Nomination Deadline Extended For 2025 Civic Awards

Nominations continue to be open for the City of Peterborough’s 2025 Civic Awards until March 31.

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

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. 

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Peterborough Tourism Strategy Community Feedback Survey Now Open

Community members are invited to provide feedback on the draft direction of the Peterborough Tourism Strategy through a Community Feedback Loop Survey.

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The survey is open until March 22 at 11:59 p.m. It is an opportunity to review and provide feedback on the draft vision, goals, and strategic priorities developed based on the input received so far.

To date, the Peterborough community has been engaged through a survey, key informant interviews, in-person community cafés, and virtual focus groups according to the City. Insight and input gathered through these methods have served to inform the strategic direction for tourism, which will be presented to City Council for approval in spring 2026.

Work on developing the Peterborough Tourism Strategy began in the summer last year, with community engagement activities taking place over the fall months. The City has engaged Bannikin, an Ontario-based tourism consultancy with strong experience in facilitating the development of tourism strategies for communities and destination marketing organizations.

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City of Peterborough Encourages Temporary Water Conservation During Wet-Weather Events

The City of Peterborough is encouraging residents to temporarily reduce non-essential water use to help lower the volume of water entering the City of Peterborough Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City is issuing the warning following heavy snowmelt and a winter with substantial snow accumulation, with heavy rainfall forecast for Wednesday.

According to the City, heavy rainfall and spring snowmelt can significantly increase the amount of water entering the municipal wastewater system, placing additional pressure on the sewer infrastructure during wet-weather events.  

The Wastewater Treatment Plant is experiencing higher-than-normal flows of water into the facility for treatment. It is operating within capacity and treatment is taking place as expected. 

During major wet-weather events, rainwater and melting snow can enter the sanitary sewer through foundation drains, cracks in pipes, and improperly connected sump pumps or downspouts. This additional flow, known as inflow and infiltration, adds to the volume that must be carried and treated. 

To help manage these temporary increases, residents are encouraged to reduce non-essential water use for short periods during significant rainfall or snowmelt events. When many households take simple steps to limit indoor water use, these actions help lower peak flows and reduce pressure on sewer pipes and pumping stations during extreme conditions.

Residents can assist by delaying laundry and dishwasher use, taking shorter showers, avoiding full bathtub fills and turning off taps when not in use. Homeowners can also help reduce stormwater entering the sanitary system by ensuring sump pumps discharge outside, keeping downspouts disconnected from sanitary sewers, and directing roof drainage away from foundations. 

These actions help reduce pressure on the wastewater system during wet weather periods.

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Registration Opens This Week for The City’s Spring Recreation Programs

Registration for the City of Peterborough’s spring recreation programs opens on March 11 and March 25 for aquatics programs.

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Registration opens at 7 a.m. for both March 11 and 25.

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre members can register for Wellness Centre programs a day early, beginning March 10 at 7 a.m., and beginning March 24 at 7 a.m. for aquatics.

For more information on the City’s spring recreation programs, including fees, policies and the City’s recreation fee subsidy, visit the website.

A full list of aquatic programming is available online. Aquatic programs fill up quickly, and early registration is encouraged. 

Registration for all programming can be done online or in person at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.) or by calling (ext. 2201).

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City of Peterborough Releases List of Activities For March Break 2026

The City of Peterborough has released a list of activities for March Break starting next week.  

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“March Break is the perfect time to get out and enjoy a little adventure close to home,” said Community Services co-Chairs Councillors Alex Bierk and Lesley Parnell.  “With free skating opportunities, swimming and drop-in programs, and engaging activities across the city, there are plenty of ways for residents to stay active and enjoy time together right here in Peterborough.” 

Several free public skates are taking place at the Miskin Law Community Complex.

There is free drop-in swimming on Sunday at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Other drop-in swimming and sports sessions take place at the Wellness Centre throughout the week. 

Residents can pop by the Peterborough Museum and Archives to check out the Carnivorous Dinosaurs exhibit and participate in dino-themed activities taking place throughout the week.  

The Big History Show, a puppet show with Glen Caradus, takes place at the PMA on March 22 at 2 p.m.  

The Riverview Park and Zoo will be open from 8:30 a.m. to dusk throughout the week, with a special scavenger hunt taking place on March 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

A full list of events, including times and prices, can be found online. 

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New Pilot Program 'Elevate Peterborough' to Support City Events and Tourism Growth

The City of Peterborough has launched a new pilot program, Elevate Peterborough, to support festivals and events that attract visitors to the city and contribute to tourism in the community.

Elevate Peterborough offers a robust range of support for eligible events and festivals, including in-kind city services, marketing, visitor information, event evaluation support, and ancillary programming. The City’s 2026 Budget includes $75,000 to support attracting and hosting major tourism events. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The program aims to enhance event experiences that encourage overnight stays, drive economic impact and build the city’s profile as a premier tourism destination. Peterborough Tourism, the City’s tourism service delivery and marketing program, is now accepting applications from event and festival organizers.

“We’re excited to launch this pilot program as a way to streamline how the City supports the passionate organizers who bring energy, creativity, and community spirit to our community year-round,” said Tanya Budgen, City of Peterborough Service Area Manager for Tourism & Events. “Through Elevate Peterborough we’re strengthening collaboration with event organizers to attract visitors, increase overnight stays, and generate meaningful economic impact for our community while elevating what’s possible here in Peterborough.”

The Elevate Peterborough pilot program will run for the remainder of 2026 and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for upcoming events. Applications must be submitted 120 days prior to the event's start date.

