Quaker Foods City Square Skating Rink Opening This Saturday
/The ice skating rink at Quaker Foods City Square is opening at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Peterborough Blogs
Quaker Foods City Square Skating Rink to Open This Week
/The City of Peterborough has announced that the public ice skating rink at Quaker Foods City Square is scheduled to open later this week.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
This week’s snowfall may affect ice-making at the Square, potentially delaying the opening of the outdoor rink according to the City.
Skating at Quaker Foods City Square is free. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
A portable washroom is located on site, and heated washrooms are located nearby at the Peterborough Public Library during its regular operating hours.
Rink users are asked to follow all posted skating rink rules. Skates must be worn at all times. Speed and figure skating, organized hockey and the use of sticks and pucks are not permitted. CSA-approved helmets are required for children six years and under and children under 10 must be actively supervised by a person 16 years or older. No food or drink is permitted on the ice.
Mobility Aids, sledge devices and approved skating aids are permitted. The City urges those in need of assistance to contact on-site staff.
Parking is available at the King Street Parking Garage, 202 King St., and along King and Charlotte streets. Free two-hour holiday parking is available at all municipal parking spaces, including municipal parking lots and garages, until Dec. 31. Free two-hour parking is sponsored by Wolfe Lawyers. Any parking fees paid during the holidays will be donated to Kawartha Food Share.
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City of Peterborough Adopts 2026 Budget
/The City of Peterborough’s 2026 Budget was adopted during a City Council meeting Monday, setting a financial plan to maintain current service levels and continue investments in municipal infrastructure.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
To help reduce the property tax increase next year, Council supported using an additional $3 million from the Legacy Fund Income Retention reserve account, a reserve fund that holds revenue or interest earned on investments made using the proceeds of the sale of assets of Peterborough Distribution Inc. Council has identified the Legacy Fund Income reserve as a way to reduce the tax increase and recommended several other changes during its budget deliberation meetings in November. The $3 million injection reduced the tax requirement in the 2026 Budget by 1.32 per cent.
The City’s 2026 Budget reflects an operating budget increase of 2.11 per cent, a 2.16 per cent increase for infrastructure and capital needs, a 0.53 per cent increase in the sanitary sewer fee and a 1.76 per cent increase related to external agencies that the City funds.
The 6.56 per cent all-inclusive rate increase, including the municipal, education, and sanitary sewer surcharge rates, amounts to about $28.31 per month for the median residential property.
“Thanks to all residents who called, emailed and spoke to City Council to provide their perspectives on the budget,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Everyone’s input is incredibly helpful to meet our service requirements and ensure that our capital investment is sufficient to repair, rebuild and renew Peterborough’s capital infrastructure.”
The 2026 Budget includes $453.9 million in municipal services spending and $139.2 million in capital investments. The $453.9 million is funded by $255.5 million in revenue from non-municipal property tax sources, including user fees, grants from other governments, recoveries, interest on investments and service charges, resulting in a tax requirement of $198.4 million.
Capital projects include the police station renovation and expansion, the Lansdowne Street West between Spillsbury Drive and Clonsilla Avenue, the Wastewater Treatment Plant revitalization, the extension of a taxiway at the Peterborough Regional Airport, road paving, the purchase of transit buses and water service distribution infrastructure.
A breakdown of the municipal tax dollars:
25.9 per cent - outside/external organizations, such as police, paramedics, and public health
23.9 per cent - Community Services, such as social services, housing, fire services, parks, cultural services, the library, the museum and the art gallery
18.2 per cent - Municipal Operations, such as public works, winter control, transit and the airport
16.5 per cent - financial services, which includes financing costs for major infrastructure projects
6.1 per cent - Finance and Corporate Support Services, which includes the City’s finance administration, emergency management, communications and facilities management
5.4 per cent - Infrastructure, Planning and Growth Management, which includes services such as engineering, managing major infrastructure projects, processing planning and building permit applications, physician recruitment and economic development
2.2 per cent - Legislative Services, such as the Clerk’s Office, legal services, real estate transactions, the Provincial Offences Act office and by-law enforcement
1.4 per cent - Chief Administrative Officer’s office, which includes the City’s People and Culture Division
0.4 per cent - City Council
Council made various changes or directions related to the Draft 2026 Budget, such as:
Reducing the proposed employee benefits cost requirement by $665,000 from what was included in the draft budget documents
On Nov. 3, Council awarded RFP48-25 for shelter services and daytime drop-in program to One City, which added $1.12 million to the Draft 2026 Budget
Increasing the net tax levy by $90,137 in 2026 for the Community Development Program to offset a reduced funding from Peterborough County
Reducing the net tax levy requirement by $204,477 to reflect the increased final current value assessments from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
Deferring until 2027 consideration of a $900,000 project for a public washroom at Jackson Park
Deferring $25,000 that had been requested to convert a washroom space into a kitchenette at City Hall
Deferring until 2027 consideration of a $375,000 budget for the Coldsprings Growth Area – Planning Studies
Extending the Community Service Agreement with Electric City Culture Council (EC3) for Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 2026, including $100,000 for EC3 operations plus $50,000 for EC3 to provide Artsweek and the Individual Artists program, as well as increasing the funding by an additional $25,000 toward the Individual Artists program
Increasing funding for the Peterborough Public Library collections acquisition by an additional $32,000 funded from the Library Materials Acquisition Reserve
Information on the 2026 Budget is available online. Residents can use the interactive OpenBook tool that is available on the website to view budget information in visual, accessible and easy-to-understand formats with charts, tables and graphs.
