Quaker Foods City Square to Hold Third-Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony This Friday Evening

Quaker Foods City Square is getting a little brighter as the community is invited to the third-annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Quaker Foods City Square on Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Photo courtesy ofthe Peterborough DBIA.

Put on by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and the City of Peterborough, the event features family-friendly activities, festive entertainment and local vendors.

Attendees can browse goods from local makers, enjoy hot chocolate and BeaverTails pastries, and celebrate with live DJ entertainment throughout the evening.

“The tree lighting has become a cherished gathering point for our community to kick off the holiday season,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “There is something very special about gathering together downtown on a December evening to enjoy local treats and warm drinks, discover unique gifts from our businesses, take in the music and watch the tree light up downtown with your neighbours.”

Mayor Jeff Leal will light the tree at 5:30 p.m. The event will also feature the return of the illuminated ‘Peterborough’ sign.

“The tree lighting ceremony is a wonderful reminder of the warmth, connection and generosity that define our City,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I invite everyone to join us at Quaker Foods City Square as we come together to share in the holiday spirit, celebrate one another and welcome a season filled with light and hope.”

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Registration For City's Aquatics Programs Opens Next Week

Registration for the City of Peterborough’s summer Aquatic programs opens next week.

File Photo.

Registration opens to the public on Wednesday at 7 a.m. Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre members can register for Wellness Centre programs beginning Tuesday at 7 a.m.  

“Recreation and aquatics programs are a great way to stay active, meet new people and make the most of the season. Whether you’re diving into the pool, joining a fitness class or trying something new, there’s no better time to keep moving and have fun this winter,” said Councillors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk.

For more information on the City’s winter recreation programs, including fees, policies and the City’s recreation fee subsidy, visit peterborough.ca/rec.

A full list of Aquatic programming can be found at peterborough.ca/swim.

Registration for all programming can be done online, in person at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, or by calling 705-742-0050 ext. 2201.  

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City Council Unanimously Against By-Law 25-126 to Assume Power From Peterborough DBIA Board of Management

City Council has voted unanimously against passing By-law 25-126 to assume a power from the Board of Management for the Central Area Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) during their meeting on Monday evening.

Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director during the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce Meet the Candidates event for the federal election earlier this year. File photo.

The by-law, if passed, stated as follows:

1. On Feb. 21, 2017, Council approved the recommendations in closed session Report OCS17-003 and passed By-law 17-013 authorizing execution of a settlement agreement between the Board of Management for the Central Area Downtown Business Improvement Area, The Corporation of the City of Peterborough (City) and another party to an appeal to the then Ontario Municipal Board against Official Plan Amendment Number 173 and Zoning By-law 16-053 (Settlement Agreement).

2. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the City makes 20 annual payments to the DBIA of $150,000 each for a total of $3,000,000.

3. DBIA is a local board of the City.

4. Pursuant to section 216 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, a municipality may change a local board including assuming a power or duty of the local board.

As a result of City Council’s vote, The Corporation of the City of Peterborough by the Council has enacted the following:

1. The City hereby assumes the power of DBIA to receive from the City annual payments of $150,000 each pursuant to the Settlement Agreement.

2. Any by-laws or resolutions of DBIA pertaining to the exercise of the assumed power are deemed to be repealed or amended to the extent necessary to permit the City to receive the said annual payments of $150,000 and to spend the proceeds thereof subject only to the City’s performance of DBIA’s obligations respecting such payments pursuant section 3 of the Settlement Agreement.

3. This By-law is in effect when it is passed.

The DBIA issued a strong warning to City Council not to pass the by-law on Friday afternoon.

“Downtown businesses have been navigating higher operating costs, increased taxes, tariffs, and the lingering impacts of COVID-19,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “This is precisely the time when they need more support, not less. We have been transparent, responsible, and accountable with every dollar we manage. That’s why this by-law is so concerning; it breaks trust. If the City can change direction without discussion on something this important, what will they do next? Trust requires year-over-year consistency. Right now, that’s what’s at risk.”

The DBIA released a statement regarding the decision on Tuesday afternoon:

Dear DBIA Members,

On behalf of the Board of Directors and our entire team, I want to extend my deepest thanks for your incredible support over the past week. Because of your engagement, your voices and your commitment to the future of our downtown, City Council voted unanimously against By-law 25-126.

