Ontario Government Doubling Fire Protection Grant to Support Peterborough-Kawartha Firefighters

The Ontario government is doubling the total funding available for municipal fire departments this year from $10 to $20 million as part of its Fire Protection Grant, announced by MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha Dave Smith on Tuesday.

file photo.

Local fire services will receive $316,565 of this investment to purchase life-saving equipment, enhance cancer prevention initiatives and improve responses to lithium-ion battery incidents.

“Our firefighters are always there when we need them, running towards danger to protect our homes and our families,” said Smith. “By doubling this year’s Fire Protection Grant, we are ensuring our local heroes have the specialized equipment and training they need to stay safe on the job and return home healthy to their families.”

The Fire Protection Grant is an application-based program that provides municipal fire services with the resources needed to address contemporary safety challenges. This year's funding will benefit several municipal fire departments across the City and County of Peterborough, including Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Trent Lakes, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, North Kawartha and Peterborough.

Eligible projects under the 2025-26 grant cycle focus on three critical pillars; cancer prevention, including specialized gear decontamination units, Lithium-Ion Battery Response, providing tools for electric vehicle and electronics fires and Infrastructure Modernization, such as high-speed broadband for rural fire halls.

“This investment is a significant step forward in protecting the health and safety of our firefighters,” said Peterborough Fire Services Chief Chris Snetsinger. “Firefighting is a demanding profession that carries real and lasting health and safety risks. This support recognizes the importance of doing everything we can to reduce those risks. Whether that’s limiting exposure to contaminants or improving protective equipment, investments in firefighter safety are investments in the well-being of our entire community.”

For a grant breakdown between each local fire department, click the link.

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OLG Issues Third-Quarter Gaming Revenue Payment to Peterborough of $624,898

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has made their third quarter payment totalling $624,898 to the City of Peterborough for hosting Shorelines Casino Peterborough.

file photo.

So far during OLG’s fiscal year (April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026), Peterborough has received $2,053,832. Since the gaming site opened in October 2018, Peterborough has amassed $17,149,043.

These payments to host communities are based on a formula in the Municipality Contribution Agreement that is consistently applied across all casino sites in Ontario using a graduated scale of gaming revenue at the hosted site according to a press release.

“Year after year, a share of the revenue from Shorelines Casino Peterborough through OLG’s Municipality Contribution Agreement has been an important source of funding for Peterborough, helping to deliver vital services and helping to enhance the quality of life of local residents,” said Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha. “Communities like ours who host a gaming facility benefit from their share of local casino revenue, while all Ontarians benefit from OLG’s gaming revenues, as 100 per cent of OLG profits are reinvested in communities across the province.”

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Canadian Council of the Blind Receives $1,250 Donation From AON Inc.

AON Inc. has donated over $1,200 to the Canadian Council of the Blind Peterborough Chapter at a cheque presentation Monday.

photo courtesy of The Canadian council of the blind.

The donation will go towards the continued support of the local blind community; providing visual aids for those with vision-loss.

“On behalf of the Canadian Council of the Blind Peterborough chapter, thank you to AON Corporation and The Gardens for your generous donation and continued support. Your kindness makes a real difference in the lives of blind and visually impaired people in our community,” said Christel Galachiuk, Chair of the Canadian Council of the Blind Peterborough. “Because of partners like you, we are able to provide connection, advocacy and meaningful programs that help people live more independent and fulfilling lives. We are truly grateful for your generosity and belief in our mission.”

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100 Women Peterborough's Final 2025 Meeting Sees Exceptional Turnout in Support of Jude's Joy Initiative

The holiday spirit shone brightly at 100 Women Peterborough’s last meeting of the year, where Jude’s Joy was selected as the recipient of their final donation last Tuesday.

It was a majority vote for the inclusive playground initiative, which works to make local parks accessible to all children. Jude’s Joy secured a collective donation of over $10,000 toward their vision to build the playground at Ennismore Waterfront Park.

“Seeing Jude, my son who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Global Developmental Delay, and other children with disabilities miss out on play experiences with their peers, fuelled my sense of social responsibility,” said Julie Grant, Ennismore Inclusive Playground Project founder. “This is why our goal of enhancing accessibility at the Ennismore waterfront park has always gone beyond just the playground area.”

Other charities that were represented at the event included Green Up and Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Foundation.

“I was thrilled to see our membership show up, even in the harsh, snowy weather,” said Rosalea Terry, 100 Women co-founder. “It speaks volumes about our shared commitment to supporting charities that make a real difference in our community. We are proud to have just wrapped our eighth year of impact in Peterborough with a collective donation to Jude's Joy and are excited to continue giving back in 2026."

For more information on the Ennismore Inclusive Playground Project initiative, visit the website.

