Peterborough Mourns Passing of Former City Councillor Ann Farquharson at 68

Former Peterborough City Councillor and local volunteer Ann Farquharson has passed away at 68 years of age.

Photo courtesy of Highland Park Funeral Centre.

She passed away peacefully in her home while sleeping on Monday.

Farquharson earned her B.A. (Hons.) from Trent University in 1981 and her L.L.B. from the University of British Columbia in 1984. She was called to the Bar of British Columbia in 1985 and to the Bar of the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1986. As a lawyer, she began practicing law in Peterborough in 1986 as a partner with Farquharson Daly (now known as Farquharson Law). She also acted as Human Rights Advisor at Trent University from 2000 to 2006.

The City of Peterborough flew the flag at half-mast in honour of Farquharson on Tuesday. She was a Town Ward Councillor who served on City Council from 2006 to 2010.

Mayor Jeff Leal released the following statement:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ann Farquharson, a former City Councillor and a dedicated advocate for our community. Ann served the people of Peterborough with integrity and an unwavering commitment to making life better for others. Her leadership, her thoughtful voice at the Council table, and her years of service left a meaningful and lasting impact on our city.

Beyond her time as an elected official, Ann was an active and passionate community supporter, always working to strengthen the places and organizations she cared about. She will be remembered for her generosity, her spirit, and her steadfast belief in building a stronger Peterborough.

On behalf of City Council and the residents of our community, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Ann’s family, friends, and all who were touched by her remarkable life and contributions.”

As an avid volunteer, Farquharson served on more than 30 boards and committees, including:

• President, Peterborough Law Association

• Board member, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough (and a Big Sister for five years)

• Director, Five Counties Children’s Centre

• Provincial appointee to the Board of Governors, Peterborough Civic Hospital, where she chaired the Public Relations and Finance Committees

• Founding member, Women’s Health Care Centre

• Board member, C.H.A.N.G.E.S.

• Board member, Fourth Line Theatre Company

• President, Peterborough Chapter of the Trent Alumni Association

• Board member, Peterborough Theatre Guild, Festival of Lights (Musicfest), Fairhaven Foundation

• Member, Save the Market Hall Committee; Peterborough Youth Commission; Peterborough Centennial Celebration Committee

• Chair, Citizens Advisory Panel on Flood Planning

• Member, Veterans Wall of Honour Working Committee

• Sponsorship Chair, Peterborough Flood Relief Concert Committee

• Member of YMCA Fundraising Cabinet

• Member of Women United (United Way)

• Board member, Women’s Resources (current)

• United Way Cabinet member (current)

A Celebration of Life for Ann will be held at Market Hall this Saturday at 2 p.m. In place of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice are encouraged.

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Mayor Jeff Leal Endorses Automated Speed Enforcement Ban

Following the Ontario government's announcement that it plans to introduce legislation to ban automated speed enforcement cameras across the province late last month, Mayor Jeff Leal has endorsed this move, releasing a statement on Monday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his government announced that they will table legislation this month.

Leal has issued the following statement regarding Automated Speed Enforcement:

“I have sent a letter to Premier Ford to request that the provincial government continue to allow Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras in school zones.

I join with many other mayors across Ontario who have come together to propose the same exemption for prospective legislation dealing with this issue.

Peterborough City Council’s priority is the safety of children. We believe the implementation of ASE cameras will ensure the greatest safety level possible for our most vulnerable residents.

Our children will always remain our top priority when it comes to safety.”

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Ontario Raising Minimum Wage to $17.60 This Wednesday

To support over 800,000 workers, the Ontario Government is raising the minimum wage from $17.20 to $17.60 an hour, effective Wednesday.

Under the Employment Standards Act, Ontario’s minimum wage increases annually based on the Ontario CPI, a measure of inflation that represents changes in prices experienced by Ontario consumers. Screenshot.

This annualized wage increase of 2.4 per cent is based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI). It delivers on the government’s plan to protect and support workers while keeping Ontario competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs according to David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

“At a time when many families are feeling the pressure of global economic uncertainty, our government will protect Ontario workers with a minimum wage increase that supports our world-class workforce,” he said. “We will continue to take action to build a strong, resilient workforce ready to face whatever comes our way.”

As a result of the changes, a worker making minimum wage and working 40 hours per week will get an annual pay increase of more than $800.

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City of Peterborough Sends Call For Advisory Committee and Board Volunteers

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

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

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

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

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

• Accessibility Advisory Committee (two vacancies)

• Community Investment Grants Advisory Committee (eight vacancies)

• Property Standards Committee (one vacancy)

• Peterborough Public Library Board (one vacancy)

• Planning Advisory Committee (one vacancy)

All terms will end in December next year.  

