Peterborough Police Renovation and Expansion Project Budget Proposal Rises From $66.5M to $91.9M

The Peterborough Police Service is proposing a budget increase from $66.5 million to $91.9 million for renovations and expansion, as presented to City Council during a meeting on Tuesday night.

File photo.

After a validation of the construction budget from the Construction Management Services team, through a Class ‘D’ construction estimate, the total project budget has been adjusted to include the increase for four key factors.

They are the following:

  1. The additional 15,000 square feet to address the legislated requirements and the two-site solution adds an additional $7,125,000 to the budget.

  2. The new parking structure to accommodate the required parking at 500 Water Street adds an additional $2,400,000 to the budget.

  3. Energy and building efficiency measures providing the best return on investment and improving building performance to create robust, sustainable facilities built to best practice standards results in an additional $4,375,000 added to the budget.

  4. The Police Stations Renovation and Expansion project budget has covered the purchase cost of the entire property at 1421 Lansdowne Street West of $15,500,000. The original project budget allocated a $4,000,000 allowance to purchase a new property to support the project. PPS will use just over half of the building, leaving the remainder for future City use with several acres on the surrounding site for future opportunities. To date, the total purchase price of 1421 Lansdowne Street West has been allocated to the project budget, resulting in an additional $11,500,000 added to the budget. An analysis of the acquisition cost by Realty Services has determined that the property acquisition cost relative to the PPS usage of the property is $5,053,200.

The total cost equals $25,400,000, which brings the estimated project budget to $91.9 million.

Council had approved a total project budget of $66.5 million through the 2025 budget, with approved pre-commitment of budget through the years 2026 and 2027. 

The four additions to the budget total $25.4 million, bringing the estimated project budget to $91.9 million. The police station portion of the project is $81,453,200, with the remainder of the budget allocated to property costs associated with the other portions of the property acquisition for future civic administration and development uses.

In order for the proposal to be considered, Council endorsed that staff report back with:

  • A detailed compliance matrix mapping the specific requirements of the Community Safety and Policing Act, the Ontario Building Code, and any other applicable standards to each facility element and its associated square footage, clearly identifying which elements are mandated and which are discretionary; and

  • A Class C (or better) estimate and life-cycle analysis for two options: (i) 95,000 square feet (2019 program right-sized for mandates), (ii) 110,000 square feet, each with risk/contingency;

  • A budget showing only police facility costs, excluding Civic Administration or future development, with a defined funding plan and budget cap;

  • Written confirmation that no decision to relocate City Hall or Civic Administration functions to 1421 Lansdowne St. is included in this item, and that any such proposal will require a separate report, costing, public engagement, and Council decision.

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Total Burn Ban Lifted In Selwyn Township; No Brush Burning Still in Effect

The Selwyn Fire Department has lifted the Total Burn Ban that was implemented on Aug. 11 due to high fire risk conditions, announced on Tuesday.

photo courtesy of selwyn township.

The Selwyn Fire Department determined that recent improvements in weather and fire risk levels allow for the safe resumption of some burning activities; however, restrictions remain in place.

Permitted:

  • Campfires, outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and chimineas

Prohibited:

  • Yard waste and brush burning

  • Agricultural burns

Use of personal fireworks remains strongly discouraged by the Fire Department; however, licensed and insured commercial fireworks displays with appropriate mitigation measures in place are permitted.

“We appreciate everyone’s cooperation during the burn ban,” said Gord Jopling, Selwyn Fire Chief. “Your efforts helped prevent potential fires during a very dry period. Please continue to follow the restrictions and practice safe burning habits.”

Burning conditions can change at any time.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Missing 70-Year-Old Man

UPDATE: 12:37 p.m. 19-08-25

Stephen has been found according to the Peterborough Police.

The Peterborough Police Service is seeking the assistance of the public in locating a 70-year-old man named Stephen.

On Monday, the Peterborough Police Service received a missing report that Stephen was last seen by his tenant Thursday, at his residence in the Bennet Street and Barnardo Avenue area. 

