Beavermead Park Beach to Host Drowning Prevention Event This Friday

A drowning prevention education event is taking place at Beavermead Park Beach this Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to mark National Drowning Prevention Week.  

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

National Drowning Prevention Week runs from July 21 to July 26. City Hall will be lit up in blue to raise awareness about water safety and drowning prevention throughout the week.  

The event at Beavermead Park Beach features interactive displays, information on obtaining a Basic First Aid certificate, an opportunity to try on a lifejacket, prizes, games, and activities focusing on water safety, as well as a chance to meet Buddy the Lifeguard Dog Mascot. 

The event is run in partnership between the City of Peterborough, Trent University, Fleming College, Balsillie Family YMCA, Lifesaving Society Ontario Peterborough, the Ontario Provincial Police, Peterborough Fire Services, Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough County-City Paramedics and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. 

Other events will take place across the City throughout the week, including pop-up information booths at Fleming College, Trent University and the Balsillie Family YMCA.  

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City of Peterborough Transitions to Next Generation 9-1-1

With support from the Government of Ontario, the City of Peterborough has transitioned to the Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) network, providing emergency dispatchers, Peterborough Fire Services and Peterborough Police with better and faster access to information during an emergency.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

“This support ensures our emergency responders have access to the advanced tools and technology they need to act quickly and effectively in an emergency,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I would like to thank the Province of Ontario for this critical investment in public safety. Investments like this help protect lives, strengthen our emergency response capabilities, and build safer communities for everyone.”

The Ontario government has provided over $5 million since 2022 to support the City’s transition to NG9-1-1. It is a multi-stage upgrade to the traditional 9-1-1 network, replacing older infrastructure with a digital, Internet Protocol (IP)- based network. The technology is similar to what is available on most smartphones.

“Having reliable access to critical information, like the exact location of a caller and a verified callback number, can make all the difference when seconds count,” said Chief Chris Snetsinger, Peterborough Fire Services. “These enhanced capabilities help our first responders arrive faster, communicate more effectively and ultimately save lives.”

“Ensuring safety for everyone in our community is our main goal as a police service. Being able to deploy first responders at the right time, with the right information to do the right thing, is what we strive for every shift,” Chief Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service. “NG9-1-1 will help us accomplish this goal with even more accuracy. Having more data available to first responders in an emergency only makes for a safer community for all who live, work and visit our area.”

The upgrade gives dispatchers faster and more accurate information about a 9-1-1 caller’s location and phone number.

The upgrade's enhanced features also include:

• Stronger security, with enhanced cybersecurity measures to reduce the risk of downtime.

• Greater network reliability, with added backup capabilities for seamless recovery.

• Future-ready multimedia features enabling real-time text and live emergency video calls.

The City of Peterborough is among the first in Ontario to upgrade to the Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) network.

The process for calling 9-1-1 remains the same. Residents calling 9-1-1 in an emergency will be directed to the appropriate emergency service, such as police, fire or ambulance.

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City Seeking Feedback For Sherin Avenue Boat Launch Rehabilitation Project

The City of Peterborough is inviting the community to share feedback on the planned rehabilitation of the Sherin Avenue boat launch.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

An information session is taking place on July 31 at the Admiralty Hall at Peterborough Naval Memorial Park, 24 Whitlaw St., at 6 p.m. 

Due to its current condition, the Sherin Avenue boat launch is closed. It is the only public boat launch located south of Lock 19.  

Residents can also share their input through a survey. The survey can be found at connectptbo.ca/sherin-boat-launch. 

The survey closes July 25.  

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City Encourages Residents to Help Water City Trees During Heat Wave

The City of Peterborough is encouraging residents to help water newly planted City trees on road allowances and boulevards next to homes as the hot weather continues.

File Photo.

Young or newly planted trees are especially vulnerable to heat stress and drought.

The City installs watering bags on newly planted trees and will fill those bags as needed.

However, community support is sometimes requested during heat events to help keep new trees hydrated. Residents are encouraged to fill watering bags once or twice a week during hot, dry weather. 

This community involvement helps ensure that new and young trees establish strong roots and thrive in the long term, contributing to the City's green infrastructure and urban canopy. 

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City to Host Public Meeting Regarding Development Charges

The Council of the City of Peterborough is holding a public meeting to present and discuss proposed development charge rates and policies that would be applied throughout the City on Aug. 5, at 4:45 p.m.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

During the meeting, Council will consider approval of an updated Development Charges By-law on a date.