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

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Local Government Leaders Meet With Economy Professionals to Address Industry Challenges

Local government leaders met with key industry stakeholders and economic development professionals to address recent economic shifts and their impact on employment in the Peterborough community at the Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce on Thursday morning.

(from left to right) Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP; Mayor Jeff Leal and Bonnie Clarke, Peterborough County Warden. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The leaders included Mayor Jeff Leal; Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP, was not in attendance physically but endorsed the actions taken to address the issue. According to her communications assistant, Jessica Nyznik, Harrison had attended the meeting virtually via Zoom.

On Monday, Smith had called leaders to meet with economic professionals at the Chamber of Commerce for Thursday.

The meeting’s purpose was to determine how to reverse current trends, fortify Peterborough's business environment and understand local economic growth challenges.

“A real emphasis today, Peterborough County and City have a lot of top-notch homegrown industries,” said Leal. “Those homegrown industries are the ones that make the decisions every day, right here in our local community so we need to continue to look at ways that we can expand that base in order to create those new job opportunities.”

The call for the meeting followed three days after Peterborough’s Minute Maid facility announced it would discontinue frozen products and production would cease in the first quarter of next year. This results in job losses but the number is undisclosed.

Last week, Lufthansa InTouch announced they were shutting down its Peterborough facility in May next year. One month prior, Siemens had announced its consolidation operations in Concord on June 25, relocating approximately 160 manufacturing positions over the next two years.

The local politicians meet bi-weekly to address any issues and concerns. The economic challenges were on their radar but the changes in the three companies, as mentioned above, were a tipping point that led to calling the meeting, according to Smith.

“These companies are making decisions based on their global footprint, not necessarily the local footprint,” he explained. “We will do what we can do then, to ensure that the local environment here is as conducive as possible to keep those companies, to expand those companies.”

Thursday’s discussions aimed to uncover the reasons behind the most recent downsizing and company relocations from Peterborough to other jurisdictions.

“This is the start,” explained Clark. “We will be supportive, we will put plans in place that Peterborough grows — the City of Peterborough and the County. We want to make sure that our businesses are supported and that we retain businesses and we grow businesses.”

Smith added that US President Donald Trump and his tariffs are not a direct factor in the economic shift in Peterborough but they do play a role in companies’ decisions.

“There have been other things that have given them the decision to do that,” explained Smith. “Everything that happens in the market affects other parts of the world. Because there is uncertainty in the US market, that trickles into other areas of the world economy and there is uncertainty in all of them.”

All four politicians released a joint statement regarding Peterborough’s business challenges:

“Mayor Jeff Leal, Warden Bonnie Clark, MPP Dave Smith and MP Emma Harrison conducted the first of a series of consultations with industry and economic development experts to understand the challenges faced by industry operating in the Peterborough area. Recognizing that all levels of government play a role in ensuring job creators in the region can be successful, a task force will be formed to facilitate the cooperative approach that all four elected officials will use to work together to address the concerns of businesses and improve the conditions for their operations. Working together to find ways to leverage each level of governments tools and programs in a collaborative approach to help businesses in the region succeed will be the main goal of the task force.

Mayor Leal, Warden Clark, MPP Smith and MP Harrison commit to work together to enhance the prospects of the local job creators in the Peterborough region to be successful and continuing to contribute to the fabric of the region.”

Meetings are ongoing to continue addressing this issue.

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Integrity Commissioner Finds Mayor Jeff Leal Twice Breaching Code of Conduct; However Pickleball Decisions Did Not Involve 'Private Advantage'

Guy Giorno, Peterborough Integrity Commissioner, has found that Mayor Jeff Leal has twice breached the City Council’s Code of Conduct, as reported on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The 55-page inquiry report, released Monday by Giorno, states that Leal breached the City Council’s code of conduct twice by intimidating Councillor Alex Bierk and bullying Councillor Joy Lachica regarding the Bonnerworth Park redevelopment of new pickleball courts.

There were eight complaints filed after the April 2 General Committee meeting, when Leal allegedly made a threat to Bierk. The statement in question is when Leal stated he would ‘carve Councillor Bierk like a Thanksgiving turkey’ and that he’d ‘regret’ having said that since Leal’s decision-making regarding pickleball courts were a conflict of interest and was ‘not impartial.’

The statement was made after a mention of Leal’s wife, Karan, a member of the Peterborough Pickleball Association, during the discussion. Five more complaints were made after Leal’s public apology on April 8.

Former Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien-Hale, Zachary Hatton, Laurie Breese, Jill Staveley, Sarah Byer, Martha Jansenberger, James Anderson, Allison Potts, Ryan Perks, Rob Hailman, Courtney Seddon, John Gerelus and former Green Party provincial candidate Robert Gibson filed the collective complaints.