This outcome was only possible because our members showed up.

You delegated, you wrote letters, you asked questions and you made it clear that the vibrancy of downtown and the independence of the DBIA matter deeply to this community.

Your efforts reaffirmed what makes downtown Peterborough so special; a strong, united business community that cares, collaborates and stands together when it counts.

Thank you for your advocacy, your time, your belief and most importantly your trust in the work we do every day. We will continue to champion the needs of our members, strengthen our partnerships with the City, and build a downtown that reflects the energy, creativity and resilience of the people who drive it.

This was a meaningful win for all of us; and we achieved it together!

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Peterborough Fire Services Partner For Campaign to Reduce Fire and Carbon Monoxide Deaths

Enbridge Gas Ontario, the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC) and Peterborough Fire Services have partnered to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough Fire Services received 336 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero. This public education campaign will provide more than 14,200 alarms to residents in 75 communities across Ontario, according to a press release.

This year, Enbridge Gas invested $450,000 in Safe Community Project Zero and over the past 17 years, the program has provided more than 115,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments.

“Carbon monoxide alarms play a vital role as a second line of defence against this invisible threat, often called ‘the silent killerʼ,” said Jeff Braithwaite, Operations Supervisor, Enbridge Gas. “Proper maintenance of fuel-burning appliances is the most effective way to prevent carbon monoxide exposure. We’re proud to support our communities by raising awareness and helping Ontarians take simple, proactive steps to stay safe in their homes.”

“Our priority is making sure every resident of Peterborough has the tools they need to stay safe,” said Fire Chief Chris Snetsinger. “Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives, and programs like Safe Community Project Zero help us reach residents who may otherwise go without this critical protection. We’re grateful for the continued partnership with Enbridge Gas and the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council as we work together to reduce preventable injuries and deaths in our community.” 

When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide early warning to escape from a house fire or carbon monoxide exposure safely. Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odourless gas that is a by-product of the incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels. 

“This is an important initiative that puts the safety of Peterborough residents first and strengthens the well-being of our entire community. We are grateful to Enbridge Gas and Peterborough Fire Services for working together to provide residents with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, a tool that is proven to save lives and alert residents to potential danger when every second counts,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

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Peterborough DBIA Issues Strong Warning to the City Regarding Risks of By-Law 25-126

The Downtown Peterborough Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has issued a strong warning regarding By-law 25-126, which is scheduled to go before City Council for approval during their meeting on Monday evening.

Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director during the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce Meet the Candidates event for the federal election earlier this year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to the DBIA, if passed, the by-law would shift authority over funds that have long supported downtown stability, revitalization, safety and economic activity – potentially weakening the DBIA’s ability to deliver services at a time when downtown businesses are already facing unprecedented pressures.

The DBIA says they were not consulted on the development of the by-law. Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director, said she raised questions about how this change would affect the organization’s ability to carry out its mandate during an already challenging economic period.

“Downtown businesses have been navigating higher operating costs, increased taxes, tariffs, and the lingering impacts of COVID-19,” said Mazloum. “This is precisely the time when they need more support, not less. We have been transparent, responsible, and accountable with every dollar we manage. That’s why this by-law is so concerning; it breaks trust. If the City can change direction without discussion on something this important, what will they do next? Trust requires year-over-year consistency. Right now, that’s what’s at risk.”

She also stated that the DBIA has a long-standing, collaborative working relationship with City staff and remains committed to maintaining that partnership but emphasized that major financial or governance changes require proper consultation.

“By-laws have consequences and this one has them,” she said.

“You can’t pass a by-law without considering the consequences. This one has them,” said Sacha Lai-Svirk, DBIA Chair. “A by-law like this sends a message about the City’s commitment (or lack of commitment) to stability, predictability, and partnership. After the progress we’ve made together, introducing doubt right now is strategically harmful. It risks undoing years of work to rebuild confidence with the City.”

Lai-Svirk emphasized that the DBIA is not opposed to tough conversations but decisions of this magnitude must be informed, transparent, and collaborative.

