City Council Endorses $57 Million Multi-Use Sport and Event Centre; Council to Commit 33 Per Cent of Cost Towards Project

City Council endorsed a financial structure for the new Multi-Use Sport and Event Centre (MUSEC) project to replace the Peterborough Memorial Centre at their meeting on Monday night.

Mayor Jeff Leal showing support for the new centre at his initial press conference at the Peterborough and Kawartha Chamber of Commerce on Monday. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Council endorsed a motion to direct the following:

• That Council commit 1/3 of the cost, approximately $57 million, towards the Events Centre project;

• That staff be directed to provide a report identifying the funding plan to finance this $57 million commitment including amendments to the City's debt limit;

• That staff be directed to initiate proactive advocacy and explore options to acquire the remaining 2/3 of the cost, approximately $114M, from the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, County of Peterborough, private sector partners, fundraising, naming rights and sponsorship opportunities, and non-debt supported sources;

• That staff be directed to provide Council with a report detailing options for funds from non-debt supported sources; and

• That $1.7M be pre-committed in the 2027 budget to include a project manager position, site studies and preliminary consultant services.

Staff provided a number of options related to the approval and construction of the MUSEC in the report for Council's consideration. These options range from not proceeding to partial and full financing approval. 

Council has previously approved the MUSEC's preferred location at the existing City bus garage site on Townsend Street.

The Multi-Use Sport and Event Centre (MUSEC) project was initiated in 2018 with two feasibility studies. Previous studies have considered features, the expected project timeline, cost-benefit analyses of upgrades to the current Peterborough Memorial Centre versus a new building, a market analysis, and locations.

Council has previously considered developing a new sports and entertainment complex to replace the Peterborough Memorial Centre and support economic development, tourism, and community recreation objectives. Preliminary estimates indicate a total project cost of approximately $170 million, inclusive of construction, soft costs, and contingencies.

The current report evaluates options for next steps with information on various considerations, such as:

• Debt capacity

• Ability to finance the City's ongoing capital program

• Long-term financial risk and sustainability

• Municipal tax rate

• Credit rating

Three financing scenarios are analyzed in the report:

• Determining the maximum amount the City can reasonably afford within the City’s current debt capacity and seeking funding partners for the balance

• Financing the full project cost by increasing debt issuance up to the Provincial Annual Repayment Limit

• Funding $100 million through the sale of City assets and debt financing the remaining $70 million

Options presented for Council consideration include:

1. Approve the project moving to a Concept Confirmation and Further Site Development Phase - funding the next phase of design specification, without a commitment to move forward with the full project

2. Approve financing to the maximum of the existing debt limit policy and seek partnerships - committing $30 million debt capacity toward the project, and pursuing private sector partnerships to finance the remaining portion of the project

3. Approve financing for 33% of the project and seek remaining funding from other levels of government - committing $57 million towards the project that would require amendments to the City's debt limit, proceeding to the full design phase so that the project can be presented for funding opportunities to other levels of government, pre-committing $8.5 million in the 2027 Budget for the necessary next steps

4. Financing the entire project through a combination of Asset Sales and debt servicing - a report will be provided to Council at a later meeting on the potential sale of City assets that could be used toward the costs of the MUSEC

5. Full approval and financing of the project - financing the entire $170 million project cost with amendments to the City's debt limit and pre-committing $8.5 million in the 2027 Budget for the necessary next steps

6. Do not proceed any further with this project

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Mayor Jeff Leal and Other Organizations Endorse New Event Centre In Downtown Peterborough

Mayor Jeff Leal has endorsed the approval and construction of a multi-sport and Event Centre to be built in Downtown Peterborough, announced at the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce on Monday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“A new Event Centre would revitalize the City’s downtown and transform the Waterfront, drive economic growth and investment, and cement Peterborough’s reputation as a regional hub and tourism destination for decades to come,” said Leal.

The Event Centre would take over the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC), which is celebrating its 70th anniversary. While Leal acknowledges that the PMC has served the City well during that span, it would be costly to maintain and cannot perform the same functions as a new Event Centre.

“It (PMC) is already unable to host modern events and that capability will continue to deteriorate as it ages,” he explained. City staff have found that it will take at least $22 million over the next 15 years just to keep its doors open.”

Leal says Peterborough needs to think about the next 70 years and dubbed the Event Centre project ‘Vision 2096.’

“This is a generational opportunity for our community. A new Event Centre will revitalize our downtown by driving foot traffic and encouraging investment,” he said. “It will transform our waterfront and stimulate economic growth and development, and it will make Peterborough a regional hub and tourism destination for the next 70 years.”