Parking Restrictions and Road Closures Downtown During Saturday's Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade
/To prepare downtown for the Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade at 5:15 p.m., parking will be restricted in the parade area, including along a section of George Street North, starting at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.
No-parking signs will be placed along the parade route on George Street Saturday morning. Parking will be prohibited starting at 1:30 p.m. and parking enforcement related to the parade will be in effect.
Visitors are asked to follow the parking restrictions in place for the parade.
Vehicles parked in restricted areas that have not been removed by 1:30 p.m. will be ticketed and subject to tow and impound at the vehicle owner’s expense. Individuals whose vehicles are towed or impounded can call the City of Peterborough Municipal Law Enforcement and Security Services Division at 705-707-3969 on the following business day for information on the towing provider and impound yard location.
The City encourages anyone attending the parade to park in one of the municipal lots or parking garages located near the downtown core.
Municipal parking spaces can be found at:
Simcoe parking garage at 190 Simcoe St.
King Street Parkade at 202 King St.
Chambers Lot at 184 Hunter St.
Reid Lot at 350 Reid St.
Gas Lot at 70 Simcoe St.
Del Crary Lot at 100 George St. N.
Downie Lot at 336 Downie St.
The City offers free two-hour parking at all downtown municipal parking lots as part of a holiday parking program sponsored by Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers. Any parking fees voluntarily paid during December are donated to Kawartha Food Share.
The City reminds residents to follow all on-street parking regulations in effect on other downtown roads, including calendar parking, where applicable. Ensure fire hydrants and driveways are not blocked.
George Street will be closed from Parkhill Road to Brock Street starting at 4:15 p.m. to allow for parade staging.
The parade begins at McDonnel Street, passing in front of City Hall at 5:15 p.m. Peterborough Police Service will supervise a rolling road closure as the parade travels south on George Street toward Lansdowne Street.
The following street closures will also be in effect beginning at 4:15 p.m.:
Antrim, Edinburgh, Dublin, London, McDonnel and Murray streets will be closed from Aylmer Street to Water Street
Princess Street will be closed from George Street to Park Street
Aylmer Street will be closed from Lansdowne Street to Romaine Street
Event volunteers will allow local access on side streets for residents and emergency vehicles.
The parade ends at Princess Street, where participants will disperse. All road closures are expected to end by 8 p.m.
Peterborough Transit will begin detouring around George Street beginning at 3:30 p.m.
The following routes are affected:
#2 Chemong
#4 Weller
#6 Sherbrooke
#9 Parkhill
#22 Blue Community Bus
#23 Red Community Bus
There is a Peterborough Petes game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Saturday evening starting at 7:05 p.m. With the Santa Claus Parade affecting traffic in the area, including a road closure on Aylmer Street between Lansdowne Street and Romaine Street, those attending the game are encouraged to plan for extra travel time. The arena doors open at 6 p.m.
With increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic expected, everyone is reminded to use caution while travelling in the downtown area on Dec. 6.
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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:
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).
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.
DBIA is a local board of the City.
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:
The City hereby assumes the power of DBIA to receive from the City annual payments of $150,000 each pursuant to the Settlement Agreement.
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.
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:
Vote against the by-law
Conduct a full legal and strategic review
Engage directly with the DBIA, AON Inc. and downtown stakeholders
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.
