Draft Policy For Commemorative Flag Raisings and Light Displays Available For Public Review

A draft policy to establish criteria to consider requests for commemorative flag raisings and lighting displays at City of Peterborough facilities is posted for public review and comments until Feb. 12.

photo courtesy of connect peterborough.

Comments on the draft policy will be reviewed and considered to inform the version of the draft policy that is presented during a City Council meeting for Council’s consideration.

The policy will establish a consistent protocol for the raising and displaying of commemorative flags and illumination displays at City facilities to bring public awareness to occasions and events.

Flag raisings and illumination displays will:

• Reflect the cultural diversity of the community, promote inclusion and foster a sense of belonging for all

• Recognize the importance of significant dates and occasions, and acknowledge the contributions of local non-profit or charitable organizations or initiatives

• Support public awareness campaigns that promote health, safety and wellbeing and encourage community participation and civic pride

The draft criteria reflects the City’s current practice for considering flag raising and illumination requests. The Policy would be a Council-approved direction that would formalize the current practice. A list of all criteria can be found on the City’s website.

Official celebrations and observances are recognized by the City of Peterborough through a variety of acknowledgements, including:

• Official proclamations or awareness statements by the Mayor

• Hosting flag raising ceremonies or events at City Hall

• Featuring community events on the City’s online calendar or in its news posts on the City website

• Promoting awareness and linking to resources on the City’s social media channels

• Commemorative lighting displays at City Hall and seasonally at the Centennial Fountain in Little Lake

• Various City facilities and services, including the Museum and Archives, Peterborough Public Library and the Art Gallery of Peterborough build programming and education around official celebrations and observances

Residents can review the draft policy and submit comments through the link. To arrange to pick up a printed copy, email or call (ext. 1785)

Community groups and organizations are invited to request flag raisings, proclamations and commemorative lighting displays. The request forms for flag raisings and commemorative illumination displays are available on the website.

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City of Peterborough Announces Virtual Public Meeting For New Stormwater Rate Study This February

A virtual Public Information Centre on the review of the City of Peterborough Stormwater Management Fee will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 4.

file photo.

The Feb. 4 virtual meeting is the first of two meetings focusing on the City’s stormwater management fee structure. An in-person Public Information Centre will take place in the spring. 

In 2025, the City transitioned from funding stormwater services through the general tax levy to a dedicated fee appearing on water bills for residential and business water services customers. This interim fee, based on assessed property value, is a temporary measure to provide a more predictable funding source while a study is undertaken to consider how the fee is calculated.  

The interim fee does not fully address the long-term financial needs of the City’s stormwater system or public expectations around fairness and transparency. 

A Stormwater Rate Study is underway to refine this model to ensure stormwater fees better reflect a property’s stormwater impact, improve equity, and support sustainable financial planning. 

Proposed fee models include:  

• Same Fee for Every Residence: Every residence pays the same fee, based on the average amount of impervious area for residential properties. 

• Residential Fee by Housing Type: Each residential property type (e.g., detached house, townhouse, semi-detached or condo) has a different rate based on the average amount of impervious area for each housing type.  

• Residential Fee by Housing Size and Type: Each residential property type has a different rate based on the average amount of impervious area for each housing type with different tiers for single-detached houses (for example, small, medium, large). 

Registration is required to attend the virtual meeting. Once registered, a link to the virtual meeting will be sent to the provided email address.  

Residents can learn more about the Stormwater Rate Study and share their input through an online survey. The survey closes Feb. 13. 

The Feb. 4 meeting will be recorded and posted online following the presentation. 

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Nominations Now Open For 2025 Civic Awards

Nominations are now open for the City of Peterborough’s 2025 Civic Awards.

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The annual Civic Awards recognize and honour local volunteers and those who had a positive impact or outstanding achievement in 2025 through sports, arts, culture or volunteer work.  

“The Civic Awards celebrate the dedication and contributions of individuals and groups across our community whose achievements deserve recognition. By submitting a nomination, residents can help honour those whose efforts have made a meaningful and positive difference in Peterborough,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

Individuals or groups may be recognized across 12 award categories: 

• Adult Athlete of the Year 

• Athletic Award of Merit 

• Community Betterment 

• Cultural Betterment 

• Environmental Stewardship 

• Holnbeck Award 

• Junior Athlete of the Year 

• Lifetime Achievement Award 

• Mayor’s Youth Award 

• Senior Athlete of the Year 

• Volunteer of the Year 

• Youth Volunteer of the Year 

Nominees must be residents and/or property owners in the City of Peterborough. Individuals living outside the City may be recognized if they are part of a city-based group or team receiving an award. Nominees for the Holnbeck Award may be residents of either the City or County of Peterborough. All nominees must be volunteers. 

