City of Peterborough Systems May Experience Some Temporary Service Disruptions
/The City of Peterborough is experiencing intermittent disruptions to its information technology network and applications, announced on Friday.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Peterborough Blogs
City of Peterborough Hosting Consultation Session For Morrow Park Ball Diamond Improvements
/The City of Peterborough is inviting the public to learn more about planned Morrow Park Ball Diamond Improvements at a public drop-in session on Oct. 1 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Miskin Law Community Complex.
File Photo.
City of Peterborough staff will be available to answer questions about the project. Residents can provide feedback on the amenities they would like to see in the proposed park improvements.
A public survey is available online. Hard copies of the survey are available at City Hall and is open until 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 7.
The Morrow Park Ball Diamond is currently a Level B diamond. Improvements will bring it to a Premier/Level A diamond, including a tension netting mesh backstop and screens, new dugouts, outfield and line fencing, batting cages, irrigation, accessible aluminum bleachers with a media box and sports field lighting to provide consistent light levels across the ball diamond.
The improvements will extend the facility’s overall lifespan, enhance local programming opportunities and improve accessibility features. The asphalt parking lot will also be rejuvenated.
Work is expected to be completed in 2026.
The Ontario government is investing $1 million to help upgrade Morrow Park announced back in mid-July. This investment is part of the province's $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund. It is a province-wide initiative that helps communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.
Residents with questions or concerns can also call 705-742-7777 ext.1829.
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City of Peterborough Sends Call For Advisory Committee and Board Volunteers
/The City of Peterborough is encouraging the public to get involved in local government by joining an advisory committee or board.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Advisory committees provide input and guidance on municipal services and programs for the Peterborough community.
The City selects volunteers through a formal selection process and some positions may require an interview. Applicants must reside or own property in the City of Peterborough.
The following opportunities to join a committee or board are available:
Accessibility Advisory Committee (two vacancies)
Community Investment Grants Advisory Committee (eight vacancies)
Property Standards Committee (one vacancy)
Peterborough Public Library Board (one vacancy)
Planning Advisory Committee (one vacancy)
All terms will end in December next year.
Interested residents are encouraged to pick up an application form in person at City Hall or online.
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PTBOCanada Editorial: Air Canada Strike Gave Passengers More Than What They Bargained For
/With the Air Canada strike occurring since late last week, passengers — including myself — were hit with flight cancellations that left them stranded at their respective locations, leading to extra costs.
Air Canada’s lobby at Vancouver International Airport. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Why Was I In Vancouver?
I went on a personal trip with friends to Vancouver to compete in a prestigious Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game tournament for the weekend and had booked my Air Canada flight months in advance.
We were informed of a possible strike when we departed for our trip but were hopeful that we would be able to return home safely and in a timely manner.
A field of what a Yu-Gi-Oh Trading Card Game field could look like. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Timeline of the Air Canada Strike
As of 12:58 a.m. on Saturday, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) representing 10,000 flight attendants had declared a strike. All Air Canada flights were cancelled as a result — at least 124 — affecting over 500,000 customers as of Monday, said the airline.
This included all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge operations but flights by Air Canada Express — operated by third-party airlines Jazz and PAL — were not.
“We regret the impact a disruption will have on our customers, our stakeholders and the communities we serve,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive of Air Canada. “However, the disappointing conduct of CUPE’s negotiators and the union’s stated intention to launch a strike puts us in a position where our only responsible course of action is to provide certainty by implementing an orderly suspension of Air Canada’s and Air Canada Rouge’s operations through a lockout. As we have seen elsewhere in our industry with other labour disruptions, unplanned or uncontrolled shutdowns, such as we are now at risk of through a strike, can create chaos for travellers that is far, far worse.”
Air Canada strongly advised affected customers not to go to the airport unless they have a confirmed ticket on another airline.
Patty Hajdu, the Federal Minister of Jobs and Families, instructed the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to use binding arbitration, as the board deemed CUPE’s strike unlawful and workers must return to work by Sunday at 2 p.m. EST.
“The Liberals have talked out of both sides of their mouths. They said the best place for this is at the bargaining table. They refused to correct this historic injustice through legislation,” said Wesley Lesosky, President of the Air Canada Component of CUPE. “Now, when we’re at the bargaining table with an obstinate employer, the Liberals are violating our Charter rights to take job action and give Air Canada exactly what they want — hours and hours of unpaid labour from underpaid flight attendants, while the company pulls in sky-high profits and extraordinary executive compensation.”
Despite the order, CUPE refused to go back to work and continued striking. The union was fighting for Air Canada to stop unpaid work, as flight attendants were only compensated for their time from the moment the flight doors closed until they opened. CUPE workers also sought fair cost-of-living wage increases.
“We will be challenging this blatantly unconstitutional order that violates the Charter rights of 10,000 flight attendants, 70 per cent of whom are women, and 100 per cent of whom are forced to do hours of unpaid work by their employer every time they come to work,” according to a public statement released by CUPE.
