Second-Annual City Nature Challenge To Run From April 26 to 29

The second annual community bio-blitz will occur in Peterborough from April 26 to 29 as part of the global City Nature Challenge competition.

A bio-blitz is a survey that identifies wildlife with the goal of understanding the biodiversity of a location. Nature observations can be uploaded using the iNaturalist app and posted to the Peterborough project page. All the city's wild and naturally occurring plants, animals and insects are eligible as nature sightings. Wildlife observations will be tallied at the end of the competition to determine the winning community in Canada.

On April 26 and 27, the City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Field Naturalists will host guided nature walks at GreenUP Ecology Park, located at 1899 Ashburnham Dr., both days from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event will feature family-friendly nature walks for all residents to learn how to make nature observations while exploring the park. Walks will be approximately 60 minutes, with the first tour at 11:30 a.m. and the last at 1 p.m. Guided tours depart from the event booth at the GreenUP Ecology Park Pavilion.

Event schedule

Friday, April 26

• 11 a.m.: Opening remarks with Councillor Joy Lachica, Co-Chair of Infrastructure, Planning and Growth Management portfolio, Peterborough Field Naturalists and Dylan Radcliffe, Chair of the Peterborough Environmental Advisory Committee

• 11:30 a.m.: Walk and Talk about Pollinators with Carlotta James, Monarch Ultra

• 1 p.m.: The Natural and Cultural History of Little Lake, the Otonabee River and Meade Creek with Otonabee Conservation

Saturday, April 27

• 11 a.m.: Opening remarks with Mayor Jeff Leal

• 11:30 a.m.: Meet the Trees of Ecology Park with Vern Bastable, Peterborough GreenUp

• 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Children’s Activity Hub with Susan Chow, Trent University

• 1 p.m.: Discovering Nature in Early Spring with Drew Monkman

More information about how to participate in the City Nature Challenge is on the event web page at peterborough.ca/nature.

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Brealey Drive to Undergo Major Construction to Be Completed By Fall of 2025

Brealey Drive will be closed to through traffic between Lansdowne Street West and Sherbrooke Street for a major infrastructure project that will start this spring and be completed in the fall of 2025.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

While the road will have access maintained for local traffic, the construction includes replacing storm sewers, sanitary sewers and water mains, installing new concrete curbs and gutters and concrete sidewalks, replacing the roadway granular base and the asphalt roadway, restoring boulevards, replacing street lighting, signage, landscaping and pavement markings.

The project was awarded to Behan Construction Limited. The first construction phase will be the section of Brealey Drive between Lansdowne Street West and Mapleridge Drive which will have detour routes posted.

“While road reconstruction projects can be disruptive, it is exciting to see these much-needed improvements on Brealey Drive underway. This Council is committed to infrastructure investments that improve conditions pedestrians, cyclists and motorists and that improve stormwater management,” said Don Vassiliadis, Monaghan Ward councillor. “Thank you for your patience as we get this important work done, Peterborough.”

“During my campaign in 2022, residents expressed to me that completion of Phase 2 of the Brealey reconstruction project was a top priority for them. So after a year of diligent work from both Councillor Vassiliadis and myself alongside the city’s excellent planning and infrastructure staff,” said Matt Crowley, Monaghan Ward councillor. “This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing infrastructure in Monaghan Ward and to ensuring resident connectivity as our community continues to grow.”

Traffic may experience delays in the construction area.

Northbound and southbound traffic will follow the posted detour route along Sherbrooke Street, Goodfellow Road, Clonsilla Avenue and Lansdowne Street West.

Route 9 Parkhill will operate on a detour route during the construction period.

The westbound route will travel from Brealey Drive to Kawartha Heights Boulevard to Lansdowne Street West, returning to its regular route on Brealey Drive.

Eastbound routes will travel from Brealey Drive to Lansdowne Street West to Kawartha Heights Boulevard to Brealey Drive, where they return to their regular route.