Development charges are imposed on new development to help fund growth-related capital costs of municipal services, as authorized by the Development Charges Act, 1997. The Development Charges Background Study supports the proposed charges and relates to eligible services, including: Development-Related Studies, Library Services, Fire Services, Police Services, Emergency Medical Services, Recreation, Parks, Transit, Waste Management, Long-Term Care, Services Related to a Highway and Sewage Services.

The public meeting is an opportunity for the public to review and provide comments on the Development Charges Background Study and the proposed Development Charges By-law, as required under The Development Charges Act, 1997.

All interested parties are invited to join the public meeting by attending in person or by viewing the streaming of the meeting on the City’s website.

The proposed development charges bylaw will not be considered for approval at this meeting according to the City. Council will review and consider the by-law at a future meeting after considering comments received as part of the public meeting and consultation process.

A copy of the 2025 Development Charges Background Study was made available on the City of Peterborough’s website on June 11. The proposed Development Charges By-law will be available on or before July 22, 2025.

Any person may attend the public meeting and make written or verbal representation in support of or in opposition to the proposed by-law. Written submissions should be directed to the City Clerk’s Office at clerks@peterborough.ca no later than 11 a.m. on Aug. 5.

Delegations wishing to speak at the meeting must register in advance. Unregistered delegations will not be permitted. To register, call 705-742-7777 ext. 1820 or complete the online form.

The deadline to register is 11 a.m. on Aug. 5. Council will consider all written comments submitted before the meeting and all verbal and written submissions made during the meeting before enacting a new development charges by-law.

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City of Peterborough Announces Construction of Transit Garage and Maintenance Facility

Peterborough’s public transit capacity is growing as the City of Peterborough announced the construction of a new 10,500-square-metre transit garage and maintenance facility.

File Photo.

This follows a combined investment of almost $42.9 million from the federal and provincial governments. 

“Transit is key to connecting and creating complete communities,” said Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP. “That’s why investments like the Peterborough bus garage are vital to meeting our growing housing and infrastructure needs.”

“Access to reliable, affordable transit plays a vital role in connecting people in Peterborough to jobs, housing and essential services. Ontario’s investment in a new transit garage will help ensure safe, modern transit is available to support our growing community — today and in the years ahead,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

The garage and maintenance facility will house up to 110 buses, offer a range of transit maintenance services and have amenities and offices for transit employees.

“We’re incredibly grateful to both the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada for this significant investment in Peterborough’s transit future,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The funding for a new transit garage is not only timely, it’s essential. Our current facility is aging and no longer meets the needs of a growing city. A new, modern garage will support fleet expansion, improve maintenance capabilities, and prepare us for the future of transit, including the integration of electric and low-emission vehicles. This investment will help us deliver more reliable, efficient, and sustainable transit services for the people of Peterborough.”

According to the City, after construction, the facility will support Peterborough Transit into the future and help ensure the community has access to an efficient and affordable transit service that supports economic growth and connects residents to jobs and housing.

They continue to state that the investment helps build a stronger Canadian economy. Expanding public transit infrastructure to meet growing demand supports the development of more affordable, sustainable and inclusive communities.

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City Hosting Public Information Centre for Clonsilla Area Transportation Study This Wednesday

A public information centre for the Clonsilla Area Transportation Study takes place at the Healthy Planet Arena, in the Banquet Hall from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

A brief presentation will take place at 6 p.m., followed by an opportunity to ask questions and speak with the project team. A recording of the presentation will be available for review on the Connect Peterborough project page.

The Connect Peterborough project page will also host a survey to gather input on the preliminary study design, which will be available until Aug. 21.

The Clonsilla Area Transportation Study focuses on the need for transportation improvements along Clonsilla Avenue. The need for these improvements was identified through the City of Peterborough’s Transportation Master Plan, adopted in 2022, which identifies multi-modal transportation solutions to help address population and employment growth in the City up to 2051.  

The Study is in its first phase, which seeks to identify transportation problems and opportunities, determine potential alternatives, and outline the scope of work and a consultation plan that will need to be implemented.  

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Youth and Holnbeck Civic Award Nominations Open Until Aug. 8

Civic Award nominations are open for the Holnbeck and Youth Volunteer of the Year awards.  

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF PETERBOROUGH.

