Three Bonnerworth Park Pickleball Courts Closed Due to Vandalism

Three pickleball courts at Bonnerworth Park, including one accessible court, will not open as scheduled on Friday due to vandalism in the park.   

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

According to the City, earlier this week, rocks and high-visibility paint-filled balloons were thrown over the fence surrounding the pickleball courts at the park, resulting in damage to the playing surfaces on three of the 14 courts. 

The City cannot provide an estimate of repair costs or the duration of closures at this time.

The vandalism has been reported to Peterborough Police Service. Anyone with information is asked to call them at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

The remaining pickleball courts at Bonnerworth Park are scheduled to open on Friday.  

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City of Peterborough Underway With Pavement Crack-Sealing Work

Pavement crack-sealing work is underway at various locations across the City.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Crews will be routing and sealing cracks in the asphalt pavement surface on several streets with the work expected to be completed this fall.  

Pavement crack sealing is completed annually and helps extend the life of the road by preventing water infiltration into the asphalt pavement surface and the road structure beneath.  

No road closures are expected during this work; however, locations will experience short delays due to flagging operations and lane reductions in the work areas, where required.  

Pavement crack sealing is expected to occur at several locations or road sections throughout the City.  

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City of Peterborough Launches Initiative to Streamline the Review Process of Traffic and Parking Concerns

A new city-led initiative is giving residents a direct way to report traffic and parking concerns by creating the Traffic Technical Working Group (TTWG) and an online application form. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The TTWG, recently launched following City Council approval in January, brings together subject-matter experts from multiple City departments to take a coordinated, data-driven approach to addressing traffic and parking concerns throughout the city. 

The group includes staff specializing in Traffic, Parking, Engineering, Transportation Planning, Law Enforcement, and Municipal Operations. The TTWG will review community-submitted concerns and recommend data-driven solutions. 

Residents play a key role in this initiative. Community members are encouraged to submit traffic and parking concerns through the application form. Submissions will be reviewed by the TTWG, with updates provided to residents so they can stay informed about the status of their request. 

This new approach will help streamline the assessment of traffic and parking issues and concerns, ensure consistent decision-making, and support improved traffic operations within the city.

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City of Peterborough Hosting Drop-In Session For Community Input on Proposed Improvements to Kawartha Heights Park

The City of Peterborough is inviting residents to learn more about proposed improvements to Kawartha Heights Park at a public drop-in session from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Peterborough Sports and Wellness Centre.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough, facebook.

Located at 2229 Kawartha Heights Blvd., Kawartha Heights Park currently features a playground, soccer field and basketball court.  

The City is looking to upgrade some existing features and add new amenities in the neighbourhood park. Residents are invited to provide feedback on which park amenities are best suited to meet the community's needs.  

The Kawartha Heights Park project is expected to happen over two phases. Phase 1 is planned for 2027 and includes upgrades to the ball diamond or the rectangular field to a Level B and formalizing parking. Phase 2 is planned for 2028 and includes the addition of a splash pad, a pet exercise area and a multi-use sport court. 

“Kawartha Heights Park is a valued neighbourhood space where residents come together to play and enjoy the outdoors,” said Monaghan Ward Councillors Matt Crowley and Don Vassiliadis in a joint statement. “These proposed improvements represent an exciting opportunity to build on that foundation, enhancing the park as a vibrant, welcoming community hub with something for everyone. From new amenities to upgraded spaces, this project will help create more opportunities for people of all ages to be active, gather and make lasting memories in their neighbourhood.”  

The opportunity to improve Kawartha Heights Park was identified as part of the City’s Parks and Outdoor Recreation Facilities Study. 

“The Parks and Outdoor Recreation Facilities Study is an important tool that helps us understand where there are opportunities to enhance parks and better meet the needs of residents across Peterborough,” said Community Services co-chairs Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “Kawartha Heights Park is one of the locations identified through this work, and this engagement process will help ensure future improvements reflect what the community values most.” 

