Ontario Government Invests Over $116,000 For Local Senior Support

Six local organizations in the Peterborough-Kawartha area have received a combined total of $116,196 to help local seniors stay active, safe and socially connected within their communities.

The Ontario government is investing up to $7 million for more than 320 Seniors Community Grants across the province this year, helping seniors stay fit, active, healthy, and socially connected close to home. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding is through the Ontario government’s Seniors Community Grants program.

The funding recipients in Peterborough-Kawartha are:

The City of Peterborough: $24,998

• Project: Be Prepared (Third Revision)

• Overview: Updates materials for the Be Prepared program to equip seniors with clear, practical guidance to recognize and respond to frauds, scams, severe weather events, and intimate partner or family violence, while strengthening emergency preparedness

Alzheimer Society of Peterborough Kawartha Lakes Northumberland and Haliburton: $24,251

• Project: The Social and Night Out Program

• Overview: Provides an inclusive environment where individuals living with dementia, caregivers, and families can socialize, share meals, dance, and build lasting connections in a safe, welcoming atmosphere

Mapleridge Recreation Centre (Senior Citizens Association of Peterborough): $24,541

• Project: Connected Communities: Seniors' Digital Literacy Program

• Overview: Offers hands-on workshops using computers, tablets, and smart boards to build seniors' confidence in using technology safely, covering scam prevention, safe use of AI tools, and accessing online services

Community Care Peterborough: $24,500

• Project: Senior Connectors – Phase 2: Peer Navigation & Follow-Up

• Overview: Supports trained senior volunteers hosting community kiosks to help older adults across the City and County of Peterborough access vital local services, reducing isolation and promoting independence

Douro-Dummer Township Public Library Board: $17,906

• Project: The Douro-Dummer Public Library Learning Commons Phase II

• Overview: Enhances the community hub's programming, user experience, and partnership opportunities, providing a gathering space for rural seniors and community members of all ages

St. Joseph's at Fleming: $2,100

• Project: Community Connections for Seniors

• Overview: Provides monthly, supervised community outings with accessible transportation for long-term care residents to enjoy cultural and recreational experiences, helping them remain engaged in the broader community

“Seniors have built the vibrant, close-knit communities we enjoy today, and ensuring they have access to programs that keep them active, safe, and connected is a top priority,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “Whether it's preventing online scams, supporting those living with dementia, or helping long-term care residents get out into the community, these six local projects will make a real, tangible difference in the everyday lives of older adults right across our region.”

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Ontario Government Gives Peterborough Over $1.6 Million Through the Building Faster Fund After Reaching Housing Targets

The Ontario Government has rewarded the City of Peterborough with $1,653,397, which provides funding to municipalities that achieve at least 80 per cent of their provincially designated housing targets, announced at City Hall on Wednesday.

City Staff and local politicans with Rob Flack (middle) recieving the $1.6 million for reaching 80 per cent of Peterborough’s housing targets. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding came through the third round of the Building Faster Fund.

Last year, Peterborough broke ground on 545 new homes, exceeding its annual target by 16 per cent. The funding will help the City of Peterborough build more homes and community infrastructure while advancing the province’s plan to protect Ontario by investing in projects that support economic growth and keep workers on the job according to Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

“Our government is relentlessly focused on creating the conditions municipalities need to meet the growing demand for more homes,” he said. “That is why we have introduced bold legislative changes and introduced measures such as the Development Charge Reduction Program. We appreciate partners like Peterborough who are committed to working alongside us.”

Announced in August 2023, the Building Faster Fund is a three-year, up to $1.2 billion program that helps municipalities build more homes faster. The fund rewards municipalities that make significant progress toward their housing targets by providing funding for the infrastructure needed to support new housing and growing communities.

“The City of Peterborough is taking action to support housing construction by reducing development charges and streamlining our development approvals process through the implementation of a Community Planning Permit System,” said Jeff Leal, Mayor of Peterborough. Together, we're creating the conditions for builders to create homes and jobs in our community.”

Flack added that the Ontario Government is also helping to speed up the construction of new homes and infrastructure by streamlining development processes and reducing unnecessary costs, most recently through the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026 and the HST Relief Implementation Act (Residential Property Rebates), 2026.

As part of the up to $8.8 billion Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build, Ontario has introduced the Development Charge Reduction Program, which will provide funding for housing-enabling infrastructure projects over a 10-year period. Funding will be prioritized for municipalities that reduce and maintain reductions on development charges.

The agreement also supports removing HST on new homes from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, which will save homebuyers up to $130,000 on the cost of a new home. Collectively, these measures help to enhance affordability, support builders as they get shovels in the ground on new homes and keep workers on the job.

