Ontario Government Invests Over $12 Million For Infrastructure In Peterborough City and County

The Ontario Government is investing $12,011,899 in the City and County of Peterborough to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure.

In 2026, Ontario will allocate $400 million in OCIF funding to help 423 small, rural and northern communities address critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding will be delivered through the 2026 Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) as part of the government’s more than $200 billion capital plan to protect Ontario by building key public infrastructure that will strengthen the economy and keep workers on the job in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty according to MPP Dave Smith.

“This provincial commitment ensures our communities receive the reliable, predictable funding necessary to maintain and rehabilitate critical infrastructure assets such as local roads, bridges, and essential water and wastewater systems,” he said. “By empowering our local councils with this resource, we are stabilizing costs, strengthening the foundational services that residents depend upon, and facilitating continued economic growth throughout the county.”

The OCIF provides funding for local infrastructure projects in municipalities with populations under 100,000, rural and northern municipalities, as well as for Local Services Boards that own water or wastewater systems.

“Peterborough County thanks the Government of Ontario for its continued investment in local infrastructure through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “This funding supports essential projects that help maintain the services our residents rely on every day. We remain committed to working collaboratively to ensure all communities in Peterborough County can thrive."

“This funding will help us maintain and improve our roads for the benefit of all residents,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

The amount of funding for 2026 is as follows:

• North Kawartha: $125,000

• Peterborough County: $1,260,030

• Selwyn: $232,869

• Trent Lakes: $125,000

• Havelock-Belmont Methuen: $144,000

• Douro-Dummer: $125,000

• City of Peterborough: $10,000,000

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OLG Issues Second-Quarter Gaming Revenue Payment to Peterborough of $716,653

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has made their second quarter payment totaling $716,653 to the City of Peterborough for hosting Shorelines Casino Peterborough.

Since 1994, host communities have received more than $2.3 billion in non-tax gaming revenue. File Photo.

The quarter was from July 1 to Sept. 30.

During OLG’s fiscal year (April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2026), Peterborough has received $1,428,934. Since the gaming site opened in October 2018, Peterborough has amassed $16,524,145 according to a press release.

These payments to host communities are based on a formula consistently applied across all gaming sites in Ontario using a graduated scale of gaming revenue at the hosted site as stated in a press release. 

“Peterborough is able to offer local programs and improve the quality of life of our residents through the economic activity generated through revenue from Shorelines Casino Peterborough,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “The people of Ontario benefit from OLG’s gaming revenues as 100 per cent of OLG profits are reinvested in the province to support provincial priorities.”

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Ontario Government Invests $981,888 to Peterborough Police Service to Combat Theft and Human Trafficking

The Peterborough Police Service (PPS) is receiving a $981,888 investment from the Ontario Government to enhance local crime-fighting capabilities across two major initiatives: retail theft and human trafficking, announced at the Peterborough Police Station on Friday afternoon.

Chief Stuart Betts (left) and MPP Dave Smith explaining to the media on how the new investment will be used. The Peterborough Police Service project is one of 127 projects being funded across the province for 2025-26. Of the 127 projects, 88 projects will address local priorities and 39 projects will address provincial priorities, including gun and gang-related violence, sexual violence and harassment, human trafficking, mental health and addictions, hate-motivated crime, housing and homelessness and commercial/retail theft. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The money is delivered through the Community Safety and Policing Grant Program. This is part of a $91 million investment to help protect families and communities across the province.

Funding has been secured to strengthen the PPS's successful Community F.L.R.S.T. (Focused Investigation Response and Support Team), which targets retail and provincial theft. The F.I.R.S.T. Unit has made 466 arrests and recovered over $119,000 in stolen property for local businesses since launching in January last year.

There is $500,000 invested to strengthen the PPS's efforts against the provincial priorities of sexual violence, harassment and human trafficking.

This funding will be used to enhance survivor-informed strategies across three key pillars:

• Training & Personnel: Ensuring all frontline officers receive continuous, trauma-informed training, supported by dedicated specialized roles like the Human Trafficking Investigator and Domestic Violence Coordinator.

• Technological Tools: Expanding the Community Safety CCTV Network and installing high-resolution Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology. These tools are crucial for tracking suspect vehicles and disrupting exploitation through transportation networks.

• Community Engagement: Improving public education and outreach, with the technology expansion guided by a transparent, community-led CCTV Steering Committee. This investment directly supports the PPS's strategic goal of strengthening community partnerships and providing both proactive enforcement and compassionate, effective support for victims of complex and often hidden crimes.