During the drop-in session, City staff will be available to answer questions about the project. 

All proposed upgrades are subject to budget approval.  

A public survey is available online. Hard copies of the survey are available at City Hall (500 George St. N.) The survey will be open until 11:59 p.m. on May 8.

Further information about the project, including updates, a site plan and a summary of the public survey findings, will be posted online.

Residents with questions or concerns can also call 705-742-7777 ext. 1829.

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Safe Moves Peterborough: Creating Safer Streets through the Transportation Safety Program

A 15-year Transportation Safety Program (TSP) is being developed as a step towards making streets safer in the City of Peterborough. 

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Building on previous initiatives such as the Transportation Master Plan, Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Policy, speed limit reductions and Active School Travel programs, the TSP will provide a clear, long-term approach to road safety across the community in a proactive and sustainable way, according to Mayor Jeff Leal. 

“This program is about making our streets safer for everyone in Peterborough,” he said. “It will allow us to look closely at where safety concerns exist and work to reduce serious collisions. It’s about making everyday travel safer, whether you’re walking, cycling, driving, or taking transit.” 

The TSP aims to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries by creating safer roads that help prevent harm. It focuses on shared responsibility between everyone who uses the roadways, including motorists, cyclists and pedestrians and those who design and manage the city’s roads. 

The success of the TSP relies on meaningful input from the community. Feedback helps ensure that the program reflects the experiences of people who live, work and travel in Peterborough. 

How to share feedback: 

• Visit the project page: Residents can provide input on their experiences with road user safety and identify high-risk locations through a mapping tool and survey available on the project page, connectptbo.ca/safemovesptbo.  
  Paper copies of the survey are available at the Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer Street N. and at City Hall, 500 George Street N. The survey closes on Friday, June 5. 

• Public Information Centres: Two Public Information Centres (PICs) will be hosted in June. The PICs will provide an opportunity to learn more about road safety risks and challenges. Attendees can share feedback and recommendations on the TSP. More details on the upcoming PICs will be shared when they become available.

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Ontario Government Invests Over $1.7 Million to Support Public Transit In City and County of Peterborough

Through the 2025-26 Gas Tax program, the Ontario Government has invested $1,773,769 for the City of Peterborough and the County to better support public transit, announced at the Peterborough Transit Garage on Friday afternoon.

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP (left); Sherry Senis, Selwyn Mayor (middle) and Jeff Leal, Peterborough mayor (right) at the Peterborough Transit Garage on Townsend Road in Peterborough. The Ontario Government is investing nearly $380 million through the 2025-26 Gas Tax program to support public transit in 107 municipalities. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The City of Peterborough is receiving $1,732,762, while Peterborough County is getting $41,007. Under the ‘Dedicated Funding for Public Transportation Act’ in 2013, two cents per litre of the Gas Tax helped fund public transit, according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“By providing these essential Gas Tax funds, we are empowering the City and County of Peterborough to enhance their transit networks, drive ridership and support the long-term growth of our region,” he explained. “This investment ensures that as our community expands, our residents have the reliable, accessible and efficient transportation they need to connect with jobs, local services and one another.”

The funding is to help public transit initiatives such as expanding service hours, increasing routes, purchasing new vehicles and improving accessibility while increasing transit ridership. While the funds are for the operational and capital side of Peterborough Transit, Mayor Jeff Leal said there are several ventures to seek as transportation evolves in the City.

“There are new technologies and vessels out there that save fuel and we want to be on the forefront of that,” he said.

Leal also mentioned that the $1.7 million provides the City with the possibility to extend its public transit reach into the County.

“It gives us the opportunities; that we have the link with Selwyn and we do get inquiries from Havelock, Norwood and Peterborough Regional Airport to extend that transit reach,” he explained. “It allows us to look at other transit options in actually servicing communities beyond the borders of the City of Peterborough. We do want to look at this area as a region and what we can do to have the City of Peterborough be that transit hub to help our fellow citizens of Peterborough County.”

