Ontario Government Invests Over $290,000 For Peterborough Police to Combat Auto Theft

The Ontario Government has invested $291,996.10 through the Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) Grant Program to help the Peterborough Police Service fight auto theft, announced on Monday.

Through the 2026–27 PAT Grant Program, Ontario is investing an additional $6 million to support 22 police projects across the province, bringing the government’s total investment in the program to $24 million since 2023. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The funding is being used to help maintain the province's downward trend in stolen vehicles, giving police officers more tools and resources to prevent vehicle theft, disrupt criminal networks and protect the community according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“Auto theft is not just a property crime; it compromises public safety and impacts families across our region,” he said. “By providing the Peterborough Police Service with targeted funding through the PAT Grant Program, our government is ensuring our local police have the specialized technology, equipment, and resources they need to keep thieves out of our driveways and hold organized crime networks accountable.”

The funding supports the Peterborough Police Service’s specialized auto theft enforcement efforts, including the acquisition of advanced technology, surveillance equipment, license plate recognition systems, and enhanced investigative resources to track and prevent vehicle thefts. It will also support public outreach initiatives to educate community members on proactive vehicle protection measures.

“We are very appreciative to be receiving both of these grants from the provincial government.  The positive impact this type of investment will have on the safety in a community like ours cannot be overstated, and we are grateful to the provincial government for their recognition of these efforts and for their support of our municipality,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief. “To be prepared to more effectively respond to auto theft incidents and pass along proactive tips and protection measures to our residents helps increase feelings of safety. The Proceeds of Crime Grant will allow our members to be even more involved with our community. We are excited about developing the programming to support this new mobile community engagement van.”

Additionally, the Peterborough Police Service will receive $243,305.11 over the next three years—allocated at $81,101.70 annually—from the Proceeds of Crime Front-Line Policing Grant for the Community Crime Prevention and Outreach Project.

According to the Ontario Government, the Proceeds of Crime grant is designed to make police and community relationships more accessible by adding a mobile community crime prevention and outreach van. The van will visit neighbourhoods and community events, and be in areas where data show crime has occurred or may occur. 

The Mobile Community Crime Prevention and Outreach (MCCPO) van is not a command post. It is intended to invite community engagement as a high-visibility beacon of public safety and accessible crime prevention information.

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Trillium Grant of $40,700 Sees Improvement and Upgrades For Staff and Equipment at YES Shelter

YES Shelter for Youth and Families received a $40,700 Seed grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to upgrade the systems, training and tools issued late last year.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“When young people face homelessness, having seamless and efficient support can make all the difference,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “I am pleased that the Ontario Government, through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, is supporting YES Shelter with this $40,700 grant. Upgrading their case management system and training staff across eight key programs ensures fewer youth fall through the cracks and more families receive timely care.”

The OTF Seed grant has funded three connected improvements: an improved technological system, staff training and additional tools.

According to the YES shelter, the upgrade touches eight YES programs, from Homelessness Prevention and the Emergency Shelter to RISE Youth Housing and Life Skills. About 225 young people and family members will benefit each year through faster help, fewer times retelling their story to a new worker and fewer people falling through the gaps between programs.

“When a 17-year-old comes through our door at 11 o’clock at night with nowhere to go, the difference between help arriving tonight and help arriving next week can shape the rest of their life,” said Aimée Le Lagadec YES Shelter executive director. “This Seed grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation means less waiting, fewer barriers, and a faster path to housing, food and support. Thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, to MPP Smith, and to the people of Ontario. This is your investment, and it is going directly toward helping young people in this community resolve their homelessness permanently.”

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Ontario Government Invests $49,775.95 to Enhance Camp Kawartha's Washroom Accessibility

The Ontario Government has invested up to $49,775.95 to redesign existing washrooms at Camp Kawartha’s Outdoor Education Centre.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to a press release, the project will add enhanced accessibility features for seniors and people with disabilities, allowing them to enjoy outdoor activities independently, with dignity and comfort.

As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this funding supports more than 40 projects across the province that expand accessibility and create opportunities for seniors and people with disabilities to fully participate in their communities, said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“Ensuring local facilities like Camp Kawartha are fully accessible allows everyone in our community to take advantage of the wonderful outdoor programming right here in Peterborough-Kawartha,” he said. “This investment will remove physical barriers and create a more inclusive, welcoming environment for seniors and visitors of all abilities.”

