Low-Income Senior/Persons With Disabilities Property Tax Assistance Program Applications Available

Applications for the City of Peterborough’s Low-Income Senior and Low-Income Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Assistance Program are available.

File Photo.

Qualifying applicants will receive a $424 tax credit on their tax accounts which will be applied to the February 2027 interim tax bill. Applicants who previously received more than a $424 credit will receive their pre-existing credit amount. 

Applicants can apply under one of the following qualifications: 

• Low-income senior aged 65 years or older  

• Low-income Senior aged 55-64 years of age  

• Low-income Disabled Person receiving benefits under the ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) 

Applications are available on the City’s website or at Service Peterborough. Residents who received tax credits in 2026 will automatically receive a 2027 Property Tax Assistance application in the mail. 

The deadline for submitting this application is Feb. 5. 

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Ontario Government Invests Over $290,000 For Peterborough Police to Combat Auto Theft

The Ontario Government has invested $291,996.10 through the Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) Grant Program to help the Peterborough Police Service fight auto theft, announced on Monday.

Through the 2026–27 PAT Grant Program, Ontario is investing an additional $6 million to support 22 police projects across the province, bringing the government’s total investment in the program to $24 million since 2023. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The funding is being used to help maintain the province's downward trend in stolen vehicles, giving police officers more tools and resources to prevent vehicle theft, disrupt criminal networks and protect the community according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“Auto theft is not just a property crime; it compromises public safety and impacts families across our region,” he said. “By providing the Peterborough Police Service with targeted funding through the PAT Grant Program, our government is ensuring our local police have the specialized technology, equipment, and resources they need to keep thieves out of our driveways and hold organized crime networks accountable.”

The funding supports the Peterborough Police Service’s specialized auto theft enforcement efforts, including the acquisition of advanced technology, surveillance equipment, license plate recognition systems, and enhanced investigative resources to track and prevent vehicle thefts. It will also support public outreach initiatives to educate community members on proactive vehicle protection measures.

“We are very appreciative to be receiving both of these grants from the provincial government.  The positive impact this type of investment will have on the safety in a community like ours cannot be overstated, and we are grateful to the provincial government for their recognition of these efforts and for their support of our municipality,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief. “To be prepared to more effectively respond to auto theft incidents and pass along proactive tips and protection measures to our residents helps increase feelings of safety. The Proceeds of Crime Grant will allow our members to be even more involved with our community. We are excited about developing the programming to support this new mobile community engagement van.”

Additionally, the Peterborough Police Service will receive $243,305.11 over the next three years—allocated at $81,101.70 annually—from the Proceeds of Crime Front-Line Policing Grant for the Community Crime Prevention and Outreach Project.

According to the Ontario Government, the Proceeds of Crime grant is designed to make police and community relationships more accessible by adding a mobile community crime prevention and outreach van. The van will visit neighbourhoods and community events, and be in areas where data show crime has occurred or may occur. 

The Mobile Community Crime Prevention and Outreach (MCCPO) van is not a command post. It is intended to invite community engagement as a high-visibility beacon of public safety and accessible crime prevention information.

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Trillium Grant of $40,700 Sees Improvement and Upgrades For Staff and Equipment at YES Shelter

YES Shelter for Youth and Families received a $40,700 Seed grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to upgrade the systems, training and tools issued late last year.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“When young people face homelessness, having seamless and efficient support can make all the difference,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “I am pleased that the Ontario Government, through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, is supporting YES Shelter with this $40,700 grant. Upgrading their case management system and training staff across eight key programs ensures fewer youth fall through the cracks and more families receive timely care.”

The OTF Seed grant has funded three connected improvements: an improved technological system, staff training and additional tools.

According to the YES shelter, the upgrade touches eight YES programs, from Homelessness Prevention and the Emergency Shelter to RISE Youth Housing and Life Skills. About 225 young people and family members will benefit each year through faster help, fewer times retelling their story to a new worker and fewer people falling through the gaps between programs.

“When a 17-year-old comes through our door at 11 o’clock at night with nowhere to go, the difference between help arriving tonight and help arriving next week can shape the rest of their life,” said Aimée Le Lagadec YES Shelter executive director. “This Seed grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation means less waiting, fewer barriers, and a faster path to housing, food and support. Thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, to MPP Smith, and to the people of Ontario. This is your investment, and it is going directly toward helping young people in this community resolve their homelessness permanently.”

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City of Peterborough Opens Application For Flood Reduction Subsidy Program

Property owners may be eligible for financial assistance from the City of Peterborough to make improvements that reduce basement-flooding risk and keep rainwater and groundwater out of the sanitary sewer system.

