City Council Approves $25,000 Pilot Program to One City PTBO For Street Cleaning Initiative

City Council has approved providing $25,000 to One City Community Development Services to deliver an eight-week Community Stewardship - Clean Streets pilot program cleaning initiative near the One City shelter and downtown areas this fall.

photo courtesy of Peterborough dbia.

The pilot program will be funded through existing waste collection and operations funding.

The City continues to explore approaches to address the impacts of homelessness on neighbourhoods and public spaces while strengthening relationships among people experiencing homelessness, residents, businesses, service organizations and the broader community.

According to the City, the One City Clean Team initiative would create opportunities for individuals facing barriers to traditional employment, including people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, to contribute directly to improving the neighbourhoods and public spaces where they live, spend time and connect with community. Through visible, supervised work, participants would play an active role in creating cleaner, safer, and more welcoming shared spaces while building positive connections with residents, businesses and community organizations.

Staff propose an eight-week pilot in fall 2026, initially focused on the blocks surrounding the Trinity building and the downtown area bounded by Hunter Street, Charlotte Street, Park Street, and Water Street.

The $25,000 investment would seed the program and confirm the stewardship model. Based on the results, Staff would return to Council in early 2027 with recommendations regarding next steps, including opportunities to expand the model into other identified areas of need through financial participation from businesses, community organizations and other partners.

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Business Recycling Collection Delayed For Sept. 2

Recycling collection for businesses on Sept. 2 has been delayed until Thursday due to mechanical issues for Emterra Environmental, announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to the City of Peterborough’s Waste Division, businesses can bring in their collection from the curb and have it set back out by 5 a.m. on Thursday.

However, businesses can also leave it out for collection the following day.

Emterra and the City thanks businesses for their understanding on the matter.

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City Council Supports $25,000 Pilot Program to One City PTBO For Street Cleaning Initiative

City Council backs the initiative to provide $25,000 to One City Community Development Services to deliver an eight-week Community Stewardship - Clean Streets pilot program cleaning initiative in the vicinity of the One City shelter and downtown areas this fall.

photo courtesy of Peterborough dbia.

The pilot program will be funded through existing waste collection and operations funding.

An eight-week pilot for this fall was proposed and initially focused on the blocks surrounding the Trinity building and the downtown area bounded by Hunter Street, Charlotte Street, Park Street, and Water Street.

The $25,000 would seed the program and confirm the stewardship model. Based on the results, staff would return to Council early next year with recommendations regarding next steps, including opportunities to expand the model into other identified areas of need through financial participation from businesses, community organizations and other partners.

The City says they will continue to explore approaches to address the impacts of homelessness on neighbourhoods and public spaces while strengthening relationships among people experiencing homelessness, residents, businesses, service organizations and the broader community.

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City Says Residents May Notice Premature Leaf Drop Affecting Norway Maple Trees

The City of Peterborough states that residents may notice Norway maple trees losing their leaves earlier than usual this summer.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to City arborists, they are seeing signs of decline and premature leaf drop on Norway maples throughout the community and have received reports of similar conditions across southern Ontario. 

Staff believe the premature leaf drop is largely associated with environmental stress, including the lingering effects of last year's drought and periods of extreme heat this summer. Staff also observed an increase in decline and early leaf drop in Norway maples during the heat wave in July. 

Many affected Norway maples are showing signs of tar spot, a common fungal disease that causes dark spots to develop on maple leaves. While tar spot can affect the appearance of trees and contribute to early leaf drop, it does not typically cause serious or permanent damage to otherwise healthy trees. 

Trees showing signs of stress or losing their leaves early are not necessarily dead or dying. The effects of drought stress can continue beyond the year the drought occurred, and staff are hopeful affected trees will recover and show healthier foliage next year. 

Residents with maple trees affected by tar spot can also help reduce the likelihood of infection the following year by raking and removing fallen leaves.  

The City collects leaf and yard waste weekly on regular collection days until the end of November. Leaves can be placed at the curb in brown paper yard waste bags or approved reusable containers. 

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June 29 Business Recycling Collection Postponed Until Tomorrow

Any business recycling collection has been postponed until Thursday due to mechanical issues from Emterra Environmental.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to the City of Peterborough, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area and Hunter Street in East City have already been collected earlier on Wednesday morning. 

If recycling was not already collected in the morning, it can either be left out until Thursday or be brought back in and set out again before 7 a.m. the following day.

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City Trails and Paths Undergoing Clean Up Next Tuesday

Seasonal maintenance on the City of Peterborough’s multi-use trails and pathways is set to begin next Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The City will be clearing overgrown vegetation from trails and walkways. Specialized equipment will be used to cut back dense vegetation growing alongside trails and walkways. This will help restore the full width of each path and ensure vegetation is cleared two meters from trail edges where possible, to improve visibility, ensure signage is visible and keep paths and trails accessible.

The areas where mechanical brushing is done may look a bit unsightly immediately after the work is completed, with natural debris and freshly cut vegetation. These areas will regenerate and return to a green, natural appearance relatively quickly.

Trail users may experience some delays while work is underway.

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Selwyn Township Lifts Total Burn Ban After Improved Air Quality and Fire Conditions

Effective immediately, the Selwyn Fire Department has lifted its Total Burn Ban issued on Thursday due to hazardous air quality caused by smoke from wildfires in Northern Ontario.