The ‘turkey’ comment, expressed figuratively, was not intended or interpreted as a threat of violence or physical harm. The ‘regret’ and ‘turkey’ mentions are considered intimidation according to section 10 of the Code.

However, Giorno’s report stated that Leal did not breach section 29 of the Code. The Integrity Commissioner determined that the Mayor’s decision-making on Bonnerworth Park did not involve a private advantage for him or his wife.

The findings determined that:

“The argument that the Mayor could not take part in the decision on Bonnerworth Park is as flawed as an argument that swimmers cannot participate in decisions on pools and hockey players cannot vote on ice pads.”

The second investigation involved the filed complaint by Lachica. The incident alleges that Leal bullied and intimidated her, out of the public’s view, after the April 2nd General Committee meeting.

The report stated the following:

“The incident in the corridor occurred in the context of a power imbalance that is a hallmark of bullying. The Mayor is more powerful than a Councillor. In a strictly legal sense, this has been the case since October 31st, 2023, when Ontario Regulation 331/23 added Peterborough to the list of municipalities subject to strong mayor powers. The Mayor’s powers include the direct appointment of the chairs and vice-chairs of committees.”

As a result, the report finds that Leal violated section 10 of the Code of Conduct relating to Lachica.

City Council has the option to impose one of two penalties (but not both) on Leal as a result of his violations: a reprimand or a pay suspension (up to 90 days).

Leal made this statement following the report:

“I acknowledge that the Integrity Commissioner has completed his report, and I will accept Council’s decision on this matter.

I appreciate that his report fully exonerates me of the most egregious and false conflict-of-interest allegations that my family and I have been subjected to over the last year.

I acknowledge his findings related to my interactions with Councillors Bierk and Lachica on the nights of April 2 and April 8, 2024. My comments were made in the heat of the moment, during the most hostile meeting environments I have experienced in all my years of public service. I regret my comments, and I apologized to both Councillors last year.

I will recuse myself from the Chamber when my colleagues discuss the Integrity Commissioner’s report, and will accept their recommendations.

I have been working in partnership with all members of Peterborough City Council, and will continue to do so for the benefit of our community.”

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Ontario Government Plans to Cut Gas Tax; Proposing Taking Tolls Off Highway 407 East

The Ontario government plans to permanently cut the gasoline and fuel tax rates and proposes to remove tolls from the provincially-owned areas of Highway 407 East, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Ontario Government.

The gas tax is estimated to save about $115 per year and the proposed toll removal would save daily commuters roughly $7,200 annually according to Doug Ford, Ontario Premier.

“I know that families and business owners are worried about rising costs, especially as U.S. tariffs threaten to raise the price of everyday essentials,” he’s aid. “That’s why we’re cutting the gas tax permanently and taking tolls off Highway 407 East, and that’s why we’ll always keep looking for ways to put more money back into the pockets of Ontario families.”

The proposals are through the Ontario government, which is introducing legislation through its 2025 Budget. If passed, it would permanently cut the gas and fuel tax rate, resulting in provincial tax rates at nine cents per litre.

“Ontario families have seen prices on everyday items go up over the last several years,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “To help Ontarians cope with the high cost of living and the impacts of the economic uncertainty caused by tariffs, we are continuing to take action to ease the pressure and do more to help lower costs for households.”

The provincial government is also introducing legislation to permanently remove tolls on Highway 407, from Brock Road to Highway 35/115, effective June 1. This is the last stretch of Ontario's provincially owned and tolled highway. It follows the government’s previous removal of tolls from Highways 412 and 418 and its recent legislation banning new road tolls on any public roadway in Ontario.

“Our government is making it easier and more affordable for Ontarians to get where they need to go, when they need to get there,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “The measures announced today will not only help to reduce traffic and commute times, but they will help put money back in the pockets of hardworking families at a time when it matters most. This is another step in our work to protect Ontario by building a more efficient, affordable and accessible transportation network.”

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Mayor Jeff Leal Congratulates Liberal MP-Elect Emma Harrison On Election Victory

After the results of last night’s federal election, Mayor Jeff Leal has congratulated Liberal candidate and MP-Elect Emma Harrison for winning the Peterborough seat from Monday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Leal was briefly in attendance at Harrison’s election party at the Canadian Canoe Museum when the latter made her entrance, moments after she was declared the winner of her respective riding.

Leal also served as MPP for the former Peterborough-Kawartha riding (now Peterborough) for four terms from 2003 to 2018 under the Liberal Party.

