City Closes Sports Fields and Baseball Diamonds Temporarily Due to Wet Conditions

The City of Peterborough's natural sports fields and baseball diamonds are extremely wet due to Wednesday's rainfall and they are temporarily closed to avoid further damage, announced on Thursday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

All sports and recreational users are asked to stay off the City's natural sports fields and diamonds until further notice. Damaged turf and divots can create safety concerns for players according to the City. If fields require repairs, their reopening could be delayed or they may have to be taken out of play while work is completed, negatively impacting user field time.

The City expects rainy conditions to continue Friday and through the weekend. All natural sports fields and baseball diamond facilities will be closed until 4 p.m. on Monday.

City staff will assess the facilities on Sunday morning pending the rainfall on Saturday. If conditions allow for earlier reopening, scheduled user groups will be contacted.

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City Council Approves Automated Speed Enforcement In Designated Community/Safety Zones

City Council approved implementing automated speed enforcement in selected designated Safety Zones and/or Community Safety Zones in Peterborough with four speed enforcement cameras in 2025/2026 for an initial two-year period during their meeting on Tuesday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) is a technology-enabled enforcement tool comprised of a camera and a speed measurement device. It enforces the maximum posted speed by capturing photographs of vehicles exceeding it.

In Ontario, ASE cameras are strategically positioned in School Zones (SZs) and Community Safety Zones (CSZs) to promote and improve community traffic and pedestrian safety. Offences captured by ASE systems are reviewed and certified by Provincial Offences Officers and issued to the vehicle’s registered owner. This enforcement tool aims to reduce vehicles' excessive speed and complement existing educational, engineered, and other speed reduction measures.

A review of research studies on the effectiveness of ASE programs, published by Ontario municipalities, shows that ASE is an effective tool for reducing a driver’s speed and improving community safety. The municipalities in the review included the City of Ottawa, the City of Guelph, and the City of Toronto. 

Staff proposes a phased deployment, securing four cameras in 2025/2026 for an initial two-year period. This approach will allow staff to validate site selection, compliance rate, camera rotation logistics, cost/revenue, and provide the opportunity to evaluate the program to inform future expansion.

The Ministry of Transportation Ontario has the final decision-making power regarding a municipality's ability to operate an ASE program. This decision is ultimately based on necessity and a demonstrated need for that municipality to reduce traffic or speeding incidents within its jurisdiction.

In June 2023, Council approved a City-wide speed limit reduction in school areas and the implementation of Community Safety Zones (CSZs) at 30 elementary and secondary schools within its jurisdiction. Results of a post-implementation vehicle speed and compliance study revealed an average operating speed reduction of 6.5 km/h. However, the average operating speed is 11.5 km/h above the 40 km/h posted speed.

Implementing an Automated Speed Enforcement program in school areas and Community Safety Zones will cost approximately $489,000, funds for which are available in the uncommitted balance of the approved 2025 Capital Budget for Red Light Camera—Automated Speed Enforcement says the City.

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Open House For Charlotte Street West Streetscape Project This Thursday

The City of Peterborough invites the community to share ideas and provide feedback on the conceptual design for the Charlotte Street West Streetscape Project during a public open house on Thursday at the Peterborough Public Library, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

File Photo.

The open house will take place in the Friends of the Library Community Room. At 5:30 p.m., the project team will present a presentation. 

The Charlotte Street West Streetscape Project aims to provide an inviting gateway to the downtown core while creating a safe, vibrant streetscape says the City. The project area focuses on Charlotte Street between Park Street and Aylmer Street. The project is in the conceptual planning stage. 

The project goals include:  

• Integrating multi-modal transportation options (walking and rolling, cycling, transit, and driving) 

• Supporting sustainable, efficient, and accessible travel for all ages and abilities 

• Balancing space needs for deliveries, loading, and parking for mixed travel types 

• Strengthening user experience and economic growth with improved amenities and wayfinding 

• Encouraging downtown activity through placemaking and urban design 

This project builds upon past investigations and consultation work for Charlotte Street, incorporating new guidance from updated national and provincial transportation standards, recently approved City of Peterborough planning documents, including the Official Plan, Transportation Master Plan, Cycling Master Plan, and Central Area Urban Design Guidelines, and stakeholder consultation activities. 

Those who need accommodation to access the commenting forms can contact the Project Team at charlottestreet@peterborough.ca.

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Roll, Stroll and Celebrate Canada Day With the City

The City of Peterborough invites the public to celebrate our nation on Canada Day on July 1, at Millennium Park.

File Photo.

This year’s festivities will begin with a community procession from City Hall to Millennium Park starting at 10 a.m., featuring a decorated bike contest for participants of all ages. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative and playful designs.

The community procession is an inclusive and informal walk open to individuals, families, and local organizations who wish to walk, bike, or roll from City Hall to the park together.

Community groups, clubs, and businesses are welcome to join and are encouraged to register using the Performer/Participant form available online. Please note that this is not a traditional parade and no motorized vehicles or large floats are permitted.