Through the Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) Grant, municipalities, non-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities can receive up to $60,000 for local accessibility projects. Supported initiatives include upgrading building entryways, adding ramps and elevators, levelling sidewalks and parking areas, installing accessible washrooms and signage, and removing physical barriers in public spaces.

“Our mission at Camp Kawartha is to foster stewardship by creating spaces where both people and nature can thrive,” said Jacob Rodenburg, Camp Kawartha executive director. “Accessibility is an essential part of that mission, helping ensure that everyone has the opportunity to connect with nature, take part in our programs, and experience the sense of belonging that comes from being welcomed into a place designed with them in mind.”

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Ontario Government Funding Over 1,500 More Seats With $38 Million at Trent University to Prepare Students for In-Demand Careers

The Ontario government has invested $38 million to fund 1,504 additional seats at Trent University to connect more students to good-paying, in-demand careers, announced on campus on Monday morning.

Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor (right) and Nolan Quinn, Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry MPP (left) making one of two funding announcements at Trent University on Monday. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, this allocation, which is part of a broader $1.7 billion investment to support a total of 70,000 new seats, supports the province’s plan to protect Ontario and build a more competitive economy by continuing to develop a world-class workforce. He added that the high-demand areas receiving additional seats at Trent University include programs in STEM, health and trades, with seats available for student enrollment as early as the fall 2026 academic year.

“Our province’s greatest strength is our highly skilled workforce – and those workers are trained at our world-class colleges and universities,” said Quinn. “This investment is supporting the largest seat expansion in Ontario in more than a decade and will ensure more students have the opportunity to train for good-paying careers that protect and strengthen our communities, industries and province.”

This investment is part of the government’s $6.4 billion investment in the postsecondary sector, including $1.7 billion to fund more than 70,000 additional postsecondary seats in high-demand sectors at publicly assisted colleges and universities. This seat expansion is the largest postsecondary seat expansion in more than a decade and aims to help the province stand up to tariffs and economic uncertainty by building a highly skilled workforce to support the most competitive economy in the G7.

The government announced the allocation of the first 30,000 seats in May when it launched a call for proposals for the remaining 40,000 new seats. Colleges and universities worked with their local communities and industries to identify programs that will prepare students for in-demand jobs and meet regional labour market needs. Ontario evaluated proposals based on institutional capacity, local industry needs and student demand to ensure the greatest impact on workforce development and economic growth.

The 1,504 newly funded seats at Trent University include:

• 1,081 seats for STEM programs

• 163 seats for education programs

• 126 seats for health programs

• 134 seats in other labour-market driven programs

“Trent University welcomes the Priority Growth Fund announcement and the Ontario government's commitment to expanding access to university education,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “The Priority Growth Fund aligns closely with areas of strength and growing momentum at Trent. As a regionally responsive university, we are committed to preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to their communities, workplaces, and Ontario's future economy.”

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Ontario Government Invests $100 Million For Trent University Student Housing and Academic Infrastructure

The Ontario Government has invested $100 million through its Building Ontario Fund to build two new student residences and additional academic spaces at Trent University, announced on campus Monday morning.

(From left to right) Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor; Nolan Quinn, Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry MPP; Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Alena Thouin, Building Ontario Fund Chief Strategy and Operations Officer. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The spaces are the Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee College residence which provides 1,400 student beds and 134,000 square feet of state-of-the-art academic, social, and administrative space. The project is expected to be completed in August 2029.

“This project represents one of the largest infrastructure investments in Trent University's history and a significant investment in the future of our students, our University, and our community,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor.

“Protecting Ontario’s future workforce starts with supporting student success inside and outside the classroom,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “By expanding academic spaces and student residences at Trent University, our government is ensuring that more students can focus on getting the skills they need to launch rewarding, good-paying careers while continuing to support Trent’s long-term growth and sustainability.”

@ptbo_canada The Ontario Government has invested $100 million through its Building Ontario Fund to build two new student residences and additional academic spaces at Trent University. #fyp #news #ptbocanada #trentuniversity #journalism ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP, was thrilled to help get the donation for Trent, saying that it will only have a positive impact on the local economy.

“We know right now that Trent students are spending about $100 million in the economic impact in the greater Peterborough area, with 1,400 more students being able to live on the main campus, that opens up more opportunities then for growth,” he explained. “It means the businsses downtown will have more people who can come and enjoy the things that we have there. It's a great thing for the whole community.”