Leal assured that the building’s cost would not be a burden on the taxpayer but rather would be a plus.

“Other communities that have embarked upon this path have seen an assessment uplift,” The City of St. Catherine's with the Meridian Centre is a case in point.”

City Council has previously approved the building's preferred location at the existing City bus garage site on Townsend Street. If construction were to be done, Leal estimates 30 months for the project to be completed.

“When we built the PRHC, we started construction on that in July of 2005 and the official opening occurred in the spring of 2008,” said Leal.

@ptbo_canada Mayor Jeff Leal is endorsing construction of a new event centre to be built in Downtown Peterborough. ##ptbocanada##journalism##fyp##news##dailynews ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce echoed Leal’s sentiments and also endorse the construction of a new Event Centre.

“From the Chamber’s perspective, this is about more than a building. It’s about economic opportunity,” said Brenda Whitehead, Peterborough Chamber president and CEO. “Aging infrastructure limits our ability to attract major events and stay competitive. A modern events centre strengthens Peterborough’s role as a regional hub while driving the kind of downtown activity that supports businesses across the entire region, and promotes opportunities for growth and further community development.” 

“Investing in a Multi-Use Sport and Event Centre is an investment in the future of our downtown,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “Facilities like this bring consistent energy, attract visitors and create the conditions for local businesses to grow and thrive. The DBIA strongly supports moving this project forward as a catalyst for long-term economic development and vibrancy in Peterborough’s core.”

City Council will consider a report on options for next steps for the Event Centre project at their meeting on Monday night.

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Ontario Government Invests $100,000 For Local Emergency Preparedness In Peterborough-Kawartha

The Ontario Government is investing $100,000 in North Kawartha and Havelock-Belmont-Methuen to improve local resilience and respond to emergencies more effectively, announced on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This funding is delivered through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG) and is designed to help small and medium-sized municipalities accordinf to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“Last year’s March 2025 ice storm was a stark reminder of how quickly our communities can be cut off when the power goes out and roads are blocked,” he said. “This investment is a direct response to those challenges. By providing the tools for reliable communication in North Kawartha and ensuring the HBM Community Centre has a backup generator to stay open as a warming site, we are making sure our residents are never left in the dark again.”

The CEPG funding is being allocated to address specific infrastructure and equipment gaps in the region:

• North Kawartha ($50,000): The township will use this investment to modernize emergency communications and field operations. Key purchases include radios for parks and recreation vehicles, communication upgrades, a backup generator, and chainsaws. These tools will ensure safer, faster road clearance and more coordinated responses during natural disasters

• Havelock-Belmont-Methuen ($50,000): Funding will support the purchase of a permanent backup generator for the HBM Community Centre. This upgrade ensures the facility can serve as a reliable emergency shelter and warming/cooling centre during power outages—a critical need identified following the prolonged outages of the March 2025 ice storm

“The $50,000 Community Emergency Preparedness Grant will assist the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen with the purchase of a permanent backup power source for the local Community Centre,“ said Jim Martin, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen mayor. “This purchase will allow the Community Centre to be the Township’s main gathering spot in an emergency situation when the power is out.”

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Parks Canada Hosting Public Information Sessions For Infrastructure Projects in Peterborough

Parks Canada is hosting two Public Information Sessions on several major infrastructure projects taking place along the Trent–Severn Waterway National Historic Site in Peterborough. 

Parks Canada is undertaking these projects to help ensure public safety and support the long-term stewardship of the Trent–Severn Waterway National Historic Site, preserving this important historic canal corridor for future generations.  Photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

Contractors are currently on site and work will soon begin on coordinated, multi-year projects that include the rehabilitation of the Peterborough Earth Dams, repairs and maintenance to the Peterborough Lift Lock and the replacement of the Maria Street Swing Bridge says Parks Canada.

The Public Information Sessions will provide an opportunity to learn more about the projects, including construction phases, timelines, anticipated impacts, mitigation measures, and the long-term benefits they will bring to the community. Representatives from Parks Canada will present project information and be available to answer questions. 

The same information will be presented at two sessions: 

• Virtual Public Information Session: March 23 at 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 

• In-Person Public Information Session: March 24 at 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 
  Peterborough Lions Club, 347 Burnham St. 

Residents can register for either session by emailing Parks Canada at trentsevern@pc.gc.ca.  

Residents can also sign up for project updates by emailing trentsevern@pc.gc.ca and including “Peterborough Canal Projects” in the subject line. 

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Township of Selwyn Gets $1,378,504 Investment For Critical Water Infrastructure From Ontario Government

The Ontario government has invested $1,378,504 to rehabilitate water infrastructure for the Township of Selwyn’s George Street Watermain and Trunk Sewer.