“We know that increasing the housing supply is the best way to make life more affordable for seniors and young families in Peterborough,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “Exceeding our provincial targets means our community has earned a $1.65 million reward. This funding goes straight into building the foundation—the pipes, roads, and local services—needed to keep our building momentum going.”

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Ontario Government Invests $56 Million to Fleming College For Post-Secondary Education Expansion

To protect students’ access to education and successful careers, the Ontario Government has invested $56 million into Fleming College announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of Dave Smith.

This investment is part of the government’s new funding model, which will bring an additional $6.4 billion to universities, colleges and Indigenous Institutes across the province to build long-term sustainability in the sector, according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“This historic $56 million investment represents a vital commitment to the future of our region,” he said. “By delivering this targeted support directly to Fleming College, our government is ensuring that local students can continue to access world-class education right here at home. This funding provides the long-term stability needed to keep our postsecondary sector strong, while empowering the next generation with the practical skills required for rewarding, high-demand careers.”

“Fleming College plays a critical role in preparing the next generation of skilled workers, innovators, and community leaders” said Laurie Scott, Haliburton – Kawartha Lakes – Brock MPP. “This investment will help ensure students continue to benefit from high-quality education and hands-on training while strengthening the college’s long-term sustainability. By supporting Fleming today, we are helping build a stronger workforce, stronger communities, and greater opportunities for future generations to launch rewarding careers right here in Ontario.”

The investment helps ensure that Fleming College can keep preparing students for rewarding, in-demand careers that meet labour market demands, spanning several generations. Operating funding for the sector will increase by 30 per cent to $7 billion in fall 2026, with a focus on delivering programs that align with student demand as well as regional and provincial labour-market demands. The model also includes specialized funding for small, rural, northern and French institutions, so that students in all corners of the province have access to a world-class education.

According to the Ontario Government, through this new model, the government is investing $1.7 billion to fund 70,000 in-demand seats across the province. This investment will expand enrollment in health care, skilled trades, teaching and STEM programs to build the highly skilled workforce businesses and communities depend on. A call for proposals to access this funding will launch this spring, with seats opening in fall 2026.

“We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for this significant $14 million average annual investment in Fleming College, provided over the next four years,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Interim President, Fleming College. “This funding will provide important stability for the College as we continue to focus on our students and their success. By investing in career-focused education and training, the province is helping ensure Fleming graduates are prepared with the skills they need to succeed in rewarding, in-demand careers and contribute to the communities and industries that depend on them.”

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Trent University Receives Investment of $57.7 Million From Ontario Government Over Four Years

To help launch students’ successful careers by providing access to postsecondary education, the Ontario Government has invested $57.7 million over four years at Trent University.

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP (left) with Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor (right) during a press conference in March. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This investment is part of the government’s new funding model, which will bring an additional $6.4 billion to universities, colleges and Indigenous Institutes across the province to build long-term sustainability in the sector, according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“Investing in Trent University is a direct investment in the future of Peterborough and the Kawarthas,” he said. “This new funding model is a huge win for our community. It gives Trent the stability it needs to keep delivering top-tier programs in high-demand fields like healthcare and technology. For local families, it means our young people can get a world-class education right here in their own backyard, graduate with the skills our local workforce needs, and step straight into good-paying careers without having to look outside our region.”

As stated in a press release, funding for Trent University can help prepare students for rewarding, in-demand careers that meet labour market demands, spanning several generations. Operating funding for the sector will increase by 30 per cent to $7 billion in the fall with a focus on delivering programs that align with student demand as well as regional and provincial labour market demands.

The model also includes specialized funding for small, rural, northern and French institutions, so that students in all corners of the province have access to a world-class education. Through this, the government is investing $1.7 billion to fund 70,000 in-demand seats across the province. This investment will expand enrollment in health care, skilled trades, teaching and STEM programs to build the highly skilled workforce businesses and communities depend on. A call for proposals to access this funding will launch this spring, with seats opening in the fall.

“Trent is preparing the highly qualified graduates that become the skilled professionals and leaders Ontario needs. Our students are working alongside leading experts and partners to address challenges across a variety of sectors, including health care, education, business and artificial intelligence,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “This funding provides greater stability for long-term planning and helps ensure we continue delivering exceptional teaching, research and student experiences that contribute to healthy and sustainable communities here in Ontario.”

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Ontario Government Invests $6.4 Million to Build New School Addition In Buckhorn

The Ontario Government has invested $6.4 million in a new addition at Buckhorn Public School to create more student and childcare spaces in a growing community, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Dave Smith.

