City of Peterboorugh Launches Initiative to Streamline the Review Process of Traffic and Parking Concerns

A new city-led initiative is giving residents a direct way to report traffic and parking concerns by creating the Traffic Technical Working Group (TTWG) and an online application form. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The TTWG, recently launched following City Council approval in January, brings together subject-matter experts from multiple City departments to take a coordinated, data-driven approach to addressing traffic and parking concerns throughout the city. 

The group includes staff specializing in Traffic, Parking, Engineering, Transportation Planning, Law Enforcement, and Municipal Operations. The TTWG will review community-submitted concerns and recommend data-driven solutions. 

Residents play a key role in this initiative. Community members are encouraged to submit traffic and parking concerns through the application form. Submissions will be reviewed by the TTWG, with updates provided to residents so they can stay informed about the status of their request. 

This new approach will help streamline the assessment of traffic and parking issues and concerns, ensure consistent decision-making, and support improved traffic operations within the city.

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Safe Moves Peterborough: Creating Safer Streets through the Transportation Safety Program

A 15-year Transportation Safety Program (TSP) is being developed as a step towards making streets safer in the City of Peterborough. 

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Building on previous initiatives such as the Transportation Master Plan, Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Policy, speed limit reductions and Active School Travel programs, the TSP will provide a clear, long-term approach to road safety across the community in a proactive and sustainable way, according to Mayor Jeff Leal. 

“This program is about making our streets safer for everyone in Peterborough,” he said. “It will allow us to look closely at where safety concerns exist and work to reduce serious collisions. It’s about making everyday travel safer, whether you’re walking, cycling, driving, or taking transit.” 

The TSP aims to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries by creating safer roads that help prevent harm. It focuses on shared responsibility between everyone who uses the roadways, including motorists, cyclists and pedestrians and those who design and manage the city’s roads. 

The success of the TSP relies on meaningful input from the community. Feedback helps ensure that the program reflects the experiences of people who live, work and travel in Peterborough. 

How to share feedback: 

• Visit the project page: Residents can provide input on their experiences with road user safety and identify high-risk locations through a mapping tool and survey available on the project page, connectptbo.ca/safemovesptbo.  
  Paper copies of the survey are available at the Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer Street N. and at City Hall, 500 George Street N. The survey closes on Friday, June 5. 

• Public Information Centres: Two Public Information Centres (PICs) will be hosted in June. The PICs will provide an opportunity to learn more about road safety risks and challenges. Attendees can share feedback and recommendations on the TSP. More details on the upcoming PICs will be shared when they become available.

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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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Peterborough Police Reminds Public of Permitted Use of Low-Speed Vehicles Roadways

The Peterborough Police Service Traffic Management Unit reminds the public that low-speed vehicles are not permitted on any highway, roadway or sidewalk in the City of Peterborough, Village of Lakefield or Cavan Monaghan Township.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

They are are defined as:

• travels on four wheels,

• powered by an electric power train (an electric motor and, if present, a transmission) that is designed to allow the vehicle to attain a speed of 32 km/h but not more than 40 km/h,

• not using fuel as an on-board source of energy, and

• having a GVWR of less than 1,361 kg; 

In some cases, these vehicles are marketed as ‘enclosed mobility devices,’ which Police say is incorrect.  They state that they are considered low-speed vehicles and can be operated only on municipal roadways if the municipality has a by-law permitting such activity. 

A by-law does not exist like that in Peterborough and anyone using them on roadways will be stopped and could face charges under the Highway Traffic Act.

Traffic complaints or concerns can be submitted to the Traffic Management Unit and fill out the Driving Complaint Report. If it is an emergency, the Police urge those to call 9-1-1.

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Youth Transit Pass Pilot Program to Allow Free Transportation for Students

A Youth Transit Pass Program approved by Council in September will include a phased rollout to youth ages 13 to 18 years old in its pilot year.

file photo.

Grade 7 and 8 students will be able to apply for a pass in April and high school students in September.

Students will be able to ride the bus for free:

• Monday to Friday after 4 p.m.

• Weekends

• Statutory holidays

• Summer vacation

• Winter Break

• March Break

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Peterborough Transit Service Changes Occurring April 26

Peterborough Transit will implement seasonal and service changes to some routes beginning April 26. 

File Photo.

Late-night service 

Late-night service on Route 5 Parkway and Route 6 Sherbrooke will be suspended on weekdays, weekends and holidays from Sunday, April 26 to Sunday, September 6, 2026. 

Route 5 Parkway 

Northbound Route 5 service will end at 11:35 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and at 7:40 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.  

Route 6 Sherbrooke 

Eastbound Route 6 service will end at 11:50 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and at 7:55 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.  

Westbound Route 6 service will end at 11:50 p.m. with two additional half-trips ending at the Terminal at 12:12 a.m. Monday to Saturday, and at 7:55 p.m. on Sunday and holidays, with two additional half-trips ending at the Terminal at 8:17 p.m.

Route 7 Lansdowne 

Route 7 Lansdowne will transition to its spring/summer routing as Route 7A, travelling via Hunter Street, the Lift Lock Tunnel and Ashburnham Drive between Rogers Street and Maria Street from Sunday, April 26, through Saturday, October 31, 2026.  

Bus stops returning to service:   

• Hunter Street at Lift Locks  

• Ashburnham Drive at Lift Locks  

• Ashburnham Drive at Maniece Avenue  

The following stops will not be served during this period:   

• Southbound Rogers Street at Sophia Street  

• Eastbound Maria Street at Armour Road

The northbound stop on Rogers Street at Sophia Street will continue to be served by Route 4.   

