facilities for a savings of $153,000

• Ending the lifeguard service for swimming at Roger’s Cove for a savings of $39,995 (lifeguard service continues to be provided at the nearby Beavermead Park beach)

• Ending the maintenance of the Trent-Severn Waterway canal south of the Lift Lock in winter for skating for a savings of $100,000

• Reinstating a $150,000 annual payment to the Downtown Business Improvement Area that had been proposed to be removed

• Removing a $132,500 expense for contracting streetscape maintenance services to the Downtown Business Improvement Area as the City will directly provide the service in 2025

• Reducing spending on graffiti management, forestry contractual services, and street cleaning totalling $60,000

• Reducing Transit expenses for cleaning supplies and contractual services by $75,000

• Reducing the budget provision for insurance premiums by $115,000

Through its 2025 Budget, Council has endorsed transitioning stormwater funding from the tax base to a dedicated user fee effective April 1, using a simplified interim rate structure. The proposed user fee will replace what is being paid by property owners through the property tax base and place a charge, or a user fee, on the utility bill. Unlike many municipalities with dedicated stormwater networks and raise the necessary funding through a user fee, the City of Peterborough currently funds the program through the tax base.

The City says benefits to implementing a Stormwater Management Fee include:

• Dedicating a funding stream allocated back to providing the service

• Awareness and transparency showing owners what they pay for the service and what is required for capital and operating costs

• Fairness where owners may pay based on stormwater contribution as opposed to property assessment

• Introducing the opportunity for economic incentives, giving owners the opportunity to reduce their costs associated with delivering the service

The Budget details investments in municipal services and infrastructure, such as water and wastewater infrastructure and treatment, garbage collection, the Green Bin program, the landfill and composting facilities, affordable housing, homelessness services, roads, recreation and parks, arts and culture, policing, fire services, paramedics, and public health.

The Draft 2025 Budget, as presented on Nov. 4, includes $411 million in operating expenses, with $185.9 million from property taxes and the remainder funded by other revenues such as grants from other governments, user fees, and service charges.

On the capital side, the Draft 2025 Budget as presented on Nov. 4, includes $147.4 million for 174 projects such as the Transit Garage Replacement, police station renovations, major infrastructure work on Brealey Drive between Lansdowne and Sherbrooke streets, updating and replacing equipment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and various road projects.

The City started the 2025 Budget process in March 2024 with community consultation, including a survey and public meetings held through March and April. Council held General Committee meetings in June to review information and consider input from the community. Council considered detailed breakdowns of budget implications for services and capital projects before recommending guidelines for preparing the Draft 2025 Budget.

Council heard from public delegations on the Draft 2025 Budget at a meeting on Nov. 12.

The City held informal public meetings on Nov. 7 and 12 to present information, respond to questions and get feedback on the Draft 2025 Budget ahead of Council’s deliberations.

At its meeting on Dec. 9, Council gave final approval to specific projects and programs in the 2025 Budget to allow that work to proceed while Council considers the remainder of the Draft 2025 Budget. Council also approved the 2025 User Fees and Charges.

The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 500 George St. N. and can be attended in person or watched live online at peterborough.ca/WatchCouncil.

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City Council Endorses Draft 2025 Budget

City Council has endorsed a Draft 2025 Budget that outlines investments in municipal services and infrastructure.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

There is a proposed 6.72 per cent all-inclusive rate increase that equates to $10.44 per month per $100,000 of property assessment for the typical residential property.

Council is expected to consider final approval of the City’s 2025 Budget on Feb. 3

Through its budget deliberations in November, Council cut spending in several areas and added back funding that had been removed earlier in the budget to reduce the property tax requirement. Council started with a 7.8 per cent all-inclusive rate increase when the draft budget was initially presented.

To reduce the tax requirement for residents and businesses, the Council asked the Peterborough County/City Paramedics and Peterborough Police Services Board to reduce their requested increases for 2025. Peterborough Paramedics reduced its funding request to $7,299,067, an increase of $488,270, or 7.2 per cent, from 2024. Peterborough Police Services Board responded with a request for $37,802,241, an increase of $2,727,054, or 7.8 per cent, from 2024 – after initially requesting an 8.8 per cent increase.

Council made many changes to the City’s Draft 2025 Budget to reduce the property tax requirement by decreasing spending, increasing revenue and drawing from reserve funds.

Among the changes to the draft budget, Council:

• Restoring $298,153 for Community Grants that had been cut from the draft budget

• Adding a $500,000 interest-free loan for the replacement of the roof at Showplace Performance Centre

• Increasing Transit fares by 25 cents to generate an estimated $125,000 in revenue

• Reducing the proposed 2025 stormwater management funding by $620,000

• Providing $250,000 from the Social Services Reserve to help fund architectural, engineering and planning services for the proposed new Brock Mission Housing Project that would create 50 transitional housing units

• Drawing $904,000 from the Social Services Reserve for several housing and homelessness services enhancements, including extending the Trinity Community Centre overnight drop-in program to a full-year service, increasing funding to the Housing Stability Fund, and increasing the capacity of the Brock Mission shelter to 40 beds from 32 beds

• Restoring funding for discretionary benefits, which had been proposed to be reduced, at a cost of $235,695

• Reducing preventative maintenance at municipal facilities for a savings of $153,000

