New Pilot Program 'Elevate Peterborough' to Support City Events and Tourism Growth

The City of Peterborough has launched a new pilot program, Elevate Peterborough, to support festivals and events that attract visitors to the city and contribute to tourism in the community.

Elevate Peterborough offers a robust range of support for eligible events and festivals, including in-kind city services, marketing, visitor information, event evaluation support, and ancillary programming. The City’s 2026 Budget includes $75,000 to support attracting and hosting major tourism events. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The program aims to enhance event experiences that encourage overnight stays, drive economic impact and build the city’s profile as a premier tourism destination. Peterborough Tourism, the City’s tourism service delivery and marketing program, is now accepting applications from event and festival organizers.

“We’re excited to launch this pilot program as a way to streamline how the City supports the passionate organizers who bring energy, creativity, and community spirit to our community year-round,” said Tanya Budgen, City of Peterborough Service Area Manager for Tourism & Events. “Through Elevate Peterborough we’re strengthening collaboration with event organizers to attract visitors, increase overnight stays, and generate meaningful economic impact for our community while elevating what’s possible here in Peterborough.”

The Elevate Peterborough pilot program will run for the remainder of 2026 and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for upcoming events. Applications must be submitted 120 days prior to the event's start date.

Eligible events include, but are not limited to:

  • Conferences or galas

  • Music or cultural festivals

  • Culinary festivals or events

  • Art festivals or events

  • Trade shows

  • Educational events or seminars

  • Sporting events, tournament seasons or championships

Elevate Peterborough will be open for feedback throughout the pilot phase. Next year, the program will be evaluated and refined to ensure it aligns with the evolving needs of the tourism and events community.

Peterborough Tourism staff will host two in-person information sessions for Elevate Peterborough on March 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and March 30 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room at the Miskin Law Community Complex.

The information sessions are designed for event organizers, sports user groups, cultural tourism operators and other tourism stakeholders who wish to learn more about the pilot program and the support and resources available.

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