Eligible events include, but are not limited to:

• Conferences or galas

• Music or cultural festivals

• Culinary festivals or events

• Art festivals or events

• Trade shows

• Educational events or seminars

• Sporting events, tournament seasons or championships

Elevate Peterborough will be open for feedback throughout the pilot phase. Next year, the program will be evaluated and refined to ensure it aligns with the evolving needs of the tourism and events community.

Peterborough Tourism staff will host two in-person information sessions for Elevate Peterborough on March 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and March 30 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room at the Miskin Law Community Complex.

The information sessions are designed for event organizers, sports user groups, cultural tourism operators and other tourism stakeholders who wish to learn more about the pilot program and the support and resources available.

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City of Peterborough to Kick Off Irish Heritage Month With Flag-Raising Ceremony on Monday

The Peterborough Canadian Irish Club and Nine Ships 1825 Inc. are hosting a flag-raising event at City Hall starting at 11 a.m. on Monday as part of the celebrations for Irish Heritage Month. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Cahal Sweeney, the Vice Consul General of Ireland in Toronto is also attending the event.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held starting at 2 p.m. on March 15 on George Street, from City Hall, 500 George St. N., travelling south to Lansdowne Street. 

Mayor Jeff Leal has released the following statement recognizing Irish Heritage Month in the City of Peterborough:  

“March is Irish Heritage Month in Canada. It’s a time to recognize, celebrate, and honour the remarkable history, vibrant culture, and lasting contributions of Canadians of Irish descent. 

Irish immigrants and their descendants have helped shape communities across our country, including here in Peterborough. Last year, our community marked the 200th anniversary of the Peter Robinson Irish Immigration, which brought 2,000 settlers to the Nogojiwanong-Peterborough region in 1825. Their legacy has endured. Through their contributions to public service, education, business, arts and culture, and community leadership, Irish Canadians have played an important role in building the city we know today. 

As we recognize Irish Heritage Month, and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, we recognize the deep cultural roots of Irish Canadians in our community and beyond. 

On behalf of the City of Peterborough, I extend my warm wishes to all those celebrating Irish Heritage Month.”

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Last Day of Ice Skating At Quaker Foods City Square Is This Saturday

The last day for ice skating on the outdoor rink at Quaker Foods City Square will be Saturday, announced by the City of Peterborough on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Skating at the outdoor square is weather-dependent. Warmer temperatures are forecasted for the weekend, and the rink may close on Friday if the ice cannot be maintained.  

Temporary, intermittent closures of the rink may occur during the remainder of this week if ice conditions are deemed unsafe due to the weather.  

The outdoor rink opened for the season on Dec. 13.  

During the spring and summer months, Quaker Foods City Square becomes a hub for community events, including the Peterborough Regional Farmer’s Market that takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

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Telus Cup Single Tickets Now On Sale

The TELUS Cup is running from April 20 to April 26 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, with single tickets on sale.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Featuring the top six U18 men’s club teams from across Canada, the TELUS Cup is a national tournament that will bring elite competition and fast-paced action.

Single-game tickets are available at tiered pricing, with ticket costs increasing as the TELUS Cup progresses. Fans are encouraged to purchase early to take advantage of lower prices during the tournament’s preliminary round, with premium pricing in place for playoff games and the championship final. 

Tickets can be purchased online by visiting memorialcentre.ca. Group and family packages are available. 

“This tournament is expected to draw some of Canada’s best athletes, their families and hockey fans to Peterborough,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I would encourage everyone to grab a ticket for the TELUS Cup to make sure they don’t miss a moment of action as some of the nation’s best players take to the ice right here in Peterborough.”

The City of Peterborough is receiving support from the Government of Ontario through the Sport Hosting Program to help bring the TELUS Cup back to Ontario for the first time in seven years.

“Our government is proud to support the TELUS Cup through the Ontario Sport Hosting Program,” said Neil Lumsden, Ontario Minister of Sport. “This event gives our athletes a chance to compete on a national stage right here at home, while boosting tourism and supporting local businesses in Peterborough. Thank you to the organizers, volunteers and everyone involved in bringing this exciting event back to our province.” 

The full TELUS Cup schedule can be found at memorialcentre.ca.  

School packages for the TELUS Cup are also available. Tickets for school packages are $5 per seat, per game.  Educators can contact the Memorial Centre box office at 705-745-3561 or email MemCentre@peterborough.ca for more information on school packages.

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City of Peterborough Receives 2025 Sustainability Award for Battery Recycling

After diverting 22,689 kg of batteries from landfill last year, the City of Peterborough has been named a recipient of the Leaders in Sustainability Awards by Call2Recycle Canada. 

The City participates in the Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! The program is operated by Call2Recycle Canada, providing convenient battery recycling options throughout the community. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The collection was done through the City’s participation in the Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! program. 

The Leaders in Sustainability Awards recognize organizations that demonstrate exceptional environmental leadership by responsibly managing end-of-life batteries and making measurable contributions to Canada’s circular economy. 

In 2025, Call2Recycle reported its most successful year to date, collecting more than eight million kilograms of batteries across Canada, a 17 per cent increase over the previous year. 

Proper battery recycling prevents hazardous materials from entering landfills and supports resource recovery by reclaiming metals such as lithium and nickel for reuse. 

Batteries can be dropped off at the following City of Peterborough locations: 

• City Hall, 500 George St. N 

• Household Hazardous Waste Depot, 400 Pido Rd. 

• Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd. 

• Kinsmen Civic Centre, 1 Kinsmen Way

• Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. 

• Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.

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