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George Street to Undergo Road Resurfacing Work Beginning April 27

Road resurfacing work will occur on George Street between McDonnel Street and Hunter Street beginning April 27.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The work is expected to be completed by June 7, weather permitting. 

Curb and gutter replacements and structure adjustments will occur during the day.  

Grinding and paving operations are expected to take place overnight, between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., to minimize traffic disruptions. The decision to conduct work at night aims to minimize disruptions to businesses, pedestrians and traffic in the area. 

Temporary parking restrictions will be enforced as needed to accommodate this work. ‘No Parking’ signage will be posted in advance in affected areas. 

Vehicles parked in prohibited locations that interfere with the work will be subject to enforcement actions, which may include the issuance of a penalty notice, towing and impoundment of the vehicle, or a combination of these measures. 

Owners of vehicles that are towed or impounded can call the City of Peterborough Municipal Law Enforcement and Security Services Division at 705-707-3969 on the following business day for information on the towing provider and impound yard location. 

Residents in the area may experience some noise and minor disruptions during construction.

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Temporary Road Closure and Intersection Restrictions at Park and Romaine Streets Due to Sewer Relining Work Starting April 20

A section of Romaine Street between Park Street and Aylmer Street will be temporarily closed to through traffic from April 20 to 24 while sewer relining work is completed.

stock photo.

Local access for residents in the construction area will be maintained.

The following turning restrictions will also be in place at the intersection of Park and Romaine Streets, daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. while sewer lines are by-passed between maintenance holes:

• Northbound on Park Street: no left turn, no right turn

• Southbound on Park Street: no left turn

• Eastbound on Romaine Street: no left turn, no through traffic

• Westbound on Romaine Street: no access

Detours:

• Detour 1 will direct southbound traffic on Park Street to turn east onto Lansdowne Street and then north on Aylmer Street, returning to Romaine Street

• Detour 2 will direct northbound traffic on Park Street to continue north onto Rubidge Street, then turn west on Sherbrooke Street and south on Monaghan Road, returning to Romaine Street

For more information about this service disruption, contact James Mahoney, Senior Engineering Technologist, Water Resource Systems by phone (ext. 1793)

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City of Peterborough Opens Sandbag Filling Stations Amid Rising Water Levels

The City of Peterborough has opened its sandbag filling stations to support residents in affected areas as water levels rise along the Trent-Severn Waterway. 

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The stations will operate from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday at Graham Avenue and Lillian Street and at Riverside Drive and Steele Avenue. Sand and bags will be provided. 

Water levels are rising along the Trent-Severn Waterway due to ongoing wet weather and snowmelt from the watershed's northern regions. As a result, water levels are increasing along the Otonabee River and localized flooding may occur in low-lying areas of the City. 

Public Works crews will be on site to assist residents with filling sandbags. Residents are responsible for placing sandbags on their own properties. The City recommends placing sandbags around basement window wells and doors. 

Shorelines and riverbeds should be considered unstable due to high and fast-moving water. Residents should use extreme caution near shorelines. Children should be closely supervised and pets should be leashed at all times. 

With high water levels on the region's waterways and recent rainfall, the City’s Wastewater Treatment Facility is processing extremely high volumes of water. To help reduce demand on the sewage treatment system and support capacity at the facility, residents are strongly urged to conserve water over the next several days. 

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Pools and Changerooms at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre Remain Closed As Boiler System Maintenance Work Continues

The pools and changeroom showers at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre remain closed as maintenance work continues on the facility’s boiler system.

Dignitaries, sports notaries and Fleming College staff in front of the Wellness Centre during its 20th anniversary last summer.. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The City anticipates that the pools and showers will reopen on April 16, with swimming lessons starting on April 18.   

The gymnasiums and fitness area remain open for regular use.  

The Sport and Wellness Centre is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

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