The following is a statement released by Leal:

On behalf of the City of Peterborough, I offer my sincere congratulations to Emma Harrison on being elected as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Peterborough.

I also want to thank Michelle Ferreri for her service as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Peterborough – Kawartha.

Our community faces important challenges and opportunities, including the need for more housing, investments in critical infrastructure, support for local economic growth, and partnerships that strengthen services for our residents.

We look forward to working with MP Harrison to ensure that federal policies and programs support the needs of communities like Peterborough.

We wish her every success as she begins this important work on behalf of our community.

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Liberal Candidate Emma Harrison Named MP-Elect For Peterborough In Federal Election

There’s a new sheriff in town as Liberal Party candidate Emma Harrison has been elected the Member of Parliament of the Peterborough riding, as she celebrated her victory at the Canadian Canoe Museum on Monday night.

Andy Mitchell, campaign manager (left), celebrates Emma Harrison's (right) victory for the Liberal Party, unseating incumbent Michelle Ferreri. All Photos by David Tuan Bui.

Harrison defeated incumbent and Conservative candidate Michelle Ferrari with 36,772 votes (52.6 per cent) to the latter’s 29,865 votes (42.7 per cent).

The MP-elect was named the Liberal Party candidate on March 22 and had 37 days to campaign before the election. In addition to crediting her campaign staff, Harrison noted that she put in the work to hear the concerns of her constituents, which ultimately led to her election.

“Working tirelessly, listening, showing up and asking questions on what the people are concerned about,” she explained.

Harrison’s win was not the only vital win for the Liberals, as Mark Carney was elected as Prime Minister with a minority government.

“It's what we need right now. We need a Mark Carney-led government, absolutely,” explained Harrison. “He is the perfect person for this time, we've said it over and over again, it is a critical election and we are so lucky to have him.”

A Selwyn resident, Harrison is a third-generation farmer and small business owner, operating her family farm alongside her husband, Peterborough paramedic Connor, and their children. While she has no prior political experience, Harrison said that fact will ‘absolutely not’ deter her from getting the job done.

“I have a tremendous amount of life experience that's going to lend itself beautifully to this role, like it did in the campaign,” she explained.

The following were the results of the Peterborough Riding:

• Emma Harrison (Liberal) - 37,802 votes (52.5 per cent)

• Michelle Ferreri (Conservative) - 30,734 votes (42.7 per cent)

• Heather Ray (NDP) - 2,187 votes (3 per cent)

• Jazmine Raine (Green Party) - 602 votes (0.8 per cent)

• Jami-Leigh McMaster (PPC) - 258 votes (0.4 per cent)

• Chad Jewell (Ind) - 210 votes (0.3 per cent)

• Matthew Grove (CHP) 155 votes (0.2 per cent)

The following were the results of the federal election:

• Liberals - 163 seats (minority government)

• Conservative - 149 seats

• Bloc Québécois - 23 seats

• New Democrats - seven seats

• Green Party - one seat

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Photos: Local Candidates Mingle With Constituents At Peterborough Chamber's "Coffee With the Candidates" Event

The Peterborough-Kawartha federal election candidates got a chance to mingle with their constituents at the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Coffee with the Candidates’ event held at the Holiday Inn on Tuesday morning.

Conservative candidate and incumbent Michelle Ferrari (left) being thanked by Joel Wiebe (right) of the Peterborough Chamber for attending. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Each candidate had three minutes at the podium to speak to the room before breaking off to speak with the public.

The attending candidates briefly spoke about the following during their podium time (in order):

Chad Jewell (Independent): Regardless of who was in power, no party had answers to raising concerns and issues.

Emma Harrison (Liberal): She highlighted her upbringing which attributes to her hard work ethic. She also highlighted the importance of small businesses and their impact. However, her speech was cut short due after going over the time limit.

Michelle Ferreri (Conservative): Addressed homelessness, increased crime and drug addiction as significant issues that require tackling. Emphasized the housing crisis and says the party is working to cut GST on homes and development fees.

Heather Ray (NDP): Highlighted her past work history and emphasized protecting small businesses.

Jami-Leigh McMaster (PPC): Criticized over promises made by past governments and trading children’s futures for virtue-signalling and economic benefits. She said she does not expect to win but wants to help draw eyes to her party and the issues they want to address.

Jazmine Raine (Green): Gave a timeline of her work and school history, highlighting her journey of finding answers as she does not feel her questions or concerns are heard. She also remarks on how voters feel disenchanted when voting because of the lack of real choice on the ballot. She also briefly wanted to fight for improved healthcare funding and instill a universal basic income.

Matthew Grove (Christian Heritage Party of Canada) was absent from the event.

Election day is April 28 and advanced voting starts this Friday until Monday.

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