The $100 million investment will be repaid after the residences are occupied and generating revenue, then reinvested into other projects across six priority areas including affordable housing, energy, transportation, long-term care, municipal and community infrastructure and critical minerals.

“Students come to Peterborough to learn, build connections and begin the next chapter of their lives,” said Smith. “This investment will expand the university’s campus and provide new academic, student and residential spaces that will enhance the student experience and support Trent’s future growth.”

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Ontario Minimum Wage Increased to $17.95

To support over 700,000 workers, the Ontario Government has raised the minimum wage from $17.60 to $17.95 an hour, effective immediately.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This annual increase, tied to Ontario’s Consumer Price Index at 1.9 percent, helps ensure wages continue to reflect economic conditions while protecting workers and providing businesses with greater stability according to Trevor Jones, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

“Ontario’s workforce is our greatest advantage, and their hard work, skill and dedication keep our province moving forward every day,” he said. “As families and workers face higher costs and businesses navigate changing trade environments, today’s minimum wage increase will help workers keep pace with global economic uncertainty while maintaining a predictable approach that businesses can plan for.”

Those earning the general minimum wage and working 40 hours per week will see an annual pay increase of approximately $728.

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Ontario Government Invests $8.1 Million to Support Peterborough Hospital Operations

The Ontario Government has invested $8,193,000 to improve operations and reduce wait times at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), announced on Friday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This funding is part of a $1.1 billion investment in Ontario's hospital sector in Budget 2026, A Plan to Protect Ontario, representing a four per cent increase in annual support for the fourth consecutive year according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“This investment is a major win for families in Peterborough—Kawartha,” he said. “By strengthening core clinical services at PRHC, we are ensuring our local hospital has the reliable funding needed to shorten wait times, expand diagnostic imaging, and deliver high-quality care closer to home.”

Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC president and CEO, said that this investment will support the operations of PRHC’s core clinical services to better meet growing patient needs. She added that the funding will help maintain 24/7 emergency department operations, cushion inflationary and wage pressures and shorten wait times for surgical and diagnostic procedures—including MRI, CT, cardiac, stroke, neuroservices, orthopedics and cataract surgeries.

“Over the last several years, Peterborough Regional Health Centre has been strategically investing into the care we provide and how we provide it,” she said. “Provincial investments like this one are critical to furthering ongoing work in priority areas at PRHC, including the continued growth and expansion of our leading-edge data and analytics program and establishing a command centre to support real-time decision-making and improve access to care across the hospital.”

Over the next 10 years, the provincial government plans to invest approximately $64 billion in major health infrastructure as part of its plan to build more than 50 major hospital projects across the province, adding approximately 3,000 new hospital beds.

“We remain deeply committed to achieving the ambitious goals we have set out for ourselves, and to ensuring we continue to provide the best possible care and service to the 600,000 people we serve across this region,” said Mikula.

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Ontario Government Ends Social Assistance For People Living In Canada Illegally

The Ontario Government is strengthening the rules for Ontario’s social assistance programs to ensure that only people living legally in Canada can receive financial assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program, announced on Thursday.

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawrtha MPP. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Effective immediately, the Provincial government says these regulations will protect taxpayer dollars and ensure that Ontario’s social assistance programs focus on supporting only families and individuals facing financial hardship who are legally authorized to live in Canada.

“Our government will always be there for those that need it most, but taxpayer-funded social assistance should not go to people living in Canada illegally,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “These changes will protect taxpayer dollars and ensure these programs are there for the people who they were intended to support.”

The province has amended regulations under the Ontario Works Act, 1997, and the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, 1997, to clarify who is eligible for social assistance.

Under the updated rules, the following individuals are not eligible for social assistance:

• Individuals who are in Canada illegally; and

• Individuals authorized to remain in Canada on a temporary basis, for example, those here with student visas, work permits or as visitors and tourists.

These changes take effect immediately to prevent unauthorized individuals from receiving these financial supports, ensuring Ontario’s government-funded social assistance programs are reserved for people who meet the province’s eligibility requirements.

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Ontario Government Invests Over $116,000 For Local Senior Support

Six local organizations in the Peterborough-Kawartha area have received a combined total of $116,196 to help local seniors stay active, safe and socially connected within their communities.

The Ontario government is investing up to $7 million for more than 320 Seniors Community Grants across the province this year, helping seniors stay fit, active, healthy, and socially connected close to home. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding is through the Ontario government’s Seniors Community Grants program.