The Holnbeck Award recognizes a couple or person who has made a lifelong contribution that has enhanced the quality of life for people with disabilities through volunteer work. Nominees for this award can live in the City or County of Peterborough.   

The Youth Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an individual who was 18 years old or younger in 2025 and has made significant contributions to the development and delivery of community programs and services through volunteer work.  

Nominations close Aug. 8.  

Nomination forms can also be picked up at City Hall, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.  

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City of Peterborough Recognizes Employee Excellence with CAFÉ Awards

The City of Peterborough recognized several City employees for their excellence and dedication during the annual Corporate Awards for Excellence (CAFÉ) presentation on Monday evening at City Hall.  

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The awards are part of the City’s employee recognition program, focusing on service excellence. The awards recognize staff who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to the City and support the City’s Strategic Plan.   

“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the outstanding staff members who received a Corporate Award for Excellence,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “These awards highlight the dedication, innovation, and professionalism that our employees bring to their work each and every day. Your exceptional contributions not only support the goals of our Strategic Plan, they help build a stronger, more responsive City for all residents. Thank you for going above and beyond in service to our community.”

“The City of Peterborough’s greatest asset is our staff, whose skills and experience are combined with a deep personal commitment and sense of duty to the present and future of our great city. Though much of the work happens behind the scenes, the impact is visible in every service delivered, every street maintained, every program that is managed, and every citizen that is supported. The Corporate Awards for Excellence puts a spotlight on those who go above and beyond for our community, and I am proud to recognize these recipients,” said Jasbir Raina, Chief Administrative Officer with the City.    

Customer Service Excellence 

This award recognizes an individual or team that has demonstrated outstanding dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence in customer service. 

Recipient: Dave Moore, Client Service Worker, Social Services Division, Community Services Department. 

Distinguished Teamwork 

This award recognizes individuals or teams who exemplify best practices of supportive and effective collaboration to achieve a shared goal that aligns with the City’s Strategic Plan. 

Recipient: Jocelyn Blazey, Manager, Homelessness and Data, Social Services Division, Community Services Department. 

Inspirational Leadership 

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities throughout their work. 

Recipient: Robert Dunford, Manager, Transportation Planning, Asset Management and Capital Planning Division, Infrastructure, Planning & Growth Management Department. 

Strategy & Innovation Excellence 

Recognizes an individual or team that has developed and implemented strategic and innovative approaches within areas of responsibility that lead to effective deliverables in support of the City’s Strategic Plan. 

Recipient: Joe Crooks, Innovation & Quality Assurance Manager, Social Services Division, Community Services Department. 

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Rejuvenated Skatepark at Bonnerworth Park Now Open

The rejuvenated skatepark at Bonnerworth Park is open and ready for use.

Dan Post (left) performing a tailslide grind. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The upgraded facility grew from 8,400 square feet to 17,000 square feet.

“The expanded skatepark at Bonnerworth Park is opening just in time for the start of summer break,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The new elements and bigger size offer more space for skateboarders to gather, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors. This is a fantastic addition to our community, providing a safe and dynamic space for youth and families to connect and have fun all summer long.”

“After years of dedicated advocacy and meaningful collaboration with the City of Peterborough, we are proud to help open this new skatepark to a community that overflows with confidence and joy. This project reflects the culmination of untold volunteer hours and the resolve of local skateboarders to move our sport and culture forward. The goal was always to design a space that would have an immediate impact on Peterborough by making skateboarding more accessible to all ages and skill levels, while creating opportunities for community-building events and programs. We have now fulfilled that vision here at Bonnerworth Park at the centre of what will surely be an inspired recreational hub. To us, this is more than just a new skatepark; it’s a second home for local youth, a training ground to hone our skills, and a place we can all feel proud welcoming visitors to come discover. Skateboarders from all around will find this a beloved new addition to our region, and it will no doubt kick-off an exciting new era for skateboarding in Peterborough,” said Dan Post and Geoff Rix, Peterborough Skateboard Coalition cofounders in a joint statement.

New lighting standards are still under development and are expected to be completed by the fall.

Construction continues on other enhancements to the park, including the addition of 14 pickleball courts and a bike pump track. Construction is expected to be completed this fall. A grand opening celebration will take place at that time.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for Bonnerworth Park, including naming rights for key features, including the pickleball courts, the bike pump track and the skatepark.

The skatepark's hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

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