A Special Flag at City Hall Has a Meaningful Message This Week

By Scott Arnold

If you’ve noticed a new flag flying outside Peterborough City Hall today, there’s a reason it’s there.

The Deaf flag flies outside Peterborough City Hall on September 23rd in recognition of International Week of Deaf People and International Day of Sign Languages. (photo by scott arnold)

The City of Peterborough has raised the Deaf flag in recognition of International Week of Deaf People, which takes place during the last full week of September.

September 23rd is also International Day of Sign Languages, a day established by the United Nations in 2017 to raise awareness of sign languages and strengthen their status around the world.

The date is significant because it marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Federation of the Deaf in 1951.

The flag itself also carries meaning. Designed by French deafblind artist Arnaud Balard, it features two hands, representing sign language, communication and support. Its turquoise blue, yellow and dark blue colours each have their own significance, reflecting the Deaf community, light and life, humanity and the connection to Deaf culture around the world. Together, the colours represent the diversity of people and languages and the place of Deaf people within the broader human community.

International Week of Deaf People brings Deaf communities and others together through activities and events focused on awareness, participation and inclusion. The week also highlights the important role of families, governments, professional sign language interpreters and organizations supporting people with disabilities.

This year also marks 20 years since the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the recognition of national sign languages as full and equal languages.

For the City, the flag is also connected to its broader work around accessibility.

Peterborough says it is committed to creating an inclusive environment across its services, programs, facilities, information, employment and transportation systems, with a focus on dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity.

The City also notes that people with disabilities can face limited options when navigating public spaces and says it is committed to providing timely information about service disruptions, including what is affected, how long the disruption is expected to last, why it is happening and what alternatives are available.

So, if you’re passing City Hall and spot the Deaf flag flying this week, now you know why it’s there.

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

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Jeff Leal Will Not Seek Re-Election After Nearly Four Decades in Politics

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal announced Thursday that he will not seek another term in office, bringing a nearly four-decade political career closer to its conclusion and setting the stage for a wide-open mayoral race in 2026.

Following a political career that began in peterborough in 1985, mayor jeff leal announced on thursday that he would not be seeking re-election in the next municipal election.

Speaking at City Hall on Thursday, Leal said the decision came after considerable reflection on his health, age and family, despite strong encouragement from supporters to run again.

The announcement was made in front of family members, city staff and supporters, including councillors Gary Baldwin and Kevin Duguay.

Leal said he is proud of what has been accomplished during his first term as mayor and believes the city is positioned well for the future.

“I'm satisfied that I've done my part to help transform our city and entrench a positive direction for Peterborough moving forward,” he said.

Throughout his remarks, Leal pointed to progress on housing, infrastructure, parks, city services, environmental initiatives and long-term planning. He said the foundation has been established for major projects that will continue beyond his time in office.

Among the projects he referenced were the new event centre, the proposed Alto development, airport expansion plans and efforts to support continued growth throughout the city.

But while he remains optimistic about Peterborough's future, Leal said personal considerations ultimately drove his decision.

“At the end of the day, I have to be realistic about my age and my health,” he said.

Leal noted that he has continued to maintain what he described as a strong attendance record despite battling prostate cancer during the current term. He also revealed that upcoming knee surgeries and rehabilitation played a significant role in his thinking.

“Unfortunately, I require knee surgeries and consequent rehab that would make my high standards of work ethic difficult to achieve,” he said.

The mayor also spoke emotionally about wanting to spend more time with his family.

“My parents both passed shortly after they'd finished work. They were given very little time to enjoy their retirement. I don't want this to be my story,” he said.

“I want to enjoy my beautiful family while I still have good health.”

While stepping away from electoral politics, Leal stressed that he is not finished with the job.

“I still have months of being mayor ahead of me and I very much look forward to continue the work that needs to be done,” he said.

“I will continue to be relentless in my pursuit to advance and finalize some very important projects.”

Following his formal announcement, Leal told reporters he was satisfied with what council and staff have accomplished over the past four years.

“When you look at the platform that we campaigned on in 2022, we were able to accomplish almost 90 plus percent of those commitments,” he said. “Working with this council and our city staff, we've moved the direction of this city forward.”

Leal's decision will mark the end of one of the longest and most recognizable political careers in Peterborough's history.

A lifelong Peterborough resident, he first served 18 years on Peterborough City Council before being elected as Peterborough's Member of Provincial Parliament in 2003. He was re-elected in 2007, 2011 and 2014 and later served as Ontario's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. He also held several other cabinet, parliamentary assistant and government leadership roles during his time at Queen's Park.

After leaving provincial politics, Leal returned to municipal government and was elected mayor in 2022.

Reflecting on his career Thursday, Leal said public service has always been about advancing the interests of the community.

“As your MPP, Cabinet Minister, Mayor, my sole objective was to advance the interests of our community and to improve the lives of all our citizens,” he said.

“I have served in public life now for almost 4 decades.”

Leal closed his announcement by expressing confidence in the city's future.

“The work continues, the foundation is strong, and Peterborough has a bright future.”

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

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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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Photos: Peterborough International Women's Day March 2024

Kawartha World Issues Centre and Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre rallied and marched in Downtown Peterborough for International Women’s Day from Peterborough Square to City Hall on Friday afternoon.

All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The two organizations and participating marchers acknowledge women's achievements and advocate for equality in the annual global celebration. This year's theme, ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ highlights the crucial need to foster a diverse and inclusive society, according to a press release.

