Peterborough Memorial Centre Launches Assistive Listening Technology

The Peterborough Memorial Centre has launched a new assistive listening solution to enhance the experience of all guests attending live events, especially those who may be deaf, orally deaf, deafened or hard of hearing. 

File Photo.

This new technology will initially support access to commentary and public announcements for people utilizing assistive listening devices or who wish to stream audio to a Bluetooth device that launches on Thursday. Ongoing enhancements to the system over the coming months will include opportunities for people to tune into game play-by-plays, event-specific information and potentially live audio during concerts.  

“Live events are important and meaningful ways for Peterborough’s residents and visitors to find community with people with shared interests, and ultimately foster a sense of belonging for everyone,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell. 

“We’re excited to see this new assistive technology roll out to the Peterborough Memorial Centre where audiences of different ages and abilities can enjoy moments together,” Councillor Alex Bierk. 

The launch occurs on time for Peterborough Lakers’s home opener next Thursday. It is also ready for the Women’s Major Series Lacrosse provincial championship, scheduled in August.  

“The Peterborough Lakers are proud to play in a venue that’s making live sports more inclusive and accessible,” said Len Powers, Peterborough Lakers board chair. “This new assistive listening technology at the Peterborough Memorial Centre will enhance the fan experience and ensure that more members of our community can share in the excitement, energy, and tradition of Lakers lacrosse—starting with our home opener on May 22.” 

To use the technology, use the ‘Listen WIFI’ app on a smartphone (free download from the Apple Store or Google Play) or dedicated receivers, which must be pre-booked before the event. Once in place, users can stream intended audio during an event (e.g., public announcements) directly to a hearing aid, cochlear implant or earbuds. 

Assistive listening technology is supported through the City of Peterborough 2024-28 Accessibility Plan, which aims to foster accessibility and inclusion across municipal services, systems and spaces. Assistive listening technology is currently in place across City facilities, including at Social Services, the Peterborough Transit terminal, Service Peterborough at City Hall, Peterborough Public Library, Art Gallery of Peterborough, and the Peterborough Provincial Offences Court Administration Office.  

This new technology launches in advance of National AccessAbility Week, May 25 – 31.

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List of City Services On Victoria Day 2025

Many City services will offer modified hours and some City facilities will be closed for Victoria Day on Monday.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

City Hall 

City Hall, including Service Peterborough, the Clerk’s Office and Building Services, will be closed on Monday. 

Waste collection and facilities 

Due to the Victoria Day holiday, curbside Green Bin, yard waste, and garbage collection schedules have not changed.  

The City-County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. and the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed on Monday. 

Airport 

The Peterborough Airport will be open regular hours, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Art Gallery of Peterborough 

Art Gallery of Peterborough at 250 Crescent St. will be closed.

Peterborough Public Library 

The Peterborough Public Library at 345 Aylmer St. N. and the Miskin Law Community Complex branch will be closed on Monday.

Peterborough Museum and Archives 

Peterborough Museum and Archives at 300 Hunter St. E. will be open noon to 5 p.m. on Victoria Day. Information about current exhibitions is available online at peterborough.ca/museum. 

Recreation facilities and arenas 

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre at 775 Brealey Dr. and the Miskin Law Community Complex at 271 Lansdowne St. W. will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday.

Peterborough Marina will be open 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Victoria Day. 

The Kinsmen Civic Centre, Healthy Planet Arena, Peterborough Memorial Centre, Grant Thornton Box Office, McDonnel Street Community Centre including Peterborough Youth Space, and the Recreation Facility Booking office will be closed on Monday.

Tickets for Memorial Centre events are available for purchase online at memorialcentre.ca. 

Parks 

Some City parks and trails remain closed due to tree hazards. An updated list of open parks is available at peterborough.ca/StormUpdate. 

Park seasonal washrooms are expected to open in time for the Victoria Day long weekend and remain open for the season. Park washrooms are generally open from about 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; however, some locations close earlier based on maintenance schedules. 

Parking Services 

On weekends and holidays, parking in City-operated garages, surface lots, and on-street spaces is free. The Parking Services office located in the King Street Parkade will be closed on Monday.

Provincial Offences Act office 

Provincial Offences Act office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed on Monday. Fine payments can be made online at peterborough.ca/POA. 