• Ending the lifeguard service for swimming at Roger’s Cove for a savings of $39,995 (lifeguard service continues to be provided at the nearby Beavermead Park beach)

• Ending the maintenance of the Trent-Severn Waterway canal south of the Lift Lock in winter for skating for a savings of $100,000

• Reinstating a $150,000 annual payment to the Downtown Business Improvement Area that had been proposed to be removed

• Removing a $132,500 expense for contracting streetscape maintenance services to the Downtown Business Improvement Area as the City will directly provide the service in 2025

• Reducing spending on graffiti management, forestry contractual services, and street cleaning totalling $60,000

• Reducing Transit expenses for cleaning supplies and contractual services by $75,000

• Reducing the budget provision for insurance premiums by $115,000

Through its 2025 Budget, Council has endorsed transitioning stormwater funding from the tax base to a dedicated user fee effective April 1, using a simplified interim rate structure. The proposed user fee will replace what is being paid by property owners through the property tax base and place a charge, or a user fee, on the utility bill. Unlike many municipalities with dedicated stormwater networks and raise the necessary funding through a user fee, the City of Peterborough currently funds the program through the tax base.

The benefits to implementing a Stormwater Management Fee according to the City include:

• Dedicating a funding stream allocated back to providing the service

• Awareness and transparency showing owners what they pay for the service and what is required for capital and operating costs

• Fairness where owners may pay based on stormwater contribution as opposed to property assessment

• Introducing the opportunity for economic incentives, giving owners the opportunity to reduce their costs associated with delivering the service

The Budget details investments in municipal services and infrastructure, such as water and wastewater infrastructure and treatment, garbage collection, the Green Bin program, the landfill and composting facilities, affordable housing, homelessness services, roads, recreation and parks, arts and culture, policing, fire services, paramedics, and public health.

The Draft 2025 Budget, as presented on Nov. 4, includes $411 million in operating expenses, with $185.9 million from property taxes and the remainder funded by other revenues such as grants from other governments, user fees and service charges.

On the capital side, the Draft 2025 Budget as presented on Nov. 4, includes $147.4 million for 174 projects such as the Transit Garage Replacement, police station renovations, major infrastructure work on Brealey Drive between Lansdowne and Sherbrooke streets, updating and replacing equipment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and various road projects.

The City started the 2025 Budget process in March 2024 with community consultation, including a survey and public meetings held through March and April. Council held General Committee meetings in June to review information and consider input from the community. Council considered detailed breakdowns of budget implications for services and capital projects before recommending guidelines for preparing the Draft 2025 Budget.

Council heard from public delegations on the Draft 2025 Budget at a meeting on Nov. 12.

The City held informal public meetings on Nov. 7 and Nov. 12 to present information, respond to questions and get feedback on the Draft 2025 Budget ahead of Council’s deliberations.

On Dec. 9, 2024, Council gave final approval to specific projects and programs in the 2025 Budget to allow that work to proceed while Council considers the remainder of the Draft 2025 Budget. Council also approved the 2025 User Fees and Charges.

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City of Peterborough Discontinues Maintenance On Canal Due to Budgeting; Final Deliberations In Early February

As part of its 2025 Budget deliberations, the City of Peterborough is not maintaining a skating rink at the Peterborough Lift Lock and may remove that service as a cost-cutting measure.

File Photo.

With the canal property of Parks Canada, the City does not decide on public access to the property, according to a press release. Parks Canada has, in the past, installed steps for public access to the ice surface of the canal at the City’s request.

The City estimates an annual cost of $100,000 for maintenance, which includes activities such as regularly flooding the ice surface to create a smooth rink, snow clearing with snow clearing machines, and testing ice thickness.

The green flag was posted for safe skating on the canal beneath the Lift Lock for the following number of days for each of the past few seasons based on weather and ice conditions: 2021-2022 season, 12 days; 2022-2023 season, four days; 2023-2024 season, one day.

The City also operates an outdoor skating rink at Quaker Foods City Square on Charlotte Street. It administers a neighbourhood park rink program provided by volunteers who maintain rinks at neighbourhood parks.

City Council will continue its 2025 Budget deliberations on Jan. 20 with final approval of the 2025 Budget anticipated on Feb. 3.

The Draft 2025 Budget reflects an eight per cent all-inclusive property tax increase for 2025. City Council has indicated it would like options to reduce the all-inclusive property tax increase to seven per cent.

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Peterborough County Approves 2025 Budget

Peterborough County Council has approved the 2025 Budget during Monday’s Council meeting.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The approved budget includes a 6.28 per cent tax rate increase (8.4 per cent tax levy increase) which reflects the County’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure and reducing dependency on reserve funding according to a press release.

Key highlights of the budget include:

• Dedicated Infrastructure Levy: A 2.5 per cent allocation specifically for infrastructure needs.

• Operational Sustainability: Elimination of reliance on reserved funding to support ongoing operations.

• Tax Rate Adjustment: A tax rate increase of 6.28 per cent, amounting to approximately $66.00 for the average assessed household.

“Peterborough County Council is tasked with balancing the need to invest in our communities with the rising cost of living for our ratepayers,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “This budget enables continued investment in services to meet the needs of our residents and townships, provides for much-needed maintenance on key infrastructure, while eliminating the draw on reserves for operating needs. The work does not end here. County Council, the Finance Committee, and staff will continue to find efficiencies and opportunities throughout the organization in the months ahead.”

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