Photo courtesy of Selwyn Township.

According to the Township, improved air quality and fire conditions permit residents to resume open-air burning in accordance with the Township’s Open-Air Burning By-law. All burning must be conducted safely and responsibly and all requirements outlined in the by-law must be followed.

“While conditions have improved, residents are reminded that fire safety remains a shared responsibility,” said Deputy Fire Chief Howard Jinkerson. “Please ensure you are burning in accordance with the Township’s Open-Air Burning By-law, have water or other extinguishing methods available, and never leave a fire unattended. Burning conditions can change quickly, and everyone plays an important role in preventing fires.”

Selwyn Township residents are reminded to:

• Review the Township’s Open-Air Burning By-law before conducting any open-air burn

• Ensure fires are always supervised and fully extinguished when complete

• Only burn permitted materials and follow all required setbacks and safety requirements

• Verify current burning conditions before lighting a fire

Burning conditions can change at any time. Residents must verify current conditions before burning by calling the Selwyn Fire Department at 705-292-7282 or checking the Township of Selwyn’s social media channels.

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Open-Air Burning Prohibited In the City of Peterborough

Peterborough is reminding residents that open-air burning is not permitted within City limits.

Photo by Jordan Cooper.

Open-air burning includes any outdoor fires, such as bonfires, campfires and yard waste burning. These activities pose a risk to public safety and can have serious consequences, especially in densely populated areas.

Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) approved fire bowls, fire-pit tables, and barbeques that burn propane or natural gas are examples of approved appliances that may be used. Chimineas and other wood-burning devices are not approved appliances for open-air fires.  

Smoking and vaping are also prohibited in all City of Peterborough parks, sports fields, playgrounds, wading pools, splashpads and beaches except in designated smoking areas.  

Smoking is prohibited in these areas under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and the Peterborough Smoking Bylaw.

Anyone smoking outside a designated smoking area in any of these locations could be subject to a penalty of $305.

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Peterborough GreenUP Hosting Open Hive Events to Introduce Community to Beekeeping

By Scott Arnold

Residents are invited to get a closer look at the world of bees this summer during two free Open Hive Events at Ecology Park.

peterborough greenup is invited the public to ecology park to learn the basics of bees from local beekeepers (photo via instagram @ptbogreenup)

The events will give participants a chance to meet local beekeepers and learn more about the apiary at GreenUP Ecology Park.

Attendees will learn about bee and hive basics, beekeeper equipment and what bees need to stay healthy throughout the seasons.

Two Open Hive Events are scheduled:

• Saturday, June 20 from 4 pm to 5 pm

• Saturday, July 18 from 10 am to 11 am

The two sessions will cover the same information, so organizers are asking participants to register for only one event.

The events are free to attend, although cash donations will be accepted on site to support the bee program. A suggested donation of $10 per adult is recommended, with children able to attend for free.

Organizers recommend attendees wear long-sleeved shirts, closed-toed shoes and socks long enough to tuck pants into. Visitors are also asked to avoid wearing sunglasses and strong scents, and to come prepared for outdoor conditions with sunscreen and water.

Parking is available at the south end of the Beavermead Park parking lot, with attendees asked to walk along the Trans Canada Trail to reach Ecology Park. Participants will meet under the shelter at the picnic tables.

The event is designed to be flexible and inclusive, with organizers encouraging anyone with accessibility needs or concerns to reach out in advance.

The event may be postponed in the case of rain or heavy winds, with updates sent to registered participants the morning of the event if needed.

Any questions or inquiries can be directed to christina.balint@greenup.on.ca

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Siemens Canada, Tree Canada and Otonabee Conservation Plant 70 Trees at Otonabee Court in Keene

Employees from Siemens Canada joined Tree Canada and Otonabee Conservation to plant 70 native trees at the Otonabee and Monaghan Court Seniors residence in Keene on June 10.

Planting trees has many benefits including improving air and water quality, reducing erosion, providing shade and cooling benefits, and supporting climate change adaptation efforts throughout the region. Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.

According to Otonabee Conservation, the event marked the first phase of planting at the property in partnership with the Otonabee Municipal Nonprofit Housing Corporation.

The planting initiative will enhance biodiversity and improve wildlife habitat by planting native tree and shrub species in two phases, to be completed in the spring and fall this year.

 “This partnership with Siemens Canada has created a lasting positive impact across our watershed over more than a decade,” said Janette Loveys Smith, Otonabee Conservation CAO. “Together, we have restored habitat, improved biodiversity, and strengthened community stewardship through hands-on environmental projects. It is inspiring to see Siemens employees dedicate their time and energy to initiatives that leave a meaningful legacy for both people and wildlife.”

“Since 2012, Siemens employees have helped plant thousands of trees in the Peterborough area and more than 16,000 trees across Canada,” said Ian Almond of Siemens Canada. “Supporting greener, healthier communities where we live and work is something we’re proud to be part of, and we’re thankful for the strong partnerships that continue to make these efforts possible.”

“Growing and caring for our urban forests has never been more important,” said Brijpal Patel, Chief Program Officer at Tree Canada. “Through strong partnerships like this one, we can support healthy trees, strengthen local ecosystems, and help communities become greener, healthier and more resilient for generations to come.”

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