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City of Peterborough Adopts 2026 Budget

The City of Peterborough’s 2026 Budget was adopted during a City Council meeting Monday, setting a financial plan to maintain current service levels and continue investments in municipal infrastructure.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

To help reduce the property tax increase next year, Council supported using an additional $3 million from the Legacy Fund Income Retention reserve account, a reserve fund that holds revenue or interest earned on investments made using the proceeds of the sale of assets of Peterborough Distribution Inc. Council has identified the Legacy Fund Income reserve as a way to reduce the tax increase and recommended several other changes during its budget deliberation meetings in November. The $3 million injection reduced the tax requirement in the 2026 Budget by 1.32 per cent.

The City’s 2026 Budget 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 related to external agencies that the City funds.

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

“Thanks to all residents who called, emailed and spoke to City Council to provide their perspectives on the budget,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Everyone’s input is incredibly helpful to meet our service requirements and ensure that our capital investment is sufficient to repair, rebuild and renew Peterborough’s capital infrastructure.”

The 2026 Budget includes $453.9 million in municipal services spending and $139.2 million in capital investments. The $453.9 million is funded by $255.5 million in revenue from non-municipal property tax sources, including user fees, grants from other governments, recoveries, interest on investments and service charges, resulting in a tax requirement of $198.4 million.

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

A breakdown of the municipal tax dollars:

• 25.9 per cent - outside/external organizations, such as police, paramedics, and public health

• 23.9 per cent - Community Services, such as social services, housing, fire services, parks, cultural services, the library, the museum and the art gallery

• 18.2 per cent - Municipal Operations, such as public works, winter control, transit and the airport

• 16.5 per cent - financial services, which includes financing costs for major infrastructure projects

• 6.1 per cent - Finance and Corporate Support Services, which includes the City’s finance administration, emergency management, communications and facilities management

• 5.4 per cent - Infrastructure, Planning and Growth Management, which includes services such as engineering, managing major infrastructure projects, processing planning and building permit applications, physician recruitment and economic development

• 2.2 per cent - Legislative Services, such as the Clerk’s Office, legal services, real estate transactions, the Provincial Offences Act office and by-law enforcement

• 1.4 per cent - Chief Administrative Officer’s office, which includes the City’s People and Culture Division

• 0.4 per cent - City Council

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

• 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

• 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

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

Information on the 2026 Budget is available online. Residents can use the interactive OpenBook tool that is available on the website to view budget information in visual, accessible and easy-to-understand formats with charts, tables and graphs.

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Fleming College Creates New Bursary Program After $1.5 Million Gift

Fleming College is establishing its largest-ever endowed fund for student tuition assistance after a $1.5 million gift from The Joyce Family Foundation, announced on Thursday.

(From left to right)  oanne Spicer, Associate Vice President, Student Experience, Fleming College; Katie Pezoulas, Executive Director, Advancement and External Relations, Fleming College; Linda Ricker, Director of Finance, The Joyce Family Foundation; Maureen Adamson, President of Fleming College and Interim President and CEO of Colleges Ontario; Maureen O’Neill, Executive Director, The Joyce Family Foundation; Nick Stone, Associate Vice President, Health, Fleming College; Chris Jardine, Associate Vice President, Marketing and Advancement, Fleming College. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

This gift provides 11 annual bursaries of $5,000 each for students who face financial or other barriers to accessing post-secondary education.

“This historic gift, which establishes our largest fund for student tuition assistance, is a meaningful investment in Fleming College and in the young people of our region,” says Maureen Adamson, Fleming College president. “We are deeply grateful to The Joyce Family Foundation for their commitment to reducing barriers and supporting Canadian youth as they pursue education that enables them to reach their full potential and contribute to their communities.” 

The Program will disburse $55,000 annually to support young people in the Peterborough and Kawarthas region.

“This extraordinary gift from The Joyce Family Foundation demonstrates the profound impact philanthropy can have on students’ lives,” says Katie Pezoulas, Fleming executive director of advancement and external relations. “At a time when inflationary pressures are making education increasingly difficult for families to afford, this investment will be transformational. It will open doors for young people who might otherwise be unable to pursue post-secondary education and ensure they have the support they need to succeed.” 

The Joyce Family Foundation is a private family foundation created by the late Ronald V. Joyce, co-founder of the iconic Tim Horton’s coffee franchise and a champion of philanthropic causes. 

“Ron Joyce believed in the power of education to change lives, and he held great respect for the role colleges play in preparing young people for meaningful careers,” said Rob MacIsaac, Joyce Family Foundation board chair. “This bursary program reflects his steadfast commitment to empowering Canadian youth facing barriers, ensuring they have every opportunity to pursue education and build brighter futures.” 