Air Canada offered a deal that would have made their flight attendants the highest compensated in the country according to Rousseau.
“Our latest offer included a 38 per cent increase in total compensation over four years that would have made our flight attendants the best compensated in Canada, along with provisions for ground pay and other work-life balance, career and pension improvements,” he said. “At the same time, we asked for no concessions from the union. Given this, while we remain available for discussions with CUPE, we have requested government-directed arbitration as we now view it as the only certain avenue to bring closure to bargaining and mitigate the impact on travellers, business and the Canadian economy.”
As the strike continued into Monday, CUPE said they were willing to work out a deal but had to be at the table. There was ‘no limit’ to how far CUPE would take negotiations, said Mark Hancock, CUPE national president.
“If it means folks like me going to jail, then so be it. If it means our union being fined, then so be it. We’re looking for a solution here,” he said.
A mediated tentative agreement was reached on Monday morning. The first flights are scheduled for Tuesday evening, but full, regular service may require seven to 10 days as aircraft and crew are out of position. Air Canada had some flights cancelled until the schedule is stabilized.
“The suspension of our service is extremely difficult for our customers. We deeply regret and apologize for the impact on them of this labour disruption. Our priority now is to get them moving as quickly as possible,” said Rousseau. “Restarting a major carrier like Air Canada is a complex undertaking. Full restoration may require a week or more, so we ask for our customers’ patience and understanding over the coming days. I assure them that everyone at Air Canada is doing everything possible to enable them to travel soon.”
Outside Vancouver International Airport at the Air Canada Departures gate. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
What Did This Mean For Passengers?
Despite the return to flight service, stranded passengers had to pay for food, lodging, transportation and other expenditures during the strike. According to Mercer, Vancouver is the second-ranked City in Canada with the highest cost of living next to Toronto in 2024.
Splitting Airbnbs with friends still costs me hundreds of dollars over three to four days. Waiting at the airport was a budget option for some stranded travellers. Still, Air Canada was not doing much to help, according to a Peterborough residents who went on the same trip.
“It felt as if the Air Canada attendants who were not on strike did not want to help or offer solutions,” said an anonymous resident. “They handed out pamphlets and did not want to talk to anyone who was at the airport. (They) did not offer any voucher for hotel stays or meals outside of the $15 auto-generated meal voucher email.”
“Air Canada has proven itself utterly incapable of basic responsibility — no commitment, no care and no planning,” said Ian Shields. “They’ve completely dropped the ball, screwed over their customers and left me to fend for myself in a foreign place miles away from home without a shred of concern for my well-being.”
When flights had been cancelled on Sunday, Air Canada said they attempted to get customers rebooked on other flights. Under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), the airline is obligated to do so.
“We’re searching for rebooking options on more than 120 carriers for up to three days after your cancelled flight. This may take some time. If you don’t want to wait and you prefer to search options yourself or cancel your booking to receive a refund, please use the button below,” said Air Canada in an email.
However, none of my travelmates or out-of-town friends who attended the event were successful in rebooking their flights.
Air Canada had offered refund options for those affected that included non-refundable fares.
“When it came to rebooking flights, there were ‘none available’ but when given flight options that were available, the answer was ‘we aren’t partnered with them so we cannot book that flight.’” said the former Peterborough resident. “It left myself having to make a choice of spending upwards of $2,000 on a new flight, trying to book a hotel and staying for an extended period of time until they could rebook me or taking a long alternative route to stay cost-effective to be able to get home in a reasonable amount of time.”
I initially bit the bullet on Monday evening to book a non-refundable flight back to Detroit with a different airline on Thursday night to arrive on Friday morning. I had a chartered ride home from there. The flight had cost $600, which was considered a cheaper flight at the time.
Prices for other airlines from Monday to Wednesday had skyrocketed. I had friends travelling back to cities such as Ottawa or Montréal, which would cost upwards of $1,000. Thankfully, more flights had opened up and I was able to book a return flight with Air Canada at no additional cost for Thursday. I also called the booking agent for my flight and despite the ticket being initially non-refundable, I was able to get all my money back with a sigh of relief.
Air Canada is offering reimbursement assistance for those affected by the labour action according to their website.
Passengers must fill out a form with flight details and a reason to be eligible.
The form can only be filled if it was booked directly with the airline, completed part of their flight with Air Canada and/or needs reimbursement for an alternative mode of transportation.
Passengers are asked not to fill out the form if they have booked through Aeroplan, a travel agent, an online travel agency or another airline.
According to their website, reimbursement can be up to $12,500 under the convention if the individual can prove losses or damage.
What’s Next For the Flight Attendants?
The 10,000 flight attendants will vote next week on the tentative agreement to raise wages and establish a pay structure for time worked when aircraft are on the ground.
All members will receive a three per cent raise next year, with a 2.5 per cent raise in 2027 and a 2.75 per cent raise in 2028.
The deal must be ratified by the flight attendants, with the vote taking place from Aug. 27 to Sept. 6.