File Photo.

The Flood Reduction Subsidy Program helps cover the cost of labour and materials for eligible flood reduction work that has been pre-approved by the City. Eligible improvements include installing a backwater valve; disconnecting foundation drains, downspouts and roof drains from the sanitary sewer system; and disconnecting catch basins from the sanitary sewer system. 

Rainwater and groundwater entering the sanitary sewer system can contribute to basement flooding and increase the amount of water that must be treated at the City’s wastewater treatment plant. Reducing this water helps preserve sewer capacity and protect wastewater infrastructure. 

Property owners may be eligible if: 

• The City has contacted them about a non-conforming sanitary sewer connection on their property; or 

• The property has experienced basement flooding in the past 

Eligible property owners may receive funding for: 

• Backwater valve installation: full cost up to $1,000 

• Foundation drain disconnection with sump pit and pump: full cost up to $1,500 

• Backwater valve installation and foundation drain disconnection with sump pit and pump: full cost up to $3,000 

• Repair of broken cleanout covers: up to $50 

• Downspout disconnection: full cost up to $500 

• Roof drain disconnection: full cost up to $3,500 

• Catch basin disconnection from the sanitary sewer and reconnection to the storm sewer: full cost up to $15,000 

Funding for properties with more than one eligible improvement is considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Eligible property owners can apply by completing the Flood Reduction Subsidy Program application form available online.

Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to the City's annual budget allocation. 

The program helps property owners reduce the potential for basement flooding while also reducing unnecessary water entering the sanitary sewer system. This can help reduce wastewater treatment costs, preserve sewer capacity and support the long-term operation of the sewer system.

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Federal Government Invests $500,000 Into Kawartha Metals Corp. For Advancing Steel Processing

The Federal Government has announced an investment of nearly $6.6 million for 10 Eastern Ontario organizations which includes Kawartha Metals Corp., announced on Thursday. 

Photo courtesy of Kawartha Metals Corp.

The investment is through the Federal Economic Development Agency (FedDev Ontario), which supports recipients in adopting new technologies, increasing production, strengthening supply chains and diversifying into new markets. 

Kawartha Metals Corp., a major supplier of steel, aluminum, brass, and plastic materials in Central and Eastern Ontario, is undertaking a $1 million project, with FedDev Ontario providing $500,000 to expand its advanced steel processing by integrating specialized equipment.

“The City and County of Peterborough are home to innovative businesses and organizations that play an important role in strengthening our regional economy and supporting vibrant communities,” said Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP. “These investments will drive growth, foster innovation and support a strong future across our community.”

“This Kawartha Metals Corp. project, supported by FedDev Ontario, is key to reducing our production costs,” said Tom Elliott, Kawartha Metals Corp. founder and owner. “In turn, it helps our manufacturing customers strengthen their operations, improve cost-effectiveness, and compete more successfully on the global stage.”

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YMCA Gets New Outdoor Play Spaces After Support From Ontario Trillium Foundation

The YMCA of Central East Ontario has completed its new outdoor play spaces project at the Balsillie Family Branch, with funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The project included two outdoor play and sports court spaces designed to support camps, recreational programs and youth activities. With sports court markings and equipment for a variety of sports, secure fencing and shade structures for sun protection.

The spaces have hosted YMCA’d youth programs and summer camps, outdoor experiences, team sports, games, and skill-building activities.

“We are grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their generous support of this important project,” said MaryAnne Wooldridge, YMCA general manager, Balsillie Family Branch. "These new outdoor spaces have already had a tremendous impact on our campers and program participants. They provide safe, inclusive places where children and youth can stay active, build friendships, and develop lifelong healthy habits.”

To recognize the project's completion and celebrate its impact, the YMCA is hosting a funding celebration on Oct. 21, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Balsillie Family Branch.

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Applications For Snow Removal Subsidy Program For Low-Income Seniors Or Residents With Physical Disabilities Open Thursday

The City of Peterborough’s new pilot Snow Removal Subsidy program to provide financial assistance to eligible low-income seniors and residents with physical disabilities for snow removal during the 2026-2027 winter season begins this Thursday.

The pilot program has 100 spaces available. If more than 100 eligible applications are submitted, a random selection process will be used to select the residents to give all eligible applicants an equal opportunity.

Applications open at 8:30 a.m. next Thursday and can be submitted online, by phone at 705-742-7777 or in person at City Hall. The application period will close on Oct. 21 at 4:30 p.m.  

Eligible applicants may receive up to $450 toward snow removal costs during the winter season. The subsidy will be provided in two installments of up to $225. 