Within the past few weeks, the Ontario Government has made announcements for provincial funding for Havelock, Peterborough and Selwyn’s water infrastructure. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding comes from the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS). It has been increased by $700 million to a total of $875 million to support access to safe drinking water, housing, job creation, and protection for communities in the event of extreme weather events according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“This investment of over $1.3 million is a critical step in ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of water services for the residents of Lakefield,” he said. “By rehabilitating the George Street watermain and trunk sewer, we are not only addressing aging infrastructure but also creating the capacity needed to support new housing and economic growth in Selwyn. Our government remains committed to providing our municipal partners with the tools they need to build stronger, more resilient communities.”

Project upgrades include installing a new sanitary sewer to support future housing growth and replacing a section of aging watermain to increase water flow, improve fire protection and strengthen system reliability. Construction is expected to begin this spring, with excavation, pipe replacement, service reconnections and full roadway restoration.

“This funding represents a major investment in the long-term sustainability and livability of our community,” said Sherry Senis, Mayor of Selwyn Township. “By modernizing critical infrastructure along the George Street corridor, we are proactively addressing capacity challenges, strengthening system resilience, and ensuring Lakefield is well positioned to support planned growth. Projects like this protect public health, enhance service reliability, and demonstrate our commitment to responsible infrastructure planning for current and future residents.”

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Havelock Receiving Over $4.1 Million Ontario Government Investment to Upgrade Its Wastewater Treatment Plant

The Havelock Wastewater Treatment Plant’s (WWTP) infrastructure is being upgraded, with the Ontario Government investing up to $4,136,362 in the facility, announced at Havelock’s Council Chambers on Monday afternoon.

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP (left) and Jim Martin, HBM mayor after the funding announcement was made before the township’s staff and council members. This funding is part of an investment of $4 billion in the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, included in Ontario's $220 billion capital plan. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding comes from the province's Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program's Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS), which has increased by $700 million for a total of $875 million to support access to safe drinking water, housing, job creation and community protection in case of extreme weather events, according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“Our government is taking the necessary steps to ensure that Havelock has the robust, modern infrastructure needed to support its growing community," he explained. "By investing this critical funding into the Havelock Wastewater Treatment Plant, we are not only protecting our local environment but also clearing the way for new housing developments. This is about building a safer, more prosperous community where families can thrive for generations to come.”

The (MHIP-HSWS) funding will be utilized in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen (HBM) to systematically upgrade the Havelock Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Revitalizing the plant helps remove development bottlenecks to support significant local housing growth, resulting in laying the groundwork for more than 1,500 new homes and a projected population of 2,400 residents by 2041, said Jim Martin, Mayor of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen.

“We will be able to increase the functional capacity of the wastewater treatment plant,” he said. “This over four million dollars will help us upgrade the wastewater treatment infrastructure and let us continue to prepare for future growth opportunities in HBM.”

He adds that this is just the first phase of HBM's growth and hints at the next phase.

“The next phase would probably be the Wastewater Treatment Plant and adding a new cell is huge,” said Martin. “It’s a huge cost, with I think around 15 million dollars. This part here will get us a few years to get this part done and any growth that’s coming, we’ll be able to care of the immediate needs but we’ll continue planning for further out.

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Ontario Government Invests $8,691,562 For Peterborough Critical Water Infrastructure

The Ontario government has invested up to $8,691,562 to rehabilitate water infrastructure in the City of Peterborough, announced at City Hall on Friday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The target area is the water systems at Lansdowne Street West and Park Street. The funding supports the replacement and upgrade of aging watermain, sanitary sewer and storm sewer infrastructure.

The City of Peterborough has outlined the project’s goals and benefits as follows:

• Strengthen community resilience by helping protect the area during extreme weather events

• Improve flood reduction and drainage through upgraded storm sewer infrastructure

• Increase watermain and sanitary sewer capacity and to better serveexisting homes and businesses

• Support future growth and development with expanded servicing capacity

• Enhance public accessability thrrough roadway and intersection improvements

The funding comes from the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS). The amount has increased by $700 million to $875 million.

The total approved project’s cost is $11,906,250:

• The Province of Ontario will invest up to $8,691,562, representing approximately 73 per cent of the total project cost

• The City of Peterborough will contribute $3,214,688, covering the remaining 27 per cent

Field investigations and utility relocations are expected to occur this year, construction starts next year and completion is expected in 2028. Planning and design for the project are already underway.