Pedestrian access within the construction area will be maintained throughout the project, however, it is expected that inconveniences may be encountered which will require pedestrian modifications and/or detours outside of the construction area.

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City of Peterborough Hosting Two Public Meetings; Survey Open For Input On 2025 Budget

The first of two public drop-in meetings to consult with the community as part of the early phase of the City of Peterborough’s 2025 Budget process will be held on Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the McDonnel Street Community Centre located at 577 McDonnel St.

pHOTO BY Keegan Beekers.

A second drop-in meeting will be held Monday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 500 George St. N.

The drop-in meetings provide an informal opportunity for residents, including council members and city staff, to share their ideas and questions about the 2025 Budget with the City’s Budget team.

The drop-in meetings are in addition to the regular, official Council meetings through the budget process that include opportunities for individuals to present as formal delegations to Council.

A 2025 Budget survey is available online. Hard copies can be picked up at City Hall, 500 George St. N. The survey is open until 11:55 p.m. on April 26.

The City consults with the community throughout the budget process—at the beginning before the priorities and direction are set for the budget's drafting, when the draft budget is released, and before the adoption of the final 2025 Budget is considered by Council.

Council is expected to consider the direction for the Draft 2025 Budget on June 11. The Draft 2025 Budget is scheduled to be posted for public review in November ahead of Council’s budget deliberations. The Mayor is expected to present the 2025 Budget for adoption on Dec. 9.

Information on the City budget is available online.

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National Youth Week Events in Peterborough From May 1 to 7

The City of Peterborough and community organizations are hosting National Youth Week from May 1 to 7.

National Youth Week is a movement that celebrates youth and their active participation in their community. Each year, the City’s Recreation and Parks Services Division partners with various organizations to host a wide range of activities for youth to promote National Youth Week and encourage youth participation in community programs. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Events include a First Friday Art Crawl, an expedition to Jackson Park to learn about birds, create a needle-felted Baby Yoda and play drop-in sports.

The entire lineup of free events for youth 10 to 19 is available online.

Events will occur at various locations including the Peterborough Museum & Archives, the Peterborough Public Library, the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre, Jackson Park and Downtown Youth Space.

National Youth Week serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of providing youth with opportunities to lead, innovate and inspire according to Councillor Lesley Parnell, Community Services (Recreation and Parks, Fire Services, and Arenas) Portfolio Co-Chair.

“Beyond promoting activities for youth, it’s a time for us to reflect on how we, as a community, can better support the next generation to make Peterborough a more inclusive, vibrant and forward-thinking city,” she said. “Our City is committed to nurturing the dreams and capabilities of our young people.”

“Our youth play an essential role in social and cultural life of our city,” said Councillor Gary Baldwin. “Their insights and enthusiasm are the key to our community’s continued growth and prosperity.”

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Half-Load Restrictions Lifted On Most City Streets On Monday

Half-load restrictions for commercial vehicles on City of Peterborough streets will be lifted as of Monday except University Road, where restrictions are in place until May 1, announced on Thursday.

PHOTO BY KEEGAN BEEKERS.

The restrictions have been in effect since March 1 to help protect roadways from damage during the spring thaw.

Half-load restrictions remain in place until May 1:

• University Road

Starting Monday, restrictions will be lifted from the following streets:

• Armour Road from Nassau Mills Road to Paddock Wood

• Ashburnham Drive from McFarlane Street to Maria Street

• Ashburnham Drive from Neal Drive to the south city limits

• Bensfort Road from River Road South to the south city limits

• Brealey Drive from Parkhill Road West to Lansdowne Street West

• Carnegie Avenue

• Crawford Drive from Sir Sanford Fleming Drive to 0.6 km east of The Parkway

• Cumberland Avenue from Ungava Avenue to Carnegie Avenue

• Dobbin Road

• Guthrie Drive

• Harper Road

• Hetherington Drive from Richard Road to Woodland Drive

• Johnston Drive

• MacFarlane Avenue - from Trentview Road to Television Road

• Maniece Avenue from Ashburnham Drive to Television Road

• McNamara Road from Guthrie Drive to Driscoll Road

• Nassau Mills Road

• Old Norwood Road from Ashburnham Drive to Television Road

• Otonabee Drive

• Parkhill Road East from Armour Road to Trent Severn Waterway Swing Bridge

• Pioneer Road

• River Road South from Lansdowne Street to Bensfort Road

• Sherbrooke Street from Glenforest Boulevard to the west city limits

• Towerhill Road from Chemong Road to Fairbairn Street

• Wallace Point Road from Bensfort Road to Driscoll Road

• Whittington Drive

• Woodland Drive

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Earth Week Events For City of Peterborough

The City of Peterborough will celebrate Earth Week with three key initiatives to raise awareness of protecting the environment which will start on April 22.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The three initiatives are The Great Community Litter Clean-up on April 27 and 28; the City Nature Challenge on April 26 and 27; and the kick-off to the City’s 2024 tree planting program. 

“Peterborough has a great number of individuals and organizations that are committed to the wellbeing of our environment,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “There is work happening year-round to reduce greenhouse gases and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Earth Week is a time to come together to take action for the betterment of our planet. We hope you can be part of Earth Week 2024.”

Great Community Litter Clean-up April 27 and 28 

On April 22, Earth Day, Mayor Jeff Leal and council members will promote the upcoming Great Community Litter Clean-up on April 27 and April 28. Each year, community organizations and neighbourhood groups organize litter cleanups, especially around Earth Day, as part of their efforts to protect the environment. Community members are welcome to attend the announcement at 1 p.m. at the Beavermead Park Pavilion, 2011 Ashburnham Dr.  

Everyone is invited to join the international movement, with local community groups, families, friends and neighbours organizing a litter clean-up in their favourite park, green space, trail or forest. 

Groups can register their Great Community Litter Clean-up location on the City’s website to receive a free litter clean-up kit and arrange a designated time and location for Public Works staff to collect the garbage. Registered groups can pick up the kits at the Public Works office at 791 Webber Ave. during business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday).

To celebrate everyone participating in the Great Community Litter Clean-up, groups are encouraged to post photos to social media using the hashtag #PtboLitterAction and tag @CityPtbo. The City will share the group’s photos to showcase how our community respects and protects the environment.

In addition to being unsightly, litter can damage the environment by posing a poison risk or choking risk to wildlife and leaching toxins into our waterways. 

“We’re happy to be working in collaboration with engaged community organizations to protect our creeks, wetlands, greenspaces and public spaces from the harms of trash, litter and hazardous waste,” said Councillor Joy Lachica. “Earth Day mobilizes over a billion people annually in environmental protection efforts and I’m proud that Peterborough is part of the movement.” 

“We encourage everyone to take an hour or two with family and friends on the weekend to celebrate Earth Day and our love for the wonderful green spaces that make Peterborough shine,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell. “Communities across the country will be hosting days of action focused on cleaning up public spaces and protecting the environment.” 

Glad Canada will support the Great Community Litter Clean-up by supplying garbage bags to the City of Peterborough. 

City Nature Challenge Community Bio-Blitz April 26 and 27 

The City of Peterborough is hosting a community bio-blitz on Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27, to record the diversity and abundance of local wildlife in Ecology Park, 1899 Ashburnham Dr., and nearby areas, including Beavermead Park and Farmcrest Park. Both days, free, guided nature walks are planned.  

Residents are invited to participate in the four-day City Nature Challenge throughout the weekend, from April 26 to April 29.  

The City is partnering with the Peterborough Field Naturalists , who will lead the bioblitz throughout the two days. Specific group searches, such as bird, plant, mushroom and insect counts, are planned.  