Air Canada Boeing plane minutes away from landing in Toronto. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Glad to Be Home
With a slow return of full flights to Air Canada, I can say I finally reached home safely at the publication of this editorial. Lessons were learned but regardless of the outcome, I am happy to be in one piece back in Peterborough and come home to my wife and daughter.
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City of Peterborough Recognizes World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
/With Wednesday as International Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Mayor Jeff Leal has issued the following statement regarding the day.
It is a United Nations initiative that raises awareness about the global issue of human trafficking and stands in solidarity with survivors.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The following is Leal’s statement:
“Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that causes deep and lasting harm to individuals, families, and entire communities, it takes away people’s safety and freedom."
On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, it is a vital moment for us to reflect on the harsh reality faced by millions worldwide who are exploited and denied their basic human rights.
As a community, we must remain committed to raising awareness, protecting the rights of victims, and supporting efforts to bring traffickers to justice. Today is a solemn reminder of the suffering endured by millions who are exploited and denied their fundamental human rights.”
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City Seeking Feedback For Sherin Avenue Boat Launch Rehabilitation Project
/The City of Peterborough is inviting the community to share feedback on the planned rehabilitation of the Sherin Avenue boat launch.
Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.
An information session is taking place on July 31 at the Admiralty Hall at Peterborough Naval Memorial Park, 24 Whitlaw St., at 6 p.m.
Due to its current condition, the Sherin Avenue boat launch is closed. It is the only public boat launch located south of Lock 19.
Residents can also share their input through a survey. The survey can be found at connectptbo.ca/sherin-boat-launch.
The survey closes July 25.
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City to Host Public Meeting Regarding Development Charges
/The Council of the City of Peterborough is holding a public meeting to present and discuss proposed development charge rates and policies that would be applied throughout the City on Aug. 5, at 4:45 p.m.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
During the meeting, Council will consider approval of an updated Development Charges By-law on a date.
Development charges are imposed on new development to help fund growth-related capital costs of municipal services, as authorized by the Development Charges Act, 1997. The Development Charges Background Study supports the proposed charges and relates to eligible services, including: Development-Related Studies, Library Services, Fire Services, Police Services, Emergency Medical Services, Recreation, Parks, Transit, Waste Management, Long-Term Care, Services Related to a Highway and Sewage Services.
The public meeting is an opportunity for the public to review and provide comments on the Development Charges Background Study and the proposed Development Charges By-law, as required under The Development Charges Act, 1997.
All interested parties are invited to join the public meeting by attending in person or by viewing the streaming of the meeting on the City’s website.
The proposed development charges bylaw will not be considered for approval at this meeting according to the City. Council will review and consider the by-law at a future meeting after considering comments received as part of the public meeting and consultation process.
A copy of the 2025 Development Charges Background Study was made available on the City of Peterborough’s website on June 11. The proposed Development Charges By-law will be available on or before July 22, 2025.
Any person may attend the public meeting and make written or verbal representation in support of or in opposition to the proposed by-law. Written submissions should be directed to the City Clerk’s Office at clerks@peterborough.ca no later than 11 a.m. on Aug. 5.
Delegations wishing to speak at the meeting must register in advance. Unregistered delegations will not be permitted. To register, call 705-742-7777 ext. 1820 or complete the online form.
The deadline to register is 11 a.m. on Aug. 5. Council will consider all written comments submitted before the meeting and all verbal and written submissions made during the meeting before enacting a new development charges by-law.
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City Hosting Public Information Centre for Clonsilla Area Transportation Study This Wednesday
/A public information centre for the Clonsilla Area Transportation Study takes place at the Healthy Planet Arena, in the Banquet Hall from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.
A brief presentation will take place at 6 p.m., followed by an opportunity to ask questions and speak with the project team. A recording of the presentation will be available for review on the Connect Peterborough project page.
The Connect Peterborough project page will also host a survey to gather input on the preliminary study design, which will be available until Aug. 21.
The Clonsilla Area Transportation Study focuses on the need for transportation improvements along Clonsilla Avenue. The need for these improvements was identified through the City of Peterborough’s Transportation Master Plan, adopted in 2022, which identifies multi-modal transportation solutions to help address population and employment growth in the City up to 2051.
The Study is in its first phase, which seeks to identify transportation problems and opportunities, determine potential alternatives, and outline the scope of work and a consultation plan that will need to be implemented.
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Youth and Holnbeck Civic Award Nominations Open Until Aug. 8
/Civic Award nominations are open for the Holnbeck and Youth Volunteer of the Year awards.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF PETERBOROUGH.
The Holnbeck Award recognizes a couple or person who has made a lifelong contribution that has enhanced the quality of life for people with disabilities through volunteer work. Nominees for this award can live in the City or County of Peterborough.
The Youth Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an individual who was 18 years old or younger in 2025 and has made significant contributions to the development and delivery of community programs and services through volunteer work.
Nominations close Aug. 8.
Nomination forms can also be picked up at City Hall, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
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City Opens Survey For Community Planning Permit System
/The City of Peterborough invites the public to help shape the priorities and related development control measures of the draft Community Planning Permit System through a public survey.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