To submit a nomination, visit the website to complete the form and find information on award categories, the nomination process and past winners. Paper copies of the nomination form are also available from the Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 500 George St. N. 

Nominations will close on Mar. 13 at 4:30 p.m. 

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City of Peterborough 2026 Community Safety and Well-Being Plan Survey Now Open To The Community

The City of Peterborough has invited residents to provide input toward updating the Community Safety and Well-being Plan through a survey that is open until Feb. 13.

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The survey asks about perceptions and experiences in the community, and suggestions for how to improve safety and well-being. There is a map allowing community members to identify specific areas where they feel safe and unsafe. 

The Community Safety and Well-being Plan is used as a guide by the City and local social service providers to identify common goals for building a community where everyone is safe and included. 

Community members can provide input through the online survey and interactive map on Connect Peterborough. Paper copies of the survey and the current Plan are available at Service Peterborough in City Hall, 500 George St. N. 

“This survey is an important opportunity for residents to share what is working, where challenges remain, and how we can continue building neighbourhoods where everyone feels safe, supported and included. Hearing directly from the community will help guide the next chapter of this work,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

The Plan identifies five priority areas including; housing and homelessness, poverty and income security, healthcare and mental health, substance use and addictions and active transportation and connectivity.

The survey is open to all residents in the City of Peterborough, Curve Lake First Nation, and Hiawatha First Nation, including all permanent and seasonal residents, as well as those who are living unhoused.  

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City of Peterborough Invites Community To Review Draft Community Planning Permit By-Law

The City of Peterborough is inviting members of the public to review and provide feedback on the draft Community Planning Permit (CPP) By-law through open houses and an online survey. 

photo courtesy of connect peterborough.

The draft CPP By-law, along with interactive mapping, is now available for public review online.

The CPP By-law will replace the City’s existing Zoning By-law and will establish new rules for how land can be used and what types of buildings can be developed across the City. 

Community members are encouraged to review the draft By-law and attend one of the in-person public open houses to learn more and share feedback. These are drop-in open houses, and no formal presentation will be provided.

In-Person Public Open House Schedule: 

• Jan. 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Westdale United Church, 1509 Sherbrooke St. 

• Jan. 29 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Queen Alexandra Community Centre (Activity Haven), 180 Barnardo Ave. 

• Feb. 4 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at McDonnel Street Community Centre, 577 McDonnel St. 

• Feb. 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Healthy Planet Arena Banquet Hall, 911 Monaghan Rd. 

Virtual Open House: 

A virtual Statutory Public Open House will be held on Feb. 11 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. via Zoom. This session will include a presentation outlining the draft CPP By-law, followed by a question-and-answer period. Those wishing to attend can find details via Eventbrite. The meeting will be recorded and posted online following the presentation.  

In addition to attending an open house, community members can provide feedback through an online survey from Jan. 28 to Feb. 13.

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City of Peterborough Lifts Significant Weather Event Declaration Monday

The City of Peterborough has announced it will lift its Significant Weather Event declaration Monday at 3 p.m.

file photo.

The City declared a Significant Weather Event on Thursday as over the past several days, the City experienced significant snowfall accumulation and icy conditions.

During a snowstorm, when snow-clearing operations are underway, no parking is permitted on any City street. The penalty for interfering with snow clearing is $80, and vehicles may be towed. If towing occurs, the vehicle owner is responsible for all towing related fees. Snow-clearing operations typically take place between midnight and 8 a.m.  

For more information on the City’s winter weather rules and restrictions, visit the website.

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Join Jeff Leal In Mayor’s 2026 New Year’s Levee Held This Sunday

Mayor Jeff Leal and members of Council are inviting the public to the Mayor’s New Year’s Levee from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. this Sunday at the Miskin Law Community Complex.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Guests can enjoy an afternoon of free ice skating, snacks, light refreshments, and friendly discussion.  

“I welcome everyone in our community to join me and members of Council at the Mayor’s New Year’s Levee for an afternoon of fun and meaningful conversations about the priorities for Peterborough over the next few months,” said Leal.” The new year promises to bring exciting changes and opportunities to our community. Remember to bring your ice skates.”  

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City of Peterborough Issues Efficiency and Effectiveness Review for Request of Proposals

An Effectiveness and Efficiency Review of the City of Peterborough’s municipal operations and service delivery will be presented and considered by Council, ensuring the City is well positioned to meet the needs of the community.

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The City issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the independent review on Dec. 19, with a bid closing date of Jan. 21. The review will begin in April after the contract is awarded.

Municipalities across Ontario are facing growing fiscal pressures driven by inflation, aging infrastructure, climate impacts and a provincial-municipal funding framework that puts an unrealistic burden on property taxpayers, stated Mayor Jeff Leal.