“I’ve run a small business downtown for 20 years. I know exactly what uncertainty does to a business,” she said. “The last thing our businesses need is confusion about the City’s support.”

Lai-Svirk also addressed an online comment that the by-law ‘does not change anything.’

“If this by-law doesn’t change anything, then passing it is unnecessary,” she explained. “And if it does change something, the City needs to explain exactly what — and why.”

Lai-Svirk added that the DBIA warns that shifting administration of the funds to the City creates the possibility of future reductions or redirection, undermining the stability provided through existing commitments through 2037.

“We have stability until 2037. There is no reason to revisit this now. This by-law should be set aside until then,” she said.

The DBIA has highlighted the following strategic implications if the by-law is passed:

Passing By-law 25-126 without review or consultation risks:

• Undermining downtown stability during a volatile economic period

• Creating uncertainty for 400+ businesses who rely on DBIA support

• Damaging trust between the City and downtown stakeholders

• Sending a negative signal to investors, developers, and new businesses

• Interrupting momentum at a time when the downtown has finally turned a corner

• Jeopardizing future collaborative initiatives, including:

• permanent lighting strategy

• downtown boundary expansion

• high-speed rail (Alto) integration

• Event Centre activation

• new streetscape, placemaking, and safety programs

“These are the conversations we should be having,” said Lai-Svirk. “Not a by-law that destabilizes the very partnership that makes these projects possible.”

The DBIA is formally requesting that Council:

1. Vote against the by-law

2. Conduct a full legal and strategic review

3. Engage directly with the DBIA, AON Inc. and downtown stakeholders

4. Reassess the by-law in the context of downtown’s economic recovery

“We are prepared to defend the future of downtown businesses,” said Sacha Lai-Svirk. “If Council chooses to move forward without consultation – AON Inc. and the DBIA, are prepared to take every appropriate step to protect downtown businesses and the commitments made to this community,” said Lai-Svirk. “But our hope is to resolve this collaboratively. We want decisions that strengthen our momentum, not undermine it.”

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The City of Peterborough Launches Project SEARCH Internship Program

The City of Peterborough celebrated the official launch of Project SEARCH at the Peterborough Public Library on Friday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

This internationally recognized internship program offers transition-to-work opportunities for program participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“This program offers the City of Peterborough the opportunity to lead as an inclusive employer by removing barriers to employment for people with disabilities and helping implement the employment priorities of the  2024-2028 Accessibility Plan,” said Reem Ali, The City of Peterborough’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisor. “The City is very proud to serve as the host business for Project SEARCH and honoured to be working with community partners on this unique initiative.”

According to the City, it offers individuals a unique, business-led employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the workplace for one academic year. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations. The program culminates in individualized job search and placement. 

The program is a partnership between the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board, Fleming College’s Muskoka-Kawarthas Employment Services and the City of Peterborough.  

“PVNC Catholic is excited to be working in partnership with the City of Peterborough and Muskoka-Kawarthas Employment Services on the first Project SEARCH site in this area. Project SEARCH provides our students with special education needs a vital, hands-on bridge from the classroom to competitive employment,” said Karen Spenceley, PVNC principal special education servicesc. “By fully immersing them in a real business environment, they gain marketable job skills, professional confidence, and real-world experience that dramatically increases their ability to secure meaningful careers after graduation. We are not just educating students; we are launching future skilled employees.”

“Fleming College is pleased to support Project SEARCH, working with our community partners to ensure that participants receive the employment supports necessary for a successful transition into meaningful and sustainable work,” said Joanne Spicer, Fleming College associate vice president, student experience. 

As the host organization, the City is offering workplace immersion opportunities for six interns through three rotating placements during the 2025-26 school year. 

Interns will be working in several City departments, including People and Culture, Children’s Services, Environmental Services, Cultural Services, Recreation Services, Peterborough Public Library, Art Gallery of Peterborough, and the Riverview Park and Zoo. Peterborough Transit will be providing interns with free public transportation during their internship. 

Project SEARCH began at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre and is a fully supported licensed program that runs in over 750 sites in 10 countries, with a 70% success rate of interns obtaining employment following graduation.  

The Ministry of Education has provided funding for this program. Project SEARCH staff are providing ongoing support. 