This will be Peterborough's second year participating in the event, which is aligned with the City Nature Challenge, a global competition to record nature sightings in communities worldwide. The observations will be confirmed and tallied as part of Peterborough's official submission to the City Nature Challenge. Winning communities for the highest number of wildlife observations will be announced by the City Nature Challenge in May 2024. 

Details on how to participate in the City Nature Challenge are online at peterborough.ca/Nature.  

City tree planting  

The City’s 2024 Urban Forestry Plan includes planting 1,000 new trees along City streets and in parks as part of its commitment to managing the urban forest. Street trees are part of the City's green infrastructure system and provide essential benefits to the community. They improve air quality, minimize noise and dust, and reduce stormwater runoff. Trees also benefit individual property owners by increasing property values and decreasing heating and cooling costs. 

The City spring tree planting season will kick off during Earth Week, weather permitting. 

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City of Peterborough Hosting Drop-in Meetings and Community Survey For 2025 Budget

The City of Peterborough is inviting citizens to participate in an upcoming drop-in meeting to speak with City Council members and City staff or through a community survey for the 2025 Budget.

pHOTO BY Keegan Beekers.

The survey is available online or in paper copies at City Hall, 500 George St. N. It is open until 11:59 p.m. on April 26.

The drop-in meetings provide an informal opportunity for residents to share their ideas and questions about the 2025 Budget with the City’s Budget team, including Council members and City staff. They are in addition to the regular, official Council meetings through the budget process, which include opportunities for individuals to present as formal delegations to Council.

Two drop-in meetings will be held at the beginning of the budget process before the Draft 2025 Budget is put together and two drop-in style meetings later in the process after the Draft 2025 Budget is released to the public to encourage more conversations about the details in the draft budget.

The City consults with the community throughout the budget process—at the beginning before the priorities and direction are set for the budget drafting, when the draft budget is released, and before Council considers adopting the final 2025 Budget.

Council is expected to consider the direction for the Draft 2025 Budget on June 11. The Draft 2025 Budget is scheduled to be posted for public review in November ahead of Council’s budget deliberations. The Mayor is expected to present the 2025 Budget for adoption on Dec. 9.

2025 Budget consultation key dates

• Community budget consultation meeting (brief presentation, conversations with Budget team), April 18, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., McDonnel Street Community Centre, 577 McDonnel St.

• Budget consultation drop-in meeting (informal drop-in for conversations with Budget team), April 22, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., main foyer, City Hall, 500 George St. N.

• City Council meeting on 2025 Budget, June 11, City Hall, 500 George St. N.

• Draft 2025 Budget presented to City Council, Nov. 4, City Hall, 500 George St. N.

• Budget consultation meeting (brief presentation, conversations with Budget team), Nov. 7

• Budget consultation drop-in meeting (informal drop-in for conversations with Budget team), Nov. 12, main foyer, City Hall, 500 George St. N. 

• Public meeting for City Council to hear from delegations about the 2025 Budget, Nov. 12

• City Council reviews and discusses the Draft 2025 Budget during General Committee meeting, Nov. 18 and Nov. 19

• Mayor will present the 2025 Budget for adoption, Dec. 9

“Municipal services are essential for the daily life of our community, from roads, sidewalks and trails, to parks and recreation, to our library and cultural facilities, to storm and sanitary sewers, to garbage collection and our new Green Bin program, to social housing and social services, for fire services and policing – all of these services and more are reflected through the annual City budget,” said Councillor Andrew Beamer.

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2023 Civic Awards Nominations Remain Open Until April 5

Nominations for the City of Peterborough 2023 Civic Awards will be open until April 5 at 4:30 p.m., announced on Thursday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF PETERBOROUGH.

The annual Civic Awards recognize and honour local volunteers and achievers in sports, arts, and culture who had outstanding achievements in 2023. 