Transit 

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on Monday. The customer service desk will be open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and then from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Visit peterborough.ca/transit for details or call Transit Customer Service at 705-745-0525. 

Social Services 

Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed on Monday. Extended office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. resume on Tuesday.

Child care centres 

City-operated child care centres will be closed on Monday.

Emergency shelter services 

Emergency shelter services remain open: to access emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours or on holidays, please call After Hours service at 705-926-0096. 

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City to Perform Fire Hydrant Flow Testing From May 12 to 31

As part of routine maintenance, fire hydrant flow testing of the water distribution system will take place from May 12 to 31.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Sean Skelly Contracting conducts the work on behalf of the City of Peterborough.. During this period, work will be completed Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

Testing is scheduled for the northwest quadrant of the City:

• West of Aylmer Street and Chemong Road to the north and west city limits

• North of Sherbrooke Street to the north and west city limits

Water may become coloured or cloudy for a brief period. If this occurs, residents should run the cold water tap closest to the source until the water is clear. 

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City of Peterborough Launch New Maps to Help Residents Track Ice Storm Recovery Efforts

The City of Peterborough has developed three new maps to help residents track its ongoing recovery efforts following the ice storm that occurred from March 28 to March 30.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This map displays ongoing curbside brush debris and cleanup. Incomplete streets are shown in red and streets completed since Monday are displayed in green.

Crews will not return to a street once it has been marked as completed. All brush and debris related to the ice storm should be placed curbside. Brush collection will be ongoing, with several crews deployed daily. The collection is expected to take six to seven weeks to complete.

Residents are asked not to obstruct debris piles by parking in front of them. Crews will not return for brush and debris missed due to an obstructed location.

This map shows Right of Ways that still contain known hazards and Right of Ways that have been cleared of known hazards. If a tree-related issue remains in a completed area, the City asks to call Public Works at 705-745-1386 or report the issue online.

Residents in zones still marked as containing hazards are asked to be patient as crews work to address the issue. Please call Public Works to report any immediate matters.

This map indicates parks that have been cleared of known hazards and are open and parks that remain closed due to ongoing brush and debris hazards and removal. Parks that remain closed are shaded red.

Residents are asked to remain out of parks that are still listed as closed, and to follow all posted signage and barricades.

Residents are reminded to use caution in open parks. Subsequent windstorms may have resulted in further downed limbs and branches in previously cleared parks. Residents can report an issue by calling 705-745-1386 or online.

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City of Peterborough Advises Public to Be Prepared During Emergency Preparedness Week

The City of Peterborough encourages residents be informed of taking the necessary steps and be ready for an emergency, with Emergency Preparedness Week running until Saturday.

File Photo.

This year’s theme is ‘Be prepared. Know your risks.’

“We can’t always predict when an emergency will strike, but we can take steps to be ready,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The recent ice storm showed just how quickly severe weather can disrupt our lives. By having a plan, staying informed, and keeping emergency supplies on hand, we can help protect ourselves, our families, and our community. Preparedness saves lives, and it starts with each of us.”

Residents can access Alertable, a new tool to help stay informed during emergencies and critical events.

The free download tool is a community notification system that provides emergency alerts and essential updates directly through text messages, SMS notifications, telephone messages and emails. It is designed to ensure clear and timely updates to users and ensure effective communication to enhance public safety.

“Alertable is a vital tool in keeping our community informed during emergencies,” said Jodi DeNoble, director of emergency and risk management. “We encourage everyone to register and choose their preferred method of communication - whether it’s a phone call, text message, email, or notifications through the Alertable app. In an emergency, important information will be shared through the method you select, helping the community stay safe and prepared.”

The City says simple steps like creating an emergency plan and having an emergency kit on hand can help residents be prepared.

An emergency preparedness kit should include:

• Battery powered or windup flashlight

• Battery powered or windup radio

• First Aid Kit

• Portable external battery charger for cellphones, laptops, etc.

• Water (Two litres per person per day)

• Canned or dried food that won’t spoil

• Manual can opener

• Extra batteries for your flashlight or radio

• Cash-if there is an extended power outage many stores may only be able to accept cash as a form of payment

• Blankets

• Candles and matches

• A list of emergency numbers and important contacts

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City Asking Residents to Bring Ice Storm Brush and Debris to the Curb

The City of Peterborough is urging residents to bring all brush and debris related to the March 28 to March 30 ice storm to the curb by Monday to ensure pickup by the City.