The celebration continues at Millennium Park from noon until 6 p.m. with an afternoon of music, performances, food, cultural activities, and family programming. The event will conclude with a Peterborough Musicfest concert at Del Crary Park and fireworks over Little Lake at 9:30 p.m.

June 30 has a free outdoor movie night at Quaker Foods City Square starting at dusk.

Both events are free and everyone is welcome to attend.

Event highlights include:

• Community procession with bike contest

• Live performances by local artists and entertainers

• Kids’ activities and family zones

• Food and beverage vendors hosted by the Downtown Business Improvement Area

• Interactive cultural displays and information booths

• Evening concert presented by Peterborough Musicfest

• Fireworks finale over Little Lake

Forms are now available online for those interested in participating as Performers, Arts and Crafts Vendors, or Food and Beverage Vendors. The application deadline is May 30 at 4 p.m.

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City to Celebrate National Public Works Week at Nicholls Oval Park

The City invites the public to celebrate National Public Works Week at Nicholls Oval Park next Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

Residents of all ages are invited to learn more about the public works' essential role in keeping the City of Peterborough running safely and efficiently.

“Public Works crews are on the job 24 hours a day, seven days a week, clearing our roads, maintaining our infrastructure and keeping our city safe and functional,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to say thank you and to better understand and appreciate the critical role these dedicated professionals play in the life of our city.”

A touch-a-truck display provides a hands-on opportunity to learn about and explore public works vehicles and chat with the equipment crews.

The City’s arborists will demonstrate tree climbing and planting techniques. At 11 a.m., a guided tree identification tour of the park will take place.

Public Works will also be giving away 300 two-gallon potted trees. The species offered include Sugar Maple, Sycamore, Tulip Tree, Paper (White) Birch, Easter White Pine, Serviceberry, and Nannyberry.

Trees will only be available to City residents on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Peterborough Memorial Centre Launches Assistive Listening Technology

The Peterborough Memorial Centre has launched a new assistive listening solution to enhance the experience of all guests attending live events, especially those who may be deaf, orally deaf, deafened or hard of hearing. 

File Photo.

This new technology will initially support access to commentary and public announcements for people utilizing assistive listening devices or who wish to stream audio to a Bluetooth device that launches on Thursday. Ongoing enhancements to the system over the coming months will include opportunities for people to tune into game play-by-plays, event-specific information and potentially live audio during concerts.  

“Live events are important and meaningful ways for Peterborough’s residents and visitors to find community with people with shared interests, and ultimately foster a sense of belonging for everyone,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell. 

“We’re excited to see this new assistive technology roll out to the Peterborough Memorial Centre where audiences of different ages and abilities can enjoy moments together,” Councillor Alex Bierk. 

The launch occurs on time for Peterborough Lakers’s home opener next Thursday. It is also ready for the Women’s Major Series Lacrosse provincial championship, scheduled in August.  

“The Peterborough Lakers are proud to play in a venue that’s making live sports more inclusive and accessible,” said Len Powers, Peterborough Lakers board chair. “This new assistive listening technology at the Peterborough Memorial Centre will enhance the fan experience and ensure that more members of our community can share in the excitement, energy, and tradition of Lakers lacrosse—starting with our home opener on May 22.” 

To use the technology, use the ‘Listen WIFI’ app on a smartphone (free download from the Apple Store or Google Play) or dedicated receivers, which must be pre-booked before the event. Once in place, users can stream intended audio during an event (e.g., public announcements) directly to a hearing aid, cochlear implant or earbuds. 

Assistive listening technology is supported through the City of Peterborough 2024-28 Accessibility Plan, which aims to foster accessibility and inclusion across municipal services, systems and spaces. Assistive listening technology is currently in place across City facilities, including at Social Services, the Peterborough Transit terminal, Service Peterborough at City Hall, Peterborough Public Library, Art Gallery of Peterborough, and the Peterborough Provincial Offences Court Administration Office.  

This new technology launches in advance of National AccessAbility Week, May 25 – 31.

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List of City Services On Victoria Day 2025

Many City services will offer modified hours and some City facilities will be closed for Victoria Day on Monday.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

City Hall 

City Hall, including Service Peterborough, the Clerk’s Office and Building Services, will be closed on Monday. 

Waste collection and facilities 

Due to the Victoria Day holiday, curbside Green Bin, yard waste, and garbage collection schedules have not changed.  

The City-County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. and the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed on Monday. 

Airport 

The Peterborough Airport will be open regular hours, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Art Gallery of Peterborough 

Art Gallery of Peterborough at 250 Crescent St. will be closed.

Peterborough Public Library 

The Peterborough Public Library at 345 Aylmer St. N. and the Miskin Law Community Complex branch will be closed on Monday.

Peterborough Museum and Archives 

Peterborough Museum and Archives at 300 Hunter St. E. will be open noon to 5 p.m. on Victoria Day. Information about current exhibitions is available online at peterborough.ca/museum. 

Recreation facilities and arenas 

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre at 775 Brealey Dr. and the Miskin Law Community Complex at 271 Lansdowne St. W. will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday.

Peterborough Marina will be open 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Victoria Day. 