Nominations are being accepted for the following categories: 

• Community Betterment 

• Cultural Betterment 

• Environmental Stewardship 

• Holnbeck Award 

• Adult Athlete of the Year 

• Athletic Award of Merit 

• Junior Athlete of the Year 

• Senior Athlete of the Year 

• Mayor's Youth Award 

• Volunteer of the Year 

• Youth Volunteer of the Year 

• Lifetime Achievement Award 

Nomination packages are available using the interactive form online and paper copies are available at City Hall, 500 George St. N. 

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City and County Launch Two New Online Service Directories To Connect With Health and Community Services

Peterborough Ontario Health Team, Peterborough County and the City of Peterborough have launched two new online directories to help residents find and connect with health and community services through Ontario 2-1-1, announced on Wednesday.

pHOTO BY Samantha Bianco.

Ontario 2-1-1 is a confidential service that helps people find support in their community by searching through the directories on the website, using online chat, texting, emailing or calling. The two new directories provide simple, quick ways to find services based on topic, location and keyword. They can be found at:

• poht.search211.ca for health services

• peterborough.search211.ca for community services

Ontario 2-1-1 operates the directories and is available 24/7 phone or text at 2-1-1.

Through the Online Directory of Health Services, residents can find services for matters such as:

• Non-urgent medical care

• Chronic illness

• Mental health and addictions

• End of life care

• Memory loss and dementia

Under Community Services, residents can find and connect with services related to areas such as:

• Government

• Employment

• Older adults

• Housing

• Community programs and groups

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Seasonal Waste Collection To Begin Next Month

Curbside yard waste collection resumes on Tuesday and continues until the last week of November. 

pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

Residents can put out unlimited amounts of yard waste in reusable labelled containers, bushel baskets or paper waste bags. The collection will occur weekly on the same day Green Bins are collected. 

Yard waste set-out requirements:  

• Rigid open-top container with a maximum volume of 80 litres, with two fixed handles, lids must be removable and not secured by any means (bungee cords, etc.). Yard waste material must empty freely when emptied/dumped by the collector.  

• Bins must have two clearly identifiable yellow labels attached defining the contents as yard waste.  The yellow labels are available for no charge at City Hall, 500 George St. N. from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., except statutory holidays. 

• Kraft Paper Bags, or a bushel basket will be acceptable for yard waste.  No other type of bin will be collected (including blue boxes). No plastic bags will be accepted.  

• Damaged/Broken bins will not be accepted.  

• Each container must weigh less than 13 kg (30 lbs).  

• Brush can be tied in bundles with light rope or twine, weighing not more than 13 kg (30 lbs), with a length of up to 1 m (3 ft) and a diameter of up to 30 cm (12 inches).  

• Yard waste should be put out after 6 p.m. the night before or no later than 7 a.m. the morning of your collection. 

There are six large item collection dates for 2024. The first collection date is April 29.

For a fee, the City will pick up items larger or heavier than the weekly garbage allowance, such as furniture and appliances. Large items are defined as items weighing more than 13.6 kg (30 lbs) and longer than 1 m (3 ft). The service costs $30 for the first item and $10 for each additional item. Please note that mattresses and box springs are $30 each and do not qualify for any discount. 

Arrangements can be made online or by calling the City Hall Tax Office at 705-742-7777 ext. 1865. 

Bookings must be completed by the Tuesday before the collection date:

• Date collection begins: April 29 Booking deadline: April 23 

• Date collection begins: June 24 Booking deadline: June 18

• Date collection begins: May 27  Booking deadline: May 21 

• Date collection begins: July 29   Booking deadline: July 23 

• Date collection begins: May 27  Booking deadline: May 21 

• Date collection begins: Aug. 26  Booking deadline: Aug. 20  

• Date collection begins: Sept. 30  Booking deadline: Sept. 24

The City Public Works crew starts collecting large items at 7 a.m. on the Monday of the collection week. Depending on the volume of items, collections may continue for several days before the collection is completed. The City asks not to remove items from the curb if they have not been collected on Monday.

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