“Our government is taking the necessary steps to ensure that Peterborough has the robust, modern infrastructure needed to support our growing community,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “By investing nearly $8.7 million into the rehabilitation of water systems at Lansdowne and Park Street, we are not only protecting our access to safe drinking water but also clearing the way for new housing developments. This is about building a safer, more prosperous Peterborough where families can thrive for generations to come.”

 “This significant provincial investment in Peterborough’s water infrastructure is critical to protecting public health and supporting our city’s continued growth,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Reliable, modern water systems are the foundation of safe neighbourhoods and economic development. We thank the Province of Ontario and MPP Dave Smith for recognizing the importance of investing in core infrastructure that will serve our community today and for generations to come.”

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Railyard Development On East City's Hunter Street Officially Complete

Ashburnham Realty’s Railyard Development in East City on Hunter Street has officially been completed.

Photo courtesy of Ashburnham Realty.

“Our team is very happy to see the results of their efforts, and we are very fortunate to have long standing relationships with the local trades used,” said Paul Bennett, Ashburnham Realty owner.

With the final building now complete, half of the building has already been leased. Decorated by Michelle Beattie and Leon’s Peterborough, there are four furnished suites currently available for living.

“The tenants within the Railyard buildings have really taken ownership and created a community atmosphere offering game nights, potlucks and holiday-themed gatherings,” said Bennett. “There are groups of residents that bike together while others enjoy a leisurely walk along the trail. What we admire most about these buildings is that everyone knows your name and is welcoming.”

Photo courtesy of Ashburnham Realty.

The Railyard has occupants such as BMO Wealth Management, Duane Grant Thornton offices and The Railyard Cafe.

Nearby amenities include Ashburnham Ale House Foodland Grocery Store, Hard Winter Bakery, Black’s Distillery, Law & Orders and more.

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Ontario Government Invests Over $12 Million For Infrastructure In Peterborough City and County

The Ontario Government is investing $12,011,899 in the City and County of Peterborough to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure.

In 2026, Ontario will allocate $400 million in OCIF funding to help 423 small, rural and northern communities address critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding will be delivered through the 2026 Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) as part of the government’s more than $200 billion capital plan to protect Ontario by building key public infrastructure that will strengthen the economy and keep workers on the job in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty according to MPP Dave Smith.

“This provincial commitment ensures our communities receive the reliable, predictable funding necessary to maintain and rehabilitate critical infrastructure assets such as local roads, bridges, and essential water and wastewater systems,” he said. “By empowering our local councils with this resource, we are stabilizing costs, strengthening the foundational services that residents depend upon, and facilitating continued economic growth throughout the county.”

The OCIF provides funding for local infrastructure projects in municipalities with populations under 100,000, rural and northern municipalities, as well as for Local Services Boards that own water or wastewater systems.

“Peterborough County thanks the Government of Ontario for its continued investment in local infrastructure through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “This funding supports essential projects that help maintain the services our residents rely on every day. We remain committed to working collaboratively to ensure all communities in Peterborough County can thrive."

“This funding will help us maintain and improve our roads for the benefit of all residents,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

The amount of funding for 2026 is as follows:

• North Kawartha: $125,000

• Peterborough County: $1,260,030

• Selwyn: $232,869

• Trent Lakes: $125,000

• Havelock-Belmont Methuen: $144,000

• Douro-Dummer: $125,000

• City of Peterborough: $10,000,000

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Ontario Government Invests Over $9.5 Million For Peterborough's Critical Infrastructure

The Ontario government is investing $9,536,982 to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure in the City of Peterborough, announced at City Hall on Friday morning.

In 2025, Ontario will allocate $400 million in OCIF funding to help 423 small, rural and northern communities build roads, bridges, water and wastewater infrastructure. Communities may accumulate funding for up to five years to address larger infrastructure projects. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding will be delivered in 2025 through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund and is part of the government’s $190 billion capital plan to build and expand more homes, highways, hospitals, transit and high-speed internet across the province according to a press release.

“This investment of over $9 million will improve infrastructure throughout the City of Peterborough, particularly in the downtown core,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “It is formula-based funding that is sent out to the municipalities each year and is something they can count onto plan for critical infrastructure projects.”

“With this support, we can address key projects that will improve our core infrastructure and create long-lasting benefits for our residents,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Strong infrastructure is the backbone of our city’s future, and this partnership with the province plays a pivotal role in ensuring a vibrant Peterborough for many years to come.”

The OCIF provides funding for local infrastructure projects in municipalities with populations under 100,000, rural and northern municipalities and Local Services Boards that own water or wastewater systems.

The funding allocations are based on a formula that accounts for each community's needs and economic conditions.

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