Residents Invited to Help Shape Peterborough’s Transportation Safety Program

The City of Peterborough invites residents to learn about and provide input on the development of the City’s new Transportation Safety Program.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

A drop-in style Public Information Centre will be held on June 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Healthy Planet Arena. 

City staff and the project team are available to share information, answer questions, and gather feedback from the community. 

Residents can also participate through the project page online. Feedback can be submitted through an interactive map and a survey. The survey will remain open until June 21 at 11:59 p.m.  

Public input will help inform the development of the Transportation Safety Program and support the City’s efforts to create safer streets for everyone in Peterborough. 

The City is developing a comprehensive 15-year Transportation Safety Program to substantially reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries across the community. The plan will guide the prioritization and implementation of road safety improvements in a coordinated, proactive and sustainable way. 

Building on previous initiatives such as the Transportation Master Plan, the Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Policy and speed limit reductions in school areas, the program will help shape safer streets and more comfortable travel for all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, transit users and drivers. 

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Half-Load Restrictions On Commercial Vehicles End

Half-load restrictions for commercial vehicles on City of Peterborough streets have been lifted since taking effect on March 1.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The restrictions are put in place each spring to protect roads during the annual thaw, when they are more vulnerable to damage. Reducing weight limits during this time helps preserve road conditions. 

Half-load restrictions end on the following streets: 

  • Airport Road from Sir Sanford Fleming Drive to the south city limits 

  • Armour Road from Nassau Mills Road to Paddock Wood 

  • Ashburnham Drive from McFarlane Street to Maria Street 

  • Ashburnham Drive from Neal Drive to the south city limits 

  • Bensfort Road from River Road South to the south city limits 

  • Brealey Drive from Parkhill Road West to Sherbrooke Street 

  • Carnegie Avenue 

  • Crawford Drive from Sir Sanford Fleming Drive to 0.6 km east of The Parkway 

  • Cumberland Avenue from Ungava Avenue to Carnegie Avenue 

  • Dobbin Road 

  • Guthrie Drive 

  • Harper Road 

  • Hetherington Drive from Richard Road to Woodland Drive 

  • Johnston Drive 

  • MacFarlane Avenue from Trentview Road to Television Road 

  • Maniece Avenue from Ashburnham Drive to Television Road 

  • McNamara Road from Guthrie Drive to Driscoll Road 

  • Nassau Mills Road 

  • Old Norwood Road from Ashburnham Drive to Television Road 

  • Otonabee Drive 

  • Parkhill Road East from Armour Road to Trent Severn Waterway Swing Bridge 

  • Pioneer Road 

  • River Road South from Lansdowne Street to Bensfort Road 

  • Sherbrooke Street from Glenforest Boulevard to the west city limits 

  • Simons Avenue 

  • Towerhill Road from Chemong Road to Fairbairn Street 

  • University Road 

  • Wallace Point Road from Bensfort Road to Driscoll Road 

  • Whittington Drive 

  • Woodland Drive 

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City of Peterborough 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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