To be eligible for the program, applicants must: 

• be a resident of the City of Peterborough;

• own and reside in the home during the winter season;  

• not live in a condominium where snow removal is the responsibility of the condominium corporation;  

• be unable to clear snow and have no other adult in the household physically able to do so;

• be 65 years of age or older, or have a physical disability; and

• have a total after tax household income below the current Statistics Canada Low-income Measure (LIM), adjusted for family size

Homeowners selected for the pilot program will receive the first payment of up to $225 via direct deposit once their application is approved. To receive the second payment, participants must submit copies of receipts confirming they used the first payment for eligible snow removal services. Once reviewed, the second payment of up to $225 will be issued at the end of February 2027.

The eligibility criteria will assist in keeping the program equitable by ensuring that funding is directed to residents who are in need of assistance and who have limited ability to arrange or complete snow removal independently. 

Residents are responsible for arranging their own snow removal service. Snow removal may be provided by a snow-clearing company or a neighbour willing to provide the service for a fee and provide receipts. 

The pilot Snow Removal Subsidy program provides financial assistance toward snow removal only. It was approved by City Council following community consultation conducted earlier this year and will be evaluated following the 2026-2027 winter season to help inform future program decisions. 

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Ontario Government Invests $49,775.95 to Enhance Camp Kawartha's Washroom Accessibility

The Ontario Government has invested up to $49,775.95 to redesign existing washrooms at Camp Kawartha’s Outdoor Education Centre.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to a press release, the project will add enhanced accessibility features for seniors and people with disabilities, allowing them to enjoy outdoor activities independently, with dignity and comfort.

As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this funding supports more than 40 projects across the province that expand accessibility and create opportunities for seniors and people with disabilities to fully participate in their communities, said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“Ensuring local facilities like Camp Kawartha are fully accessible allows everyone in our community to take advantage of the wonderful outdoor programming right here in Peterborough-Kawartha,” he said. “This investment will remove physical barriers and create a more inclusive, welcoming environment for seniors and visitors of all abilities.”

Through the Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) Grant, municipalities, non-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities can receive up to $60,000 for local accessibility projects. Supported initiatives include upgrading building entryways, adding ramps and elevators, levelling sidewalks and parking areas, installing accessible washrooms and signage, and removing physical barriers in public spaces.

“Our mission at Camp Kawartha is to foster stewardship by creating spaces where both people and nature can thrive,” said Jacob Rodenburg, Camp Kawartha executive director. “Accessibility is an essential part of that mission, helping ensure that everyone has the opportunity to connect with nature, take part in our programs, and experience the sense of belonging that comes from being welcomed into a place designed with them in mind.”

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Fleming College's New Healthcare Program to Advance Plans After $500,000 Anonymous Gift

Fleming College has expanded its healthcare programming with a new Medical Imaging Technology program, supported by a $500,000 gift from an anonymous donor to fund the facilities, equipment and technology needed to train the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Fleming’s Board of Governors has endorsed a proposed Medical Imaging Technology program, marking an important milestone in the College’s healthcare expansion plans.

Medical Imaging Technology would join the College’s planned Medical Laboratory Assistant and Medical Laboratory Technologist programs, with Fleming targeting the introduction of all three programs by Fall 2028, subject to required approvals.

The programs are being developed in response to growing workforce pressures across the healthcare system and needs identified by regional healthcare partners, including Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).

“Healthcare providers across our region are telling us clearly where the workforce gaps are, and Fleming has an important role to play in helping address them,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Fleming College interim president. “Advancing Medical Imaging Technology represents another important step in our healthcare expansion. Together with our new medical laboratory programs, it will create new opportunities for students while building a stronger pipeline of skilled professionals for hospitals and healthcare organizations in our communities.”

According to Fleming, the need is particularly significant in medical laboratories. They note that Canada continues to face demand for laboratory professionals as the workforce ages and healthcare needs grow. Fleming’s healthcare expansion strategy identifies more than 31,000 projected job openings for medical laboratory technologists and assistants across Canada between 2024 and 2033, with nearly 30 per cent of the workforce already age 50 or older.  

PRHC has also identified recruiting and retaining laboratory professionals as a growing challenge in the region. In a letter supporting Fleming’s MLA and MLT programs, PRHC said staffing shortages can increase workloads, lengthen laboratory turnaround times and delay diagnosis and treatment. It also noted that training students locally increases the likelihood graduates will remain and work in the region.  

“Medical laboratories are an integral component of the healthcare system, with the vast majority of clinical decisions relying on laboratory testing,” said Dr. Katie O’Reilly, PRHC Medical Director, Laboratory Services. “Ensuring an adequate workforce of well-trained MLAs and MLTs is essential to maintaining high-quality, timely diagnostic services for our patients.”  