Police, family and friends are concerned for his safety. It is believed he may be on foot.

Stephen is described as: 

  • Male, white

  • 6'3"

  • Medium build

  • Grey medium length straight hair

  • Grey beard

  • Unknown clothing

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Total Burn Ban In Effect For Selwyn Township

The Selwyn Fire Department has issued a Total Burn Ban, effective immediately and until further notice, due to increased fire risk in the region.

photo courtesy of selwyn township.

The ban also voids all burn permits.

This ban applies to all open-air burning, including:

  • Yard waste and brush burning

  • Campfires and bonfires

  • Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and chimineas

  • Agricultural burns

  • Fireworks

The Township will closely monitor weather and fire risk conditions and lift the ban once it is safe to do so.

The decision follows a period of dry weather and elevated temperatures, which have created hazardous fire conditions according to Selwyn Township. Violations of the ban may result in fines or other enforcement measures. Residents are asked to report any violations by calling 9-1-1.

Fire Safety Reminders:

  • Dispose of smoking materials properly

  • Use extra care when operating machinery outdoors

  • Be aware of your surroundings when outdoors in open fields and wooded areas

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Peterborough Police Service Nominated For Canadian Excellence Award

The Peterborough Police Service has been shortlisted for an award at the 2025 Canadian HR Awards, announced on Tuesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Service submitted a nomination in the Most Effective Recruitment Strategy category for their approach to recruitment over the past 18 months. Peterborough Police Service was selected as one of 11 nominees and is the only police service among those in the running.

According to a press release, the Peterborough Police Service recruitment strategy focused on three key areas:

  • Partnership with Fleming College – our Recruitment and Talent Acquisition Coordinator is bringing real-world experience to the classroom

  • Community Engagement and Inclusivity – Officers (many recent recruits) presenting to international students at orientation sessions

  • The Shuttle Run Training Group

The Shuttle Run Training Group, developed in 2023 by the Peterborough Police Service in partnership with Fleming College and the Police Foundations Program, provides a safe space for potential prospects to test themselves against the physical requirements for policing. It ran every Wednesday from September to June at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. During that time, participants can try one of two of the physical requirements for policing - the “Shuttle Run”/ beep test or the ‘Prep Test.’

In 2024, the Service also introduced a ‘Women’s Only Shuttle Run Training Group’ to encourage more women to pursue a career in policing.

The Canadian HR Awards recipients will be announced on Sept. 18, at a ceremony in Toronto. 

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Peterborough Police Investigate Collision On Lansdowne Street; One Man Sent to Toronto Hospital For Injury Treatment

Peterborough Police Service Traffic Management Unit officers are investigating a collision between a motorcycle and an SUV that occurred at Lansdowne Street West and Webber Ave on Wednesday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The collision happened at approximately 5 p.m. The motorcyclist was flown to a Toronto hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.

The area was closed for about 3.5 hours while officers conducted a reconstruction.

The Traffic Unit also issued four tickets to motorists who drove around a police barrier while the collision was being investigated. 

Anyone with information or video footage of the collision is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Selwyn Township Places Immediate Ban on Burning Brush

Effective immediately, the Selwyn Township Fire Department is enforcing a strict prohibition on burning brush, announced on Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to Selwyn Townshop, the decision comes amidst sustained drought conditions and above-average temperatures.

“Conditions are very dry and we want to protect our residents, their properties and our volunteer firefighters,” made in a press release statement.

What the ban covers:

  • Brush burning, including piles of branches, logs, yard debris, and similar vegetation, is strictly prohibited until further notice.

  • Existing burn permits are immediately revoked.

  • The ban does not extend to certified gas or propane fire pits, barbecues, or small recreational campfires located more than 20 ft. from structures—but even these should be used with extreme caution and direct adult supervision.

This ban remains in effect until conditions improve. Fire officials will reassess the situation daily and announce any changes.

