Facilitated Discussions Underway For Support Future Growth Opportunities In Peterborough Region

After the City of Peterborough’s request for future employment and residential land need requirements, the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has responded by appointing a Facilitator from the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator’s Office to guide discussions among the City of Peterborough, Cavan Monaghan Township and Peterborough County.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Under the direction of the Facilitator, the City of Peterborough and Cavan Monaghan Township have completed independent Land Needs Studies conducted by third-party consultants. These confidential studies provide critical data to support informed discussions regarding future growth opportunities within the region.

Representatives from all participating municipalities and stakeholders attended the first facilitation meeting to review and share the findings of the Land Needs Studies on Thursday. Additional meetings are planned in the coming months to further examine the data and discuss potential options for accommodating future growth.

This collaborative process aligns with both provincial and local priorities by supporting responsible growth, increasing housing opportunities, creating employment lands, fostering economic development, and ensuring communities are positioned to meet future needs.

At this stage, discussions remain confidential to allow all parties to engage in open and constructive dialogue. Peterborough City Council will continue to receive confidential updates regarding the progress of the facilitation process. Should the participating municipalities reach a mutually supported proposal requiring approval from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, details would be made available to the public as part of a future community engagement and approval process.

“Our focus as a region is on enabling growth, housing construction, employment lands for job creation, and opportunities for residents,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Peterborough is committed to finding solutions that contribute to shared economic growth and long-term sustainability. I want to personally thank the Province of Ontario for its strong leadership on this critical need for housing and economic prosperity in the Peterborough Region.”

However, Peterborough County is aware of the City’s facilitated discussions, citing the only had one meeting on Friday. At that point, the City presented their Lands Needs Study; the County and Township have not yet had a similar opportunity. 

As the County is in negotiations with the City, facilitated by the Provincial Facilitator and bound to a confidential process, they will abide by the terms of the agreement that all parties signed.

“I am very disappointed that Mayor Leal has decided to issue a release contrary to the agreement,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden.” We take agreements and confidentiality as paramount. To my knowledge, there has been no proposal put forward by the City, and this release seeks to undermine the agreed-upon collaborative process.”

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