The Kinsmen Civic Centre, Healthy Planet Arena, Peterborough Memorial Centre, Grant Thornton Box Office, McDonnel Street Community Centre including Peterborough Youth Space, and the Recreation Facility Booking office will be closed on Monday.

Tickets for Memorial Centre events are available for purchase online at memorialcentre.ca. 

Parks 

Some City parks and trails remain closed due to tree hazards. An updated list of open parks is available at peterborough.ca/StormUpdate. 

Park seasonal washrooms are expected to open in time for the Victoria Day long weekend and remain open for the season. Park washrooms are generally open from about 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; however, some locations close earlier based on maintenance schedules. 

Parking Services 

On weekends and holidays, parking in City-operated garages, surface lots, and on-street spaces is free. The Parking Services office located in the King Street Parkade will be closed on Monday.

Provincial Offences Act office 

Provincial Offences Act office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed on Monday. Fine payments can be made online at peterborough.ca/POA. 

Transit 

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on Monday. The customer service desk will be open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and then from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Visit peterborough.ca/transit for details or call Transit Customer Service at 705-745-0525. 

Social Services 

Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed on Monday. Extended office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. resume on Tuesday.

Child care centres 

City-operated child care centres will be closed on Monday.

Emergency shelter services 

Emergency shelter services remain open: to access emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours or on holidays, please call After Hours service at 705-926-0096. 

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City Hosting Open House For Charlotte Street West Streetscape Project

The City of Peterborough invites the community to share ideas and provide feedback on the conceptual design for the Charlotte Street West Streetscape Project during a public open house on May 22 at the Peterborough Public Library, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

File Photo.

The open house will take place in the Friends of the Library Community Room. At 5:30 p.m., the project team will present a presentation. 

The Charlotte Street West Streetscape Project aims to provide an inviting gateway to the downtown core while creating a safe, vibrant streetscape says the City. The project area focuses on Charlotte Street between Park Street and Aylmer Street. The project is in the conceptual planning stage. 

The project goals include:  

• Integrating multi-modal transportation options (walking and rolling, cycling, transit, and driving) 

• Supporting sustainable, efficient, and accessible travel for all ages and abilities 

• Balancing space needs for deliveries, loading, and parking for mixed travel types 

• Strengthening user experience and economic growth with improved amenities and wayfinding 

• Encouraging downtown activity through placemaking and urban design 

This project builds upon past investigations and consultation work for Charlotte Street, incorporating new guidance from updated national and provincial transportation standards, recently approved City of Peterborough planning documents, including the Official Plan, Transportation Master Plan, Cycling Master Plan, and Central Area Urban Design Guidelines, and stakeholder consultation activities. 

Those who need accommodation to access the commenting forms can contact the Project Team at charlottestreet@peterborough.ca.

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Watermain Rehabilitation Begins On Several City Streets In Two Phases

Watermain rehabilitation will be taking place along several city streets throughout Peterborough beginning this week.

File Photo.

The work includes removing iron buildup inside the watermain. Iron deposits can build up over time, affecting water colour and reducing water flow.

After watermains are cleaned, a liner is applied to protect the pipe from future iron buildup. The City says this will improve water quality and flow capacity.

Other work will include testing existing water service and mainline valves, replacing valves and hydrants and relocating and installing new hydrants where required to improve fire protection.

Temporary watermains will be in place along the curb. When the work is completed, affected curbs, streets, sidewalks, driveways and boulevards will be restored.

The work will be completed in two phases.

Phase one begins this week on the following streets:

·       Rink Street, from Stewart Street to George Street

·       Lake Street, from George Street to Crescent Street

·       Gilchrist Street, from McDonnel Street to Dublin Street

·       Bethune Street, from London Street to Dublin Street

Phase two is likely to begin next month on the following roads, according to the City":

• Chambers Street, Hunter Street to Brock Street

• Clonsilla Avenue, from Whitefield Drive to The Parkway

• Union Street

• Edinburgh Street, from Union Street to George Street

• Dublin Street, from Water Street to Waterford Street

• Parkhill Road West, from Fairbairn Street to Stormont Street

• Montague Court, from Nevin Avenue to 994 Montague Court

The expects no road closures during this time but lane reductions will be in place where work is underway.

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City of Peterborough Recognizing Provincial Day of Action On Litter Tuesday

The City of Peterborough is celebrating the Provincial Day of Action on Litter on Tuesday.

So far this year, the City has supported 26 community cleanup events. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Observed on the second Tuesday of May each year, the initiative aims to reduce the amount of waste going into landfills or becoming litter by raising awareness of waste's impact on the environment.  

Ways to help reduce litter include:  

• Reducing waste by using items or purchasing second-hand items 

• Diverting waste from landfills by recycling or composting materials when and where possible    

• Preventing waste and litter before it is created by choosing to buy goods with less packaging or by bringing a reusable container to take-out establishments that accept them 

• Properly disposing of waste by making sure anything that does belong in the trash is securely placed in garbage bins to help keep neighbourhoods clean 

Groups can request a litter cleanup kit from the City of Peterborough’s Public Works department to assist in cleanup efforts. Litter cleanup kits can be obtained online.

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