This project plans to give 98 new elementary student spaces and 49 new licensed childcare spaces for local families in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“This investment to expand Buckhorn Public School is a major milestone for local families and a vital step forward for Trent Lakes and the surrounding area,” he said. “I am absolutely thrilled to see this project advance, as it directly addresses the growing demand for child care and modern student spaces throughout our neighbouring communities. By expanding this facility, we are ensuring that youth across the region have access to a safe, up-to-date, and fully equipped learning environment right close to home for years to come.”

The investment is part of the provincial government’s plan to ensure students have access to modern classrooms, with $1.6 billion allocated to 79 school construction projects across Ontario.

The Capital Priorities program supports the construction of new schools, permanent additions, renovations and school purchases. According to a press release, this year’s funding will support a combination of new school builds, expansions and retrofits across the province and is part of Ontario’s commitment to provide more than $22 billion over 10 years for new school construction, renewal and improvements.

“We want schools to be at the heart of the communities they serve, from preschool to graduation. We extend our sincere thanks to the provincial government for this capital investment that makes it possible to better support our students here at Buckhorn Public School,” said Paul Brown, Chairperson of the Board, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. “We are very excited for the opportunity to enhance this school, which we know will benefit our students and families in the Buckhorn school community for many years to come.”

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Ontario Government Invests Over $260,000 to Support Rural Economic Development In Peterborough-Kawartha

To help protect rural Ontario, the provincial government has invested $260,305.50 to support economic growth and long-term prosperity in Peterborough-Kawartha, announced at the Innovation Cluster on Monday.

Through the first intake of the ROD program, the province is investing over $5.5 million in 116 projects across rural Ontario. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding is through the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program, a $20 million investment by the province to strengthen local economies, support rural workers, and assist communities in planning for long-term growth according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“Our rural communities are the backbone of Ontario’s economy, and this investment ensures that Peterborough-Kawartha has the resources to thrive for generations to come,” he said. “By backing localized initiatives like transportation studies, business plans, and innovation hubs, we are breaking down barriers to growth and equipping our fantastic local entrepreneurs with the tools they need to compete on a wider scale.”

Through the first intake of the ROD program, the province is supporting the following projects in Peterborough-Kawartha:

• $145,000 for the Innovation Cluster for their Rural Innovation Centre Project

• $50,000 to the City of Peterborough for the Future Ready Peterborough: Economic Development Strategy

• $30,000 for Community Care Peterborough for the Rural Peterborough County Transportation Feasibility Study

• $20,000 for the County of Peterborough for the Trade-Ready: Equipping Rural Entrepreneurs to compete Beyond the Region project

• $15,308.50 for Farms at Work for the Peterborough Community Farm Business Plan

“The Rural Ontario Development program demonstrates our government’s commitment to supporting small, rural and northern communities across Ontario,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. “Through investments that support local priorities and economic development opportunities, we are helping rural communities build strong foundations for long-term success.”

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Ontario Government Investing Over $2 Million to Connect 4,762 People to Primary Care In Peterborough-Kawartha

The Ontario Government has invested over $2,019,200 this year to connect up to 4,762 people in Peterborough City and County to a family doctor or primary care provider by 2029.

Photo courtesy of Dave Smith.

“This investment to enhance local healthcare access showcases our government's absolute commitment to connecting everyone in our region to primary care,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “By delivering this vital funding directly to our local health teams, we are ensuring that thousands of unattached patients across Peterborough City and County will have a reliable, high-quality place to turn for medical care closer to home. This funding will significantly impact the lives of local families and relieve pressure on our broader healthcare system.”

Peterborough Family Health Team (PFHT), in partnership with the 360 Nurse Practitioner Clinic, the Peterborough Community Health Centre, and the Peterborough Newcomer Health Clinic, is establishing a process for accepting new patients and will communicate it to the local community.

PFHT was funded through the latest call for proposals under the Primary Care Action Plan, with all 124 teams receiving funding expected to connect another 500,000 patients to primary care across Ontario. Each team has established a plan to attach a high proportion of unattached people in their community, including those on the Health Care Connect waitlist.

In the 2026 Budget, the province is also increasing overall funding for the plan to $3.4 billion between 2025 and 2029.

“This announcement represents a major investment in primary care for our community,” said Duff Sprague, CEO of the Peterborough Family Health Team. “Along with increased funding for the PFHT Connect Clinic, the Government is also introducing system changes that will allow patients to be attached directly to the Peterborough Family Health Team.”

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Ontario Government Invests Over $3.5 Million to Peterborough Regional Health Centre to Expand Surgeries and Diagnostic Imaging

To help reduce wait times and improve access to care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), the Ontario Government has invested over $3.5 million to expand surgical services and diagnostic imaging capacity, announced on Friday morning.