Route 11/11A Water 

Route 11 and Route 11A Water service to Trent University will be suspended from Monday, April 27 until the start of service on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.   

Selwyn “The Link” service changes 

Beginning Sunday, April 26, 2026, changes will be made to The Link service in Selwyn Township. 

• Route 32 Ennismore will no longer operate.  

• New Route 33 Bridgenorth will replace Route 32 and will travel to the Bridgenorth Library via the Lakefield loop.  

• Updated timetables will take effect for Route 31 Curve Lake and Route 33 Bridgenorth.  

• Both routes that leave Trent University will  travel via Nassau Mills Road, Water Street, Carnegie Avenue and Woodland Drive.  

• New stops will be added on Carnegie Avenue at Terraview Heights and, for Route 33, on Eighth Line at Centre Line.

Detours 

Peterborough Transit will adjust routes for construction detours as needed. The following detour is currently in place while construction work is underway: 

• Route 7 Lansdowne and Route 9 Parkhill: During the Trent East Bank construction period, Routes 7 and 9 will detour by turning right onto Pioneer Road and then left onto East Bank Drive to Gzowski Way.  

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East City Road Closures In Place For Way of the Cross Event

Multiple road closures in East City are in effect for Friday’s Way of the Cross event.

Photo courtesy of the Diocese of Peterborough.

The following roads are closed:

• Hunter Street West between Reid Street and Rubidge Street will be closed from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Rogers Street between Hunter Street East and Robinson Street from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A rolling road closure will be in place for the procession from Rubidge Street to Hunter Street, and along Hunter Street to Rogers Street.

The event will start at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains at 10 a.m. and end at Immaculate Conception Church at about 1 p.m.

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Mayor Leal Expresses Disappointment In Conservative's Opposition to ALTO High Speed Rail Project

Mayor Jeff Leal has issued a statement in response to the Conservative Party of Canada’s opposition to the ALTO High Speed Rail project.

photo by david tuan bui.

The statement reads as follows:

“My colleagues and I on Peterborough City Council and the broader Peterborough community are very disappointed in Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party of Canada for opposing the ALTO High Speed Rail project.

The City of Peterborough has been clear that we are in full support of this transformative nation building project, which has chosen Peterborough as one of seven station stops along the Toronto to Quebec City corridor.

This project will significantly strengthen economic development, business investment, tourism, and employment opportunities in Peterborough, and the construction will create jobs and opportunities for local businesses.

It is especially disappointing to see former MP Michelle Ferreri stand beside Mr. Poilievre as he fights to take away this generational opportunity for our region.

The last time the Conservatives destroyed a national building project was the Avro Arrow in 1959. That shortsighted decision devastated Canada’s aerospace industry, with many of the country’s top engineers leaving the country. The talent that left Canada from that Conservative decision helped put the Americans on the moon in 1969.

The City of Peterborough will continue to work closely with ALTO and the Government of Canada to take advantage of the economic and social benefits of this important project.”

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City of Peterborough Mourns Lives Lost From LaGuardia Incident; Late Pilot Trained at Peterborough Airport

The City of Peterborough mourns the loss of two pilots who lost their lives at LaGuardia Airport in New York, N.Y., including one who trained at Peterborough Airport, in an incident that occurred on Sunday night.

City Hall has flown its flags at half-mast to mourn the loss of those involved at LaGuardia Airport. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Mayor Jeff Leal has issued the following statement:

“On behalf of the City of Peterborough, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the two pilots who tragically died in the incident at LaGuardia Airport. 

"This loss is felt especially close to home, as one of the pilots trained at Seneca Polytechnic’s School of Aviation located at the Peterborough Regional Airport. Our community takes great pride in supporting the next generation of aviation professionals, and we share in the grief of all those connected to this promising individual. 

"I have asked that the City’s flags be flown at half mast. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.”

The incident occurred when an airplane collided with a fire truck, killing two pilots and injuring at least a dozen.

The Seneca alumnus pilot was identified as Mackenzie Gunther. According to the institute, he graduated from the Honours Bachelor of Aviation Technology program in 2023. Through the Jazz Aviation Pathways Program, Gunther joined Jazz Aviation immediately after graduation, beginning his professional flying career.

Gunther was the First Officer on the flight, operating as Air Canada Express, from Montréal to New York.

According to Seneca’s website, the campus has already flown its flags at half-mast in memorandum of Gunther’s passing.

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Parks Canada to Peterborough Start Multi-Year Project For Earth Dams Rehabilitation and Maria Street Swing Bridge Replacement In Coming Weeks

In the coming weeks, Parks Canada will begin a coordinated, multi-year infrastructure project along the Trent–Severn Waterway National Historic Site involving Peterborough Earth Dams and the Maria Street Swing Bridge.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The work includes rehabilitation of the Peterborough Earth Dams to improve canal embankment slope stability and erosion protection between Lock 20 and McFarlane Street Bridge, increasing safety along the canal corridor; repairs and maintenance of the Peterborough Lift Lock to address water infiltration; and replacement of the Maria Street Swing Bridge to support continued safe use and increase its vehicle load carrying capacity while preserving the heritage landscape.

Work within the canal is scheduled outside of the operational season to minimize impacts on navigation. Temporary road closures, detours, and short-term restrictions on pathways, sidewalks and green spaces occur during construction. Parks Canada says they are working closely with the City of Peterborough to coordinate traffic diversions and reduce impacts on emergency services and public transit. Advance public notice will be provided ahead of any major closures or changes.

Regular project updates are provided through a dedicated project webpage and an email subscription list. A public information session is planned for March, with more details (such as construction phases, timelines, and closures) to be shared shortly.

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