Medical imaging is another area of growing regional need. PRHC has identified increased demand for diagnostic imaging services and a need for additional professionals in ultrasound, X-ray, and MRI.

“Demand for diagnostic imaging has grown dramatically across our region, with the volume of tests at PRHC nearly doubling over the past decade,” said Noel Bennett, Interim President and CEO, Peterborough Regional Health Centre. “Having enough skilled professionals to meet that demand is critical to ensuring physicians have timely access to the diagnostic information they need to make clinical decisions and supporting the high-quality care our patients deserve.”

The expansion builds on Fleming’s long history of healthcare education. Over the past decade, more than 12,000 healthcare professionals have graduated from Fleming, and healthcare programs currently account for more than one-quarter of the College’s full-time student population.  

“A Medical Imaging Technology program at Fleming College would help build that workforce here at home, creating opportunities for students while strengthening healthcare capacity for the future,” said Bennett. “We’re pleased to expand our collaboration with Fleming, and see it as essential to addressing critical healthcare workforce shortages in our region.”

The need for additional healthcare professionals is expected to grow further as the region’s population ages. Fleming’s planning projects significant growth among older age groups in its catchment area over the next decade, including a 28 per cent increase in the population aged 75 to 79 and a 51.8 per cent increase among those aged 80 to 84.  

Supporting the expansion will require significant investment in specialized facilities, equipment and technology. An anonymous donor has committed $500,000 to help Fleming move that work forward, including investments in a Biosafety Level 2 laboratory, simulation facilities and technology, and HyFlex learning environments designed to expand access for mature and remote learners.

“It is very gratifying to support Fleming’s healthcare expansion efforts,” said the anonymous donor. “The addition of new programs and improved access for learners will help more young people pursue meaningful and critically needed careers in healthcare. There are few opportunities where you can invest in the lives of young people while also helping to strengthen our healthcare system and, ultimately, the health and well-being of our entire community. I would encourage other donors who care about the future of our community to consider supporting Fleming College.”

Fleming’s broader healthcare expansion includes planned investments in new laboratory infrastructure, simulation and diagnostic equipment, flexible learning technology and financial support for students. These investments are intended to support the programs now in development while creating additional capacity to respond to future healthcare workforce needs.  

“This extraordinary gift gives Fleming important momentum as we work to expand healthcare education in areas where the need is clear and growing,” said Katie Pezoulas, Executive Director, Advancement and External Relations. “Meeting that need will require continued partnership among Fleming, government, healthcare organizations and donors, and this generous support is an important step forward.”

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City Launches Pilot Snow Removal Subsidy Program For Low-Income Seniors Or Residents With Physical Disabilities

The City of Peterborough has launched a new pilot Snow Removal Subsidy program that will provide financial assistance to eligible low-income seniors and residents with physical disabilities for snow removal during the 2026-2027 winter season.

The pilot program has 100 spaces available. If more than 100 eligible applications are submitted, a random selection process will be used to select the residents to give all eligible applicants an equal opportunity.

Applications open at 8:30 a.m. next Thursday and can be submitted online, by phone at 705-742-7777 or in person at City Hall. The application period will close on Oct. 21 at 4:30 p.m.  

Eligible applicants may receive up to $450 toward snow removal costs during the winter season. The subsidy will be provided in two installments of up to $225. 

To be eligible for the program, applicants must: 

• be a resident of the City of Peterborough;

• own and reside in the home during the winter season;  

• not live in a condominium where snow removal is the responsibility of the condominium corporation;  

• be unable to clear snow and have no other adult in the household physically able to do so;

• be 65 years of age or older, or have a physical disability; and

• have a total after tax household income below the current Statistics Canada Low-income Measure (LIM), adjusted for family size

Homeowners selected for the pilot program will receive the first payment of up to $225 via direct deposit once their application is approved. To receive the second payment, participants must submit copies of receipts confirming they used the first payment for eligible snow removal services. Once reviewed, the second payment of up to $225 will be issued at the end of February 2027.

The eligibility criteria will assist in keeping the program equitable by ensuring that funding is directed to residents who are in need of assistance and who have limited ability to arrange or complete snow removal independently. 

Residents are responsible for arranging their own snow removal service. Snow removal may be provided by a snow-clearing company or a neighbour willing to provide the service for a fee and provide receipts. 

The pilot Snow Removal Subsidy program provides financial assistance toward snow removal only. It was approved by City Council following community consultation conducted earlier this year and will be evaluated following the 2026-2027 winter season to help inform future program decisions. 

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