The funding recipients in Peterborough-Kawartha are:

The City of Peterborough: $24,998

• Project: Be Prepared (Third Revision)

• Overview: Updates materials for the Be Prepared program to equip seniors with clear, practical guidance to recognize and respond to frauds, scams, severe weather events, and intimate partner or family violence, while strengthening emergency preparedness

Alzheimer Society of Peterborough Kawartha Lakes Northumberland and Haliburton: $24,251

• Project: The Social and Night Out Program

• Overview: Provides an inclusive environment where individuals living with dementia, caregivers, and families can socialize, share meals, dance, and build lasting connections in a safe, welcoming atmosphere

Mapleridge Recreation Centre (Senior Citizens Association of Peterborough): $24,541

• Project: Connected Communities: Seniors' Digital Literacy Program

• Overview: Offers hands-on workshops using computers, tablets, and smart boards to build seniors' confidence in using technology safely, covering scam prevention, safe use of AI tools, and accessing online services

Community Care Peterborough: $24,500

• Project: Senior Connectors – Phase 2: Peer Navigation & Follow-Up

• Overview: Supports trained senior volunteers hosting community kiosks to help older adults across the City and County of Peterborough access vital local services, reducing isolation and promoting independence

Douro-Dummer Township Public Library Board: $17,906

• Project: The Douro-Dummer Public Library Learning Commons Phase II

• Overview: Enhances the community hub's programming, user experience, and partnership opportunities, providing a gathering space for rural seniors and community members of all ages

St. Joseph's at Fleming: $2,100

• Project: Community Connections for Seniors

• Overview: Provides monthly, supervised community outings with accessible transportation for long-term care residents to enjoy cultural and recreational experiences, helping them remain engaged in the broader community

“Seniors have built the vibrant, close-knit communities we enjoy today, and ensuring they have access to programs that keep them active, safe, and connected is a top priority,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “Whether it's preventing online scams, supporting those living with dementia, or helping long-term care residents get out into the community, these six local projects will make a real, tangible difference in the everyday lives of older adults right across our region.”

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Ontario Government Gives Peterborough Over $1.6 Million Through the Building Faster Fund After Reaching Housing Targets

The Ontario Government has rewarded the City of Peterborough with $1,653,397, which provides funding to municipalities that achieve at least 80 per cent of their provincially designated housing targets, announced at City Hall on Wednesday.

City Staff and local politicans with Rob Flack (middle) recieving the $1.6 million for reaching 80 per cent of Peterborough’s housing targets. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding came through the third round of the Building Faster Fund.

Last year, Peterborough broke ground on 545 new homes, exceeding its annual target by 16 per cent. The funding will help the City of Peterborough build more homes and community infrastructure while advancing the province’s plan to protect Ontario by investing in projects that support economic growth and keep workers on the job according to Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

“Our government is relentlessly focused on creating the conditions municipalities need to meet the growing demand for more homes,” he said. “That is why we have introduced bold legislative changes and introduced measures such as the Development Charge Reduction Program. We appreciate partners like Peterborough who are committed to working alongside us.”

Announced in August 2023, the Building Faster Fund is a three-year, up to $1.2 billion program that helps municipalities build more homes faster. The fund rewards municipalities that make significant progress toward their housing targets by providing funding for the infrastructure needed to support new housing and growing communities.

“The City of Peterborough is taking action to support housing construction by reducing development charges and streamlining our development approvals process through the implementation of a Community Planning Permit System,” said Jeff Leal, Mayor of Peterborough. Together, we're creating the conditions for builders to create homes and jobs in our community.”

Flack added that the Ontario Government is also helping to speed up the construction of new homes and infrastructure by streamlining development processes and reducing unnecessary costs, most recently through the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026 and the HST Relief Implementation Act (Residential Property Rebates), 2026.

As part of the up to $8.8 billion Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build, Ontario has introduced the Development Charge Reduction Program, which will provide funding for housing-enabling infrastructure projects over a 10-year period. Funding will be prioritized for municipalities that reduce and maintain reductions on development charges.

The agreement also supports removing HST on new homes from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, which will save homebuyers up to $130,000 on the cost of a new home. Collectively, these measures help to enhance affordability, support builders as they get shovels in the ground on new homes and keep workers on the job.

“We know that increasing the housing supply is the best way to make life more affordable for seniors and young families in Peterborough,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “Exceeding our provincial targets means our community has earned a $1.65 million reward. This funding goes straight into building the foundation—the pipes, roads, and local services—needed to keep our building momentum going.”

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