“There are more than 25 training locations in Ontario benefiting both students and businesses,” said Carolyn McDougall, Project SEARCH. “Thanks to this collaboration, I’m excited that now Peterborough-area students can train using the effective Project SEARCH model for employment.”

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City of Peterborough To Undergo Annual Urban Forest Maintenance

The City of Peterborough is performing annual urban forest maintenance to maintain public safety and the urban forests’ health from December 2025 to March 2026.  

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Trees identified for removal include: 

• Trees that are unhealthy or unsafe, typically marked with an orange dot.  

• Ash trees impacted by Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) marked with a pink dot or band. 

The identified trees are on City property, including parks, road allowances and natural spaces, where they may pose a risk to people or property. This proactive approach helps reduce potential property damage and public-safety risks while supporting the goals of the City’s long-term Urban Forest Strategic Plan. 

External contractors will remove Ash trees. 

Residents may notice crews working in various locations during this period and may be affected by temporary trail or parking area closures at parks. 

The work over the four months will include the removal of approximately 2,000 dead and dying Ash trees infested with EAB.  

Ash tree removals will take place in unmaintained parks and natural areas. Some of these areas are within Otonabee Conservation areas, regulated flood plain zones that restrict the use of equipment to protect the ecologically sensitive areas. The woody material (trunk, limbs, brush, etc.) will be left onsite to decompose naturally over time, adding organic material back to the site and encouraging wildlife habitat. Stumps will not be ground.  

Urban park fires are often related to human activity. To reduce this risk, park users should stay on trails, be aware that smoking is prohibited and report any fire immediately by calling 9-1-1. 

The 2026 tree-planting program will include planting up to 2,000 new trees across the city, supported by the Government of Canada’s 2 Billion Trees Program and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund. These efforts contribute to the City’s goal of achieving an overall tree canopy cover of 35 per cent by 2051. 

In future years, reforestation efforts could be implemented in the areas heavily impacted by the EAB to ensure the sustainability of the urban forest of Peterborough. 

Approximately 150 Ash trees are on municipal road allowances in residential areas, in addition to the road allowances, parks, and natural areas listed below.  

The following areas are scheduled for work during this period:  

Road name: 

• Driscoll Road  

• Guthrie Drive  

• Maniece Avenue  

• Nassau Mills Road/University Road 

Park name: 

• Ashburnham Memorial Park   

• Auburn Reach Park   

• Beavermead Park   

• Burnham Point Park   

• Chelsea Gardens Park   

• Collison Park   

• Corrigan Park   

• 120 Fradette Ave, green space 

• Giles Park   

• Golfview Heights Park   

• GreenUP Ecology Park   

• Hamilton Park   

• Jackson Park   

• James Stevenson Park   

• Kawartha Heights Park   

• Kinsmen Park   

• Mapleridge Park   

• Newhall Park   

• Nicholls Oval Park   

• Oakwood Park   

• Rogers Cove   

• Stenson Park   

• Stillman Park   

• University Heights Park   

• Walker Park   

• Wallis Heights Park   

• Whitefield Park 

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Free Two-Hour Holiday Parking Underway For Downtown Peterborough

Free two-hour parking at all downtown municipal parking spaces begins Friday.

Kawartha Food Share assists more than 14,000 people each month through meal programs, food banks, housing projects and food cupboards. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

This includes on-street parking, municipal parking lots, the King Street Parking Garage and the Simcoe Parking Garage. The free parking program runs until New Year’s Eve.

Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers returns to sponsor the holiday parking program.

Parking fees voluntarily paid at pay-and-display machines, meters or through the HotSpot App during the free two-hour period will be donated to Kawartha Food Share.

“Wolfe Lawyers are happy to partner again with the City of Peterborough to offer free two-hour parking downtown during the holiday season. We encourage everyone to come and shop and dine downtown to support our local businesses,” said Bill Wolfe of Wolfe Lawyers. "For those who pay, know that all proceeds donated will go to Kawartha Food Share who support those who need our help.” 