“The current Canada-Ontario-Municipal fiscal framework is putting undue pressure on property taxpayers, particularly in the fields of housing and quasi-health services,” Leal said. “We need to do what we can for our property taxpayers within the constraints that are imposed on us. The independent review will examine how City services are delivered, how resources are allocated, and where opportunities exist to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability, while maintaining service quality for residents.

The review will assess service levels, organizational structure, staffing models and service delivery approaches, and will benchmark Peterborough against comparable Ontario municipalities.

It will be the City’s first independent, comprehensive effectiveness and efficiency review.

The Effectiveness and Efficiency Review will consider whether services continue to meet the public interest, whether the City is the appropriate service provider, and whether alternative or innovative service delivery models could improve outcomes or reduce costs.

City Council has supported Chief Administrative Officer Jasbir Raina’s recommendation for the City to undertake this Effectiveness and Efficiency Review, said Councillor Andrew Beamer.

“As a mid-sized city with a limited non-residential tax base, Peterborough faces many of the same challenges as municipalities across Ontario including rising costs, the need to replace or renew infrastructure, and constrained financial flexibility,” Beamer said. “This review will give Council a clearer understanding of where efficiencies can be achieved, how service levels compare to peer municipalities and how we can continue to deliver value for residents while maintaining responsible and sustainable budgets.”

“This work will provide Council with a clear, independent assessment of how we deliver services and how we can continue to improve,” said Raina. “It will help ensure the City has the right systems, structures and resources in place to respond to changing community needs, manage risk and strengthen operational performance over the long term.

The request for proposals to undertake the review is posted on the City’s bidding portal.

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City Services and Facilities to Operate On Holiday Hours

Many City of Peterborough services and facilities will operate on modified schedules or will be closed during the holiday season, starting on Wednesday and continuing until New Year’s Day.

File Photo.

First responders, public works, water services and wastewater treatment continue uninterrupted.  

Information regarding holiday closures and modified hours within City of Peterborough facilities are provided below. 

Art Gallery of Peterborough 

Art Gallery of Peterborough, 250 Crescent St., holiday schedule: 

• Dec. 24, 25, 26: Closed 

• Dec. 27: Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

• Dec. 28: Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

• Dec. 29, 30, 31 and Jan. 1: Closed  

Regular hours resume on Jan. 2. For information about gallery exhibitions and programs visit agp.on.ca. 

City Hall 

City Hall offices at 500 George St. N., including Service Peterborough, Building Services, the Clerk’s Office and the Provincial Offences Office, will operate on the following holiday schedule: 

• Dec. 24: Open 8:30 a.m. to noon 

• Dec. 25 to Jan. 1: Closed 

• Jan. 2: Open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Online services are available at peterborough.ca. Fine payments can be made online at peterborough.ca/POA. 

Parking Services 

The Parking Services office, located in the King Street Parking Garage at 202 King St., will have modified hours on the following dates: 

• Dec. 24: Open 8:30 a.m. to noon 

• Dec. 25, 26: Closed 

• Dec. 31: Open 8:30 a.m. to noon 

• Jan. 1: Closed 

Visit peterborough.ca/parking for more information. 

Peterborough Museum and Archives 

Peterborough Museum and Archives holiday schedule:  

• Dec. 24: Open 9 a.m. to noon

• Dec. 25, 26: Closed 

• Dec. 27, 28: Open noon to 5 p.m. 

• Dec. 29, 30: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

• Dec. 31: Open 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

• Jan. 1: Closed 

More information is available online at peterborough.ca/museum. 

Peterborough Public Library 

Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. N., and the Miskin Law Community Complex branch, 271 Lansdowne St. W., holiday schedule: 

• Dec. 24: Open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

• Dec. 25, 26: Closed  

• Dec. 27, 28, 29, 30: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

• Dec. 31: Open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

• Jan. 1: Closed  

Regular hours resume Jan.. Information and digital resources are available online at ptbolibrary.ca. 

Peterborough Regional Airport 

Peterborough Regional Airport, located at 925 Airport Rd., will operate regular hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the holiday period, except on Dec. 25, when the airport will be closed. Pilot access will remain available on this day. 

For more information, visit peterborough.ca/airport. 

Public Works 

Public Works can be reached at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Recreation facilities and arenas 

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr., and Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St. W., will have modified hours or will be closed on the following dates: 

• Dec. 24: Open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

• Dec. 25 and 26: Closed 

• Dec. 31: Open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

• Jan. 1: Closed  

The following facilities will be closed Dec. 24, 25, 26 and Jan. 1.  

• Kinsmen Civic Centre, 1 Kinsmen Way  

• Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd.  

• Recreation Facility Booking Office 

• Peterborough Memorial Centre, 151 Lansdowne St. W.  