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City of Peterborough Transitions to Next Generation 9-1-1

With support from the Government of Ontario, the City of Peterborough has transitioned to the Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) network, providing emergency dispatchers, Peterborough Fire Services and Peterborough Police with better and faster access to information during an emergency.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

“This support ensures our emergency responders have access to the advanced tools and technology they need to act quickly and effectively in an emergency,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I would like to thank the Province of Ontario for this critical investment in public safety. Investments like this help protect lives, strengthen our emergency response capabilities, and build safer communities for everyone.”

The Ontario government has provided over $5 million since 2022 to support the City’s transition to NG9-1-1. It is a multi-stage upgrade to the traditional 9-1-1 network, replacing older infrastructure with a digital, Internet Protocol (IP)- based network. The technology is similar to what is available on most smartphones.

“Having reliable access to critical information, like the exact location of a caller and a verified callback number, can make all the difference when seconds count,” said Chief Chris Snetsinger, Peterborough Fire Services. “These enhanced capabilities help our first responders arrive faster, communicate more effectively and ultimately save lives.”

“Ensuring safety for everyone in our community is our main goal as a police service. Being able to deploy first responders at the right time, with the right information to do the right thing, is what we strive for every shift,” Chief Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service. “NG9-1-1 will help us accomplish this goal with even more accuracy. Having more data available to first responders in an emergency only makes for a safer community for all who live, work and visit our area.”

The upgrade gives dispatchers faster and more accurate information about a 9-1-1 caller’s location and phone number.

The upgrade's enhanced features also include:

  • Stronger security, with enhanced cybersecurity measures to reduce the risk of downtime.

  • Greater network reliability, with added backup capabilities for seamless recovery.

  • Future-ready multimedia features enabling real-time text and live emergency video calls.

The City of Peterborough is among the first in Ontario to upgrade to the Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) network.

The process for calling 9-1-1 remains the same. Residents calling 9-1-1 in an emergency will be directed to the appropriate emergency service, such as police, fire or ambulance.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Missing 13 Year-Old Girl Last Seen In the North End

UPDATE: Hayley has been found.

The Peterborough Police Service are requesting the public’s help in locating a missing 13-year-old girl, reported on Tuesday afternoon. 

Hayley was last seen on Tuesday at approximately 12:45 p.m. in the area of Towerhill Road and Hilliard Street.

She is described to police as:

  • White female

  • Blonde shoulder-length hair

  • Approximately 125 lbs.

  • Nose and ear piercings

  • She was wearing a white tank top and shorts

Police are concerned for her safety as she does have some health issues.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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No Injuries Reported From Arrowsmith School Structure Fire

No injuries were sustained from Monday’s Arrowsmith School structure fire as reported by the Douro-Dummer Fire Services (DDFS).

Arrowsmith School is a private school for kids with learning disabilites from Grades 1 to 12. It was originally founded in 1980 by Barbara Arrowsmith Young in Toronto. Peterborough was its second location in May 2005 but closed on June 2021. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

DDFS received a call about the incident at 2:19 a.m. and observed that the fire had spread through the second storey of the structure, with flames visible above the roof.

Over 25 DDFS firefighters in the early hours extinguished the initial fire and fought the hotspots into the afternoon. DDFS have not determined the cause of the fire and the monetary loss to the property.

The building was not occupied at the time of the fire. A residence west of the structure was evacuated as a precaution and the occupants were able to return to their home the same day.

@ptbo_canada Arrowsmith School devestated by early-morning fire on July 14. Cause of fire currently unknown… #ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist #news #fyp #fire ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Parkhill Road East was closed to traffic from the Parkhill Swing Bridge to the intersection of Television Road and County Road 4/Parkhill Road East for the duration of the incident.

“DDFS crews responded quickly and worked hard to bring the fire under control, and as a result the fire did not spread to nearby structures,” said Deputy Fire Chief Huffman. “We are grateful for the time and effort that our firefighters dedicate to preparing for events like this.”

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