“We’re thrilled to see the return of the free two-hour holiday parking program,” said Councillors Joy Lachica and Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “It’s a great way to make it easier for people to visit our vibrant downtown, shop locally and enjoy all that our community has to offer during the holiday season. Not only does it encourage people to support local businesses, but it also gives back, raising funds for the Kawartha Food Share and helping our community during a time of year when it’s needed the most.” 

“Every year, the free two-hour holiday parking program helps bring more people into our downtown to shop, dine, and celebrate the season,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “We’re grateful to the City and to Wolfe Lawyers for making it easier for residents to support local businesses at the most important time of year.”

Anyone requiring more time is asked to park in the City’s surface lots or parking garages.

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Peterborough Mourns Passing of Former City Councillor Ann Farquharson at 68

Former Peterborough City Councillor and local volunteer Ann Farquharson has passed away at 68 years of age.

Photo courtesy of Highland Park Funeral Centre.

She passed away peacefully in her home while sleeping on Monday.

Farquharson earned her B.A. (Hons.) from Trent University in 1981 and her L.L.B. from the University of British Columbia in 1984. She was called to the Bar of British Columbia in 1985 and to the Bar of the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1986. As a lawyer, she began practicing law in Peterborough in 1986 as a partner with Farquharson Daly (now known as Farquharson Law). She also acted as Human Rights Advisor at Trent University from 2000 to 2006.

The City of Peterborough flew the flag at half-mast in honour of Farquharson on Tuesday. She was a Town Ward Councillor who served on City Council from 2006 to 2010.

Mayor Jeff Leal released the following statement:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ann Farquharson, a former City Councillor and a dedicated advocate for our community. Ann served the people of Peterborough with integrity and an unwavering commitment to making life better for others. Her leadership, her thoughtful voice at the Council table, and her years of service left a meaningful and lasting impact on our city.

Beyond her time as an elected official, Ann was an active and passionate community supporter, always working to strengthen the places and organizations she cared about. She will be remembered for her generosity, her spirit, and her steadfast belief in building a stronger Peterborough.

On behalf of City Council and the residents of our community, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Ann’s family, friends, and all who were touched by her remarkable life and contributions.”

As an avid volunteer, Farquharson served on more than 30 boards and committees, including:

• President, Peterborough Law Association

• Board member, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough (and a Big Sister for five years)

• Director, Five Counties Children’s Centre

• Provincial appointee to the Board of Governors, Peterborough Civic Hospital, where she chaired the Public Relations and Finance Committees

• Founding member, Women’s Health Care Centre

• Board member, C.H.A.N.G.E.S.

• Board member, Fourth Line Theatre Company

• President, Peterborough Chapter of the Trent Alumni Association

• Board member, Peterborough Theatre Guild, Festival of Lights (Musicfest), Fairhaven Foundation

• Member, Save the Market Hall Committee; Peterborough Youth Commission; Peterborough Centennial Celebration Committee

• Chair, Citizens Advisory Panel on Flood Planning

• Member, Veterans Wall of Honour Working Committee

• Sponsorship Chair, Peterborough Flood Relief Concert Committee

• Member of YMCA Fundraising Cabinet

• Member of Women United (United Way)

• Board member, Women’s Resources (current)

• United Way Cabinet member (current)

A Celebration of Life for Ann will be held at Market Hall this Saturday at 2 p.m. In place of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice are encouraged.

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City of Peterborough's Winter Parking Restrictions to Take Effect Dec. 1

The City of Peterborough’s winter parking restrictions begins on Dec. 1 to support snow-clearing operations throughout the season. 

File Photo.

Winter parking restrictions: 

• From Dec. 1 to April 1, parking is prohibited on all city streets from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. The penalty is $35. 

• During a snowstorm, when snow-clearing operations are underway, no parking is permitted on any city street. The penalty is $80, and vehicles may be towed. Snow-clearing operations typically take place between midnight and 8 a.m. 

The City has placed these restrictions to help crews clear roads safely and efficiently, especially during overnight snow operations.

Free overnight parking is permitted at all municipal parking lots, including the King Street Parkade, 202 King St. and the Simcoe Parking Garage, 190 Simcoe St. If customers are using either parking garage overnight due to a snowstorm, they can obtain a gate arm ticket upon entry, which can be used for a free transit trip home.

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