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Havelock Receives Ontario Trillium Grant of $145,000 to Revitalize Cordova Mines Outdoor Rink

The Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen has received a $145,000 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to revitalize the Cordova Mines outdoor rink, announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen.

Funds provided by the OTF grant have enabled major repairs to the existing outdoor rink. This provides additional recreation opportunities, including basketball, pickleball, tennis and ball hockey.

“By providing funding for major repairs, we are ensuring this vital community hub is not just saved but transformed into a year-round multi-purpose facility,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This supports active, healthy living and ensures families have a modern, safe, and accessible place to play, whether they are enjoying skating in the winter or ball hockey, pickleball and basketball in the warmer months.”

This funding extends the rink's current seasonal use to year-round multi-purpose.

“On behalf of the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, I want to thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for supporting the revitalization of the Cordova Mines Outdoor Rink,” said Mayor Jim Martin. “This beloved attraction in the Hamlet with a Heart of Gold where families come together and pride of place shines and continues to strengthen our local spirit and economy. We’re also very grateful to the Cordova Mines Recreation Association and our dedicated Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Fire Fighters whose volunteer efforts keep this treasured gathering place alive and thriving.”

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Peterborough Museum & Archives Awarded Over $45,000 In Provincial Grant

Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA) has been awarded $45,433 through the Community Museum Operating and Pay Equity Grants Program (CMOG) from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. 

File Photo.

This annual provincial funding supports community museums that meet Ontario’s museum standards of operation, ensuring that museums preserve, present and share the province’s rich cultural heritage said Susan Neale, PMA director.

“The CMOG and Pay Equity program recognizes the vital role that community museums play in education, culture and heritage preservation,” she explained. “This funding helps the PMA continue to deliver engaging exhibitions, meaningful educational programs and responsible stewardship of our community’s history.” 

According to the City, applicants to the program are required to submit a comprehensive report on performance measures and finances and to demonstrate compliance with the provincial museum standards for community museums, including governance, collections management, conservation and public access.

Funding received through the program supports PMA operations, including collections care, preservation, and public access initiatives that connect visitors with Peterborough’s heritage

“We’re proud that the Peterborough Museum & Archives continues to earn provincial recognition for its dedication to preserving our community’s heritage,” said Councillors Alex Bierk and Lesley Parnell. “This funding reflects the strength of the PMA’s commitment to maintaining professional museum standards and engaging our community in its shared history.” 

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Canadian Canoe Museum Receives $150,000 Ontario Trillium Grant For Expansion of Volunteer Roles

The Canadian Canoe Museum received a $150,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) during its annual Volunteer Appreciation event earlier this year.

Photo courtesy of Justen Soule and the Canadian Canoe Museum.

The two-year grant has supported the Museum’s Volunteer Program at its new waterfront location and helps strengthen connections across the Peterborough area and beyond according to a press release.

“The Resilient Communities Fund was designed to help vital organizations like the Canadian Canoe Museum adapt and thrive during major change,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This $150,000 in support has allowed the Museum to completely rebuild its volunteer structure, train new roles, and welcome back its dedicated team after a pause. I am incredibly proud that our government, through the OTF, is supporting the passionate volunteers who are so essential to the Museum's continued success.”

The grant supported the hiring of a Volunteer Coordinator and the development of several new key volunteer roles. These new positions - including Visitor Services Attendant, Exhibition Attendant, Cleaning Support, Lakefront Campus Attendant, Tour Guide, and Event Support. The mony also allowed the Museum to purchase equipment and provide training, networking and learning opportunities.

“This generous support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation has been transformational for our volunteer program during a time of exciting growth and change,” said Carolyn Hyslop, Canadian Canoe Museum executive director. “Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and this grant has allowed us to build the structure, training, and support needed to help them thrive in our new home. We are deeply grateful to OTF for helping us strengthen our community—paddling forward together with purpose and connection.”

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Applications For 2026 Community Grants Now Open

The City of Peterborough’s Community Grants Program application process for 2026 is now open as of noon on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Any not-for-profit group or association in the City that would like to be considered is invited to complete an online application for a Community Project Grant or a Community Investment Grant.

The Community Grants program provides financial assistance to non-profit, community-based organizations that provide direct programs, services, or activities that enhance the quality of life for Peterborough residents in social services and health, arts, culture, heritage, recreation or the environment. 

Applications will be open for the following Community Grants streams:

• Community Project Grants – support for a specified project for which the requested amount is $250 to $1,000.

• Community Investment Grants – support for projects and special events, specific programs or operating budgets for which the requested amount is $1,000 to $15,000.

The Community Project Grant or Community Investment Grant applications deadline is Dec. 3 at noon.

Funding for the Community Grants program is contingent on the City Council’s anticipated budget approval. All applications will be subject to an evaluation process and final approval by Council. The Community Grants Program is competitive and funding is limited and not guaranteed. 

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