The McDonnel Street Community Centre, 577 McDonnel St., and the Peterborough Naval Memorial Park, 24 Whitlaw St., will be closed from noon on Dec. 24 to Jan. 5. 

The Peterborough Memorial Centre Box Office will have modified hours on the following dates: 

• Dec. 24: Open 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

• Dec. 25, 26: Closed 

• Dec. 31: Open 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

• Jan. 1: Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a Petes game 

Ticket sales are available online at memorialcentre.ca.   

Outdoor Rink at Quaker Foods City Square 

The Quaker Foods City Square outdoor rink is expected to be open: 

• Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

• Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Holiday Hours will be in effect on the following dates: 

• Dec. 24: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

• Dec. 25: Closed 

Unscheduled rink closures may occur due to inclement weather or ice conditions. 

Riverview Park and Zoo 

Riverview Park and Zoo, 1300 Water St. N., is open from 8:30 a.m. to dusk daily.  

The Gift Shop will be open on Dec. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.   

The Hatch Coffee Shop is open on Saturday and Sunday throughout the winter season from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Social Services 

Social Services office, 178 Charlotte St. and all City-operated child care centres will be closed from noon on Dec. 24 through Jan. 1. Sites reopen with regular hours on Jan. 2. 

Emergency shelter services remain open. To access emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours or on holidays, call the after-hours service at 705-926-0096. 

Transit 

Transit will operate on the following seasonal schedule from Dec. 21 through Jan. 3: 

• Monday to Friday: 5:15 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. (next day)  

• Saturday: 5:45 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. (next day)  

• Sunday: 7:15 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.  

 
The following routes will be suspended: 

• Late-night service to Trent University and Fleming College. Service will resume on Jan. 4, 2026.  

• Water - Route 11/11A. Service will resume on Jan. 5, 2026.  

Service hours will be modified on the following dates:  

• Dec. 24: Service ends at 8:30 p.m.  

• Dec. 25: No service 

• Dec. 26: Service will operate on regular Sunday hours 

• Dec. 31: Service ends at 8:30 p.m.  

• Jan. 1: No service 

For more information visit peterborough.ca/transit. 

Waste collection and facilities 

Curbside collection of Green Bins, garbage and recycling continues over the holiday period, with the following changes:  

• Dec. 25: Collection for Zones 5 and 6 moves to Dec. 27 

• Dec. 26: Collection for Zones 7 and 8 moves to Dec. 29 

• Jan. 1: Collection for Zones 5 and 6 moves to Jan. 3 

Visit peterborough.ca/WasteApp to search the online collection calendar by address.   

For missed collections: 

• Recycling: Contact Emterra at 705-742-3139 

• Garbage or Green Bin: Contact Public Works at 705-745-1386 

City-County Landfill, 1260 Bensfort Rd., will have modified hours on the following dates: 

• Dec. 24: Open 8 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. 

• Dec. 25, 26: Closed 

• Dec. 31: Open 8 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. 

• Jan. 1: Closed 

Hazardous & Electronic Waste Depot, 400 Pido Rd., will have modified hours on the following dates: 

• Dec. 24: Open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

• Dec. 25, 26: Closed  

• Dec. 31: Open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

• Jan. 1: Closed 

Water Services 

Water Services Customer Service will be closed for in-person service at noon on Dec. 24 and will reopen on Jan. 2 at 8:30 a.m.  

For water services emergencies during this period, including watermain breaks, leaking hydrants, low water pressure, emergency water shut-offs, water quality concerns, or rental water heater issues, call 705-748-9300. For more information visit peterborough.ca/waterservices. 

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Blue Box Program to Accept More Recyclable Items Starting Jan. 1

Starting Jan. 1, Peterborough residents will be able to recycle more items through the Province’s Blue Box program.  

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Circular Materials, a not-for-profit organization, manages the recycling collection and processing program in the City of Peterborough through its local contractor, Emterra Environmental, under Ontario’s Blue Box Regulation. Recycling collection and processing in the City of Peterborough was assumed by Circular Materials effective Jan. 1, 2024. 

The expanded list of items eligible for recycling through the Blue Box program is part of Ontario’s move to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which shifts responsibility for recycling to the companies that produce packaging and paper products.  

The changes to the Blue Box program allow the same recyclable materials to be accepted across the province and more items can now be recycled.  

Newly accepted items include: 

• Black plastic containers 

• Hot and cold beverage cups 

• Deodorant and toothpaste tubes 

• Frozen juice containers 

• Ice cream tubs and similar packaging 

• Foam packaging, including meat trays, takeout containers, cups, plates, bowls and foam packaging for products 

• Flexible packaging, which includes potato chip bags, bubble wrap, snack wrappers, cereal box liners, deli pouches and plastic gift bags

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