Photo by Aaron Elliott.

This service is for storm-related debris, branches and tree limbs that cannot be collected through the City’s regular curbside collection for yard waste.

Brush collection is expected to last another six to seven weeks. The collection is not scheduled for a particular street at a specific time. Residents are asked to ensure that all debris is at the curb, ready for pickup when the crews arrive.

Crews are currently working in neighbourhoods between Parkhill Road and Lansdowne Street. Another collection will occur in neighbourhoods completed before Monday within the next few weeks.

To help ensure efficient and prompt pickup, residents are encouraged to dispose of small sticks, branches and lightweight brush through the regular yard waste program. Brush can be tied in bundles with light rope or twine and should not weigh more than 13 kg (30 pounds). It should have a length of up to one metre (three feet) and a diameter of up to 30 cm (12 inches).

For curbside yard waste collection, residents can place unlimited quantities of yard waste in reusable containers, labelled bushel baskets or paper yard waste bags.

Residents are asked not to place whole trees or large tree stumps at the curb for removal.

Residents are also asked to avoid parking in front of curbside debris piles to help crews access debris quickly and easily.

Street sweeping of City streets is now underway in the north section of the city, and will be completed in the west, south and east sections of the city over the coming weeks. Street sweeping is expected to be completed by mid-June.

When placing storm debris at the boulevard for yard waste collection, please avoid putting debris too close to the curb so that it may wash into the street during a rainstorm.

Residents are also asked to be mindful of sightlines to ensure the safety of pedestrians and vehicular traffic and to prevent debris from obstructing the sidewalk.

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City of Peterborough LIfts State of Emergency Declaration From Late-March Ice Storm

The City of Peterborough has officially ended the State of Emergency declaration from the March 28 to 30 ice storm.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The State of Emergency was declared on March 30 after the region was hit by a severe ice storm that led to downed trees and tree limbs and widespread power outages throughout the City.

“As the City officially lifts its State of Emergency following the devastating ice storm in March, I want to express my deepest gratitude to our residents, emergency responders, utility workers, City staff, and volunteers for their incredible resilience and dedication over these past few weeks,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The response from our community has been nothing short of extraordinary.”

Clean-up efforts are still underway across the City.

The City continues to remove brush and debris from the curbside during the ice storm. This service is for debris, branches and tree limbs that cannot be collected through the City’s regular curbside collection for yard waste. Residents are asked not to place whole trees or large tree stumps at the curb for removal.

When placing debris at the boulevard for yard waste collection, please be mindful of sightlines to ensure safety for both pedestrians and vehicular traffic. Avoid placing debris close enough to the curb that it may wash into the street during a rainstorm.

It is expected to take up to eight weeks for crews to complete curbside removal of large brush and debris in all areas of the City.

Curbside collection has been completed for the area north of Parkhill Road and west of the Otonabee River.

The partial non-enforcement of the Tree Removal bylaw, including waiving permit fees for trees on private property that were damaged or destroyed as a result of the ice storm, remains in place until Monday. Regular requirements under the Tree Removal Bylaw will resume on Tuesday.

Residents wishing to remove storm-damaged trees without paying permit fees must email treebylaw@peterborough.ca and provide a photo of the tree, the property address, location of the tree on the property, the species of tree (if known), the approximate diameter of the tree and a description of the condition of the tree.

The Tree Removal bylaw remains in place for all other trees.  More information on the Tree Removal By-law can be found at peterborough.ca/trees.

The City reports significant damage to trees in City parks and along trails from the ice storm. The City is assessing and addressing hazardous tree conditions. Due to the extent of the damage, this work is ongoing.

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Peterborough County Lifts State of Emergency From Late March Ice Storm

Peterborough County has officially ended the State of Emergency as the region transitions to the Recovery phase following the March 28 to 30 ice storm.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to the County, the Emergency phase focused on immediate response efforts, including ensuring public safety, restoring critical infrastructure and coordinating emergency services. The Recovery phase will now focus on longer-term efforts such as cleanup and repair.

The State of Emergency was declared on March 31 to support coordinated emergency response efforts and resource allocation across the region in the face of widespread storm damage and power outages.