Deputy Mayor and Councillor Joy Lachica gave a rousing speech to the 120+ marchers at City Hall, a significant increase from last year’s march which saw roughly 60 people participate. Roughly 10 per cent of this year’s attendees were men, another uptick from the prior event.

A poem reading from Peterborough's current Poet Laureate, Ziysah von Bieberstein, was also performed. Mayor Jeff Leal also spoke, proclamating March 8 as International Women’s Day in Peterborough.

During the march, signs were held up with statements such as, “Where there is a woman, there is magic,” “We are the voice of those who are no longer here,” “It’s a beautiful day to smash the patriarchy,” and “The future is female.”

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City Hall Council Chambers Open House On Feb. 25

The public are invited to drop in for conversations and light refreshments with Mayor Jeff Leal and City Councillors at an Open House in the Council Chambers at City Hall from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 25.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

“We want to provide another way for residents to visit City Hall, to see the Council Chambers, and to speak with their Council members outside of the typical formal meetings that usually bring us together,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Join us for coffee, tea or juice and local baked goods. This is going to be another huge year for moving projects forward, renewing infrastructure, and delivering critical services. Let’s talk about our community and how we can build a better tomorrow, together.”

The Council Chambers are on the second floor of City Hallwhich can be accessed through the main doors and taking either the central staircase or the adjacent elevator to the second floor. Refreshments will be available in the City Boardroom next to the Council Chambers.

Free public parking is available in the City Hall parking lot when visiting City Hall and on-street parking is permitted in front of City Hall on George Street. 

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Peterborough Youth Commission Meeting May 30

The Peterborough Youth Commission will host a meeting on May 30 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at City Hall in the Doris Room.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

Youth Commission meetings are open to the community and youth are encouraged to attend and share their ideas.

The Youth Commission is resuming its important community work following a pause due to the pandemic. The Commission is made up of non-profit service providers working to assist local youth along with interested community members and youth representatives.

“The City of Peterborough’s Youth Commission is gearing up to re-ignite our mutual goals of re-engaging youth for another exciting year. Our addictive use of electronic devices and social media plus the pandemic have affected how we interact with each other, especially for our youthful citizens,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell, chair of the Youth Commission. “The Youth Commission is a way for youth to engage with our community and for our community to engage with the youth who contribute so much to who we are as a City.”

The Peterborough Youth Commission was created following the 2000 municipal election. The Commission has been very successful over the years helping to make the community more youth friendly.

For further information please contact Ellen Stewart, City of Peterborough Youth Programmer by email or phone 705-927-7046.

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Photos: City Hall and Peterborough & District Labour Council Gather For Half-Mast Flag Raising Of National Day of Mourning

All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Roughly over 80 people gathered at City Hall for a flag-raising on the National Day of Mourning. Municipal politicians such as Mayor Jeff Leal and Councillor Joy Lachica spoke at the event. Peterborough & District Labour Council members and several others were in attendance for the event.

The day honours those who have lost their lives in the workplace. A flag has been flown at half mast in memoriam of those who passed on.

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Photos: Peterborough International Women's Day March

For International Women’s Day, a rally organized by Kawartha World Issues Centre and Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre had roughly 60 people march from Peterborough Square to City Hall on Wednesday.

Katelyn Brennan (left) and Rhianna Patterson (right) leading the charge for the march that started from Peterborough Square to City Hall. All photos by Samantha Bianco.

During the march, signs were held up with statements such as, “Trans women are women,” “On Wednesday, we smash the patriarchy,” and “Feminism = Equity.”

City Councillor Joy Lachica read Jeff Leal’s proclamation of International Women’s Day announced earlier in the day and roused the crowd to celebrate the fight for equity.

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City of Peterborough Honours Two Petes For World Juniors Gold Medal Performance

Peterborough Petes’ Owen Beck and Brennan Othmann were honoured by Council at City Hall for their gold-medal performances during the World Juniors Championships at the beginning of Monday’s General Committee meeting.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Mayor Jeff Leal made a presentation on behalf of City Council recognizing their efforts for the Petes and Peterborough.

Othmann was obtained from the Flint Firebirds on Nov. 12, several months prior to the deadline. The Petes dealt Artem Guryev, two second-round and one third-round pick for Othmann. He was drafted 16th overall by the New York Rangers in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Beck was acquired from the Mississauga Steelheads in exchange for Jack Van Volsen, Justin DeZoete, Peterborough’s second and third-round picks in 2025, Erie’s second-round pick in 2025 and Peterborough’s fourth-round pick in 2026 on Jan. 7.

He was a late call-up to Team Canada for the World Juniors on New Year’s Day after an injury to Colton Dach. He had 17 goals and 23 assists in 30 games with the Steelheads this season prior to being traded to the Petes on Jan. 7.

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Accessible Advance Voting Location to Run at City Hall for Municipal Election

An advanced voting location with enhanced accessibility features for the 2022 Municipal Election will run at City Hall on Monday to Oct. 21 announced on Thursday.

File photo.

Voters from any ward are welcome to vote at the accessible location from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the City boardroom of City Hall, located at 500 George St. N.

Accessibility features include an audio and tactile voting tabulator equipped with special equipment to allow any elector to independently cast a ballot.

The second of three in-person advance voting days are on Saturday with voting locations open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The final day for advance voting is Oct. 22.

Election Day is on Oct. 24, with polls open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be 16 designated voting locations throughout the City, and residents can choose the location within their ward that is most convenient.

Find a map of all the voting locations here.

Voters are reminded to bring their Voter Notification Card and abide by the City of Peterborough’s COVID-19 guidelines.

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