(From left to right) Dave Smith, PETERBOROUGH-KAWARTHA MPP; DR. LYNN MIKULA, PRHC PRESIDENT AND ceo and Dr. Noel Bennett, Executive Vice President, Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

A large portion of the funding is through the Incremental Surgical Recovery Funding. This helps hospitals perform more procedures, address surgical backlogs, and ensure patients receive timely care, according to a press release. The PRHC received $2,680,700 to increase surgical volumes.

With the funding, PRHC can perform a wider scope of procedures including orthopedic surgeries such as hip and knee replacements, gynecologic surgeries, cataract procedures, hernia repairs and pediatric surgeries.

The other portion is $879,750 to support additional CT scan hours to help reduce diagnostic imaging wait times and improve access to timely diagnoses.

“By providing more than $3.5 million to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, we are making it easier and faster for people in our community to connect to the care they need,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This funding is a vital step in reducing wait times for surgeries and diagnostic imaging, ensuring our local healthcare system has the resources to support patients more effectively. Our government will continue to invest in the frontline services that make a real difference for families right here at home.”

“This one-time funding provides patients with faster access to surgeries and improved outcomes, especially for high-demand procedures like orthopedics, cancer and cataracts,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC president and CEO. “Out CT scan volumes at PRHC have doubled over the last 10 years. Targeted investments in these areas are critical to meeting the growing need of the 600,000 patients we serve across a broad urban and rural geography.

@ptbo_canada The Ontario Government has invested over $3.5 million to expand surgeries and diagnostic imaging at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #healthcare ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Funds Local Green Startups and Environmental Innovators

The Rotary Club of Peterborough has funded several local green startups and environmental innovators for the fourth straight year through its Rotary Environmental Innovators Fund (REIF) at its meeting at the McDonnel Activity Centre on Monday afternoon.

(From left to right) Dr. Balaji Subramanian, Dr. Sarah Jameson, Jeremy Favro, Manan Ravat, Meghan Ward, Al Lu and Kirsten Tucker-upshall. REIF has already awarded more than $40,000 in project funding. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

The funded projects advance local environmental innovators working in biodiversity, water and wastewater technologies, climate change, sustainable living, pollution, waste disposal, wildlife protection and more who may have been overlooked, according to the Rotary Club.

The following are this year’s recipients of funding up to $3,000:

• Manan Ravat, Trent University – Photocatalytic Degradation of Water Contamination

• Leora Berman, Turtle Guardians – A Community-Powered Turtle Conservation Initiative

• Megan Ward, Trent University - Across the Wetland with Finn – a Children’s book introducing young readers to the importance of wetlands, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship.

• Shannon Learoyd, Trent University - Just Keep Skimming: Exploring strategies to lower wildlife mortality associated with inground pools

This year’s REIF committee has received eight applications for local projects.

The applications are judged based on how they might impact the local climate and environment, how innovative the project is compared to existing solutions, the project's practicality, expected benefits and how the funds would be used.

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Ontario Government Invests Over $1.7 Million to Support Public Transit In City and County of Peterborough

Through the 2025-26 Gas Tax program, the Ontario Government has invested $1,773,769 for the City of Peterborough and the County to better support public transit, announced at the Peterborough Transit Garage on Friday afternoon.

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP (left); Sherry Senis, Selwyn Mayor (middle) and Jeff Leal, Peterborough mayor (right) at the Peterborough Transit Garage on Townsend Road in Peterborough. The Ontario Government is investing nearly $380 million through the 2025-26 Gas Tax program to support public transit in 107 municipalities. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The City of Peterborough is receiving $1,732,762, while Peterborough County is getting $41,007. Under the ‘Dedicated Funding for Public Transportation Act’ in 2013, two cents per litre of the Gas Tax helped fund public transit, according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“By providing these essential Gas Tax funds, we are empowering the City and County of Peterborough to enhance their transit networks, drive ridership and support the long-term growth of our region,” he explained. “This investment ensures that as our community expands, our residents have the reliable, accessible and efficient transportation they need to connect with jobs, local services and one another.”

The funding is to help public transit initiatives such as expanding service hours, increasing routes, purchasing new vehicles and improving accessibility while increasing transit ridership. While the funds are for the operational and capital side of Peterborough Transit, Mayor Jeff Leal said there are several ventures to seek as transportation evolves in the City.

“There are new technologies and vessels out there that save fuel and we want to be on the forefront of that,” he said.

Leal also mentioned that the $1.7 million provides the City with the possibility to extend its public transit reach into the County.

“It gives us the opportunities; that we have the link with Selwyn and we do get inquiries from Havelock, Norwood and Peterborough Regional Airport to extend that transit reach,” he explained. “It allows us to look at other transit options in actually servicing communities beyond the borders of the City of Peterborough. We do want to look at this area as a region and what we can do to have the City of Peterborough be that transit hub to help our fellow citizens of Peterborough County.”

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