“With power now restored to all permanent residents and storm cleanup well underway, Peterborough County is officially ending its State of Emergency. I want to extend my sincere thanks to our residents, local businesses, volunteers, the governments of Ontario and Canada and especially to the hydro crews, public works teams, and first responders whose dedication and hard work continue to be instrumental in our recovery,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “While this ice storm caused significant disruption, it also highlighted the strength, resilience, and unity of our communities, and while there is still a lot of work to do, Peterborough County is defined by its compassion, and that spirit of community is what will carry us forward. I encourage residents to continue monitoring official channels for safety updates, to exercise caution around waterways due to potential flooding, and to remain vigilant for falling tree limbs in forested areas.”

Services and Recovery Information:

• Peterborough County Depot Drop Off Locations

  • Peterborough County residents have until Wednesday, April 30, 2025, to drop off storm-related brush and tree debris for free at select County depots.

  • Centreline Depot (1275 County Road 24) is CURRENTLY CLOSED due to significant brush accumulation, which has made the site unsafe for public access.

  • County depots are for Peterborough County residents only and are for storm clean-up only - NO leaf and yard waste.

• County Roads and Infrastructure: All Peterborough County roads are open. Cleanup of debris along County roads is ongoing. Please use caution when driving and report any hazards to Peterborough County’s Public Works department.

• Flood Watches/Warnings: For the latest watches and warnings in your area, please contact your local Conservation Authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

• Trail/Park/Forest Closure: Victoria Park and the County Forest remain CLOSED due to unsafe conditions caused by the recent ice storm. Rotary Trail has reopened for recreational use.

The County’s Emergency Operations Centre has stood down and standard operations have resumed. Monitoring and coordination will continue to support the long-term recovery needs.

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Peterborough Public Library Staffing Reorganization to Reduce Operation Expenses Says City

Peterborough Public Library is undergoing a staffing reorganization to reduce operating expenses by $120,000, as approved by City Council in the City’s 2025 Budget.

File Photo.

The Library has 60 staff, including a CEO and a manager with all other staff being unionized, non-management staff.

The reorganization will result in a net reduction of one position. Three positions will be eliminated and two new positions will be created, resulting in a net reduction of one position. A fourth affected position will be maintained but restructured to expand its role according to the City.

Services will be maintained; however, they will be delivered in a different way to achieve the $120,000 in cost savings.

Children’s Library services and programming will continue to be provided.

The Draft 2025 Budget for the Peterborough Public Library included a 10.9 per cent or $411,571 increase in the funding requirement for the Library, which would increase to $4,175,845 in 2025 from $3,764,273 in 2024.

The City says a number of factors contributed to the estimated increase in costs, including technology costs associated with software licences and product subscription fees, as well as the first year of operating the new library branch at the Miskin Law Community Complex.

All City departments were directed to provide options to reduce operating expenses in 2025 as a way to lower the required property tax increase.

There were two options for operating expense reductions put forward for the Peterborough Public Library as part of City Council’s 2025 Budget process:

• A $70,000 reduction that would reduce Library operating hours by four hours per week

• A $120,000 reduction that would be achieved through a Library staffing reorganization, that would include the elimination of two positions

Council did not choose the option to reduce Library operating hours but approved including the $120,000 reduction through a Library staffing reorganization, in the City’s 2025 Budget.

Council approved various other options to reduce the property tax increase in 2025, such as ending the lifeguard service at Rogers Cove beach with lifeguard service being maintained at the nearby Beavermead Park beach, ending the maintenance of the ice for skating on the Trent-Severn Waterway next to the Lift Lock, reducing preventative maintenance of City facilities, reducing funding for advertising, and increasing the Peterborough Transit single ride fare by 25 cents.

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Routine Watermain Flushing Begins Tuesday

The City will be performing routine flushing of watermains in various areas of Peterborough beginning Tuesday and continuing through Friday.

File Photo.

Flushing will take place between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Routine watermain flushing is preventive maintenance that removes scale and sediment buildup, helping to maintain water quality in the water distribution system.

Water may become iron-coloured or cloudy for a brief period. If this occurs, residents should run the cold water tap closest to the source for 20 to 30 minutes until the water is clear.

If this does not resolve the issue, please call 705-748-9301 ext. 1295 to report the problem.

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