“Every resident deserves to feel safe in their community,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This substantial funding will equip our police service with the resources to not only crack down on organized retail crime and put repeat offenders behind bars through the successful Community F.I.R.S.T. team, but also to deliver specialized, trauma-informed support for victims of the horrific crimes of human trafficking and sexual violence. Our government is committed to ensuring our police have the tools they need to protect our families and make our streets safer.”

“Because of this investment, the Peterborough Police Service will be able to continue to tackle issues that impact residents and visitors and help us achieve our strategic goals of enhancing community safety, modernizing the service through technology and supporting our people,” said. Chief Stuart Betts of the Peterborough Police Service.

This funding provides new technology to simplify the reporting process for residents. It also helps continue to train and educate officers in trauma-informed practices around human trafficking and sexual violence.

The money also allows the Peterborough Police to enhance its CCTV program to install cameras at key intersections that lead in and out of the community according to Chief Betts.

“As I have stated many times, many of the most severe crimes that have occurred in this community over the past two years have been perpetrated by people who have travelled here; having cameras equipped with automatic license plate readers at strategic locations will assist in a multitude of investigations,” he said. “These are issues that are important to our community and with this support we will continue to be able to make strides in solving crimes and ensuring the safety of all residents in our community.”

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Ontario Government Invests Over $186,000 For Peterborough County OPP Mobile Crisis Response Teams Expansion

The Ontario government is investing $186,860.34 over two years to support the mobile crisis response team expansion, led by Peterborough County OPP, announced at the Peterborough Police Station on Friday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding will enable police to work with trained crisis workers to provide the specialized support often needed when interacting with people who are experiencing a mental health-related crisis.

“Our police are increasingly confronted with the need to assist vulnerable people in a mental health crisis,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This funding will assist the Peterborough County OPP deliver appropriate services focused on de-escalation. Meeting the unique needs of an individual who is in crisis will help ensure a better outcome for everyone involved.”

For 2025-26 and 2026-27, 36 police services and OPP detachments will receive approximately $9 million through the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant to increase the capacity of mobile crisis response teams across the province.

“We’re supporting our police services by providing them with the resources they need to assist vulnerable people in crisis situations,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Mobile Crisis Response Teams are best positioned to respond to people experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis and are an important part of how police in collaboration with this government are working hard to keep Ontarians safe.”

“This grant will enable the OPP to expand its Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRT), allowing us to improve pathways and connections to necessary services for those experiencing crisis,” said Chris Galeazza, Inspector/Detachment Commander, Peterborough County OPP. “When police and health partners can continue working together through initiatives like this, safety is improved, and we see better outcomes for everyone.”

“We're proud to receive this enhancement grant to expand live crisis response across the 4,000 km² region served by the OPP,” said Calli Lorente, CMHA-HKPR Manager of Integrated Crisis Services. “With a second team in place, we can respond in real time to support those experiencing crisis. This timely response allows for a stronger connection to the person and a more appropriate connection to the right service. Connecting people in the community to people at resources in their community is the goal of this team. The expansion is exciting as it supports positives outcomes in all aspects of the community.”

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Federal and Provincial Governments Provide $830,015 of Additional Funding For Seven Housing Units In Peterborough

During the grand opening of the multi-storey housing unit at 681 Monaghan Rd., the federal and provincial governments announced an additional investment of $830,015 for constructing seven housing units for vulnerable populations in Peterborough on Thursday morning.

Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP (left); Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister (centre) and Mayor Jeff Leal (right) during the grand opening of the multi-storey housing on 681 Monaghan Rd. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The announcement was made by Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP, on behalf of Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada; and Brian Saunderson, Parliamentary Assistant to the Honourable Rob Flack, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, alongside Jeff Leal, Mayor of Peterborough and Bonnie Clark, Warden of Peterborough County.

“Everyone deserves a roof over their head and a safe place to call home. This investment will help many families and individuals to heal and rebuild their lives, offering not just a home but also hope,” said Harrison. “The federal government’s ongoing support and commitment to creating affordable housing will help improve the lives of the most vulnerable from our community, here in Peterborough.”

“The federal government is committed to helping communities develop local solutions to address the housing crisis,” said Robertson. “The projects announced today will provide more safe, affordable homes for the most vulnerable residents of Peterborough. I’m proud of our government’s involvement, and of the tangible difference it will make for people in this community.”

Rebekah Victor or Peterborough Housing Corporation tours (far left) the dignitaries through a vacant unit of the multi-storey unit. The Governments of Canada and Ontario previously announced over $854,000 for this project, bringing the total joint federal-provincial investment to more than $1.6 million. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The units are part of a new six-storey affordable housing development. The building comprises 53 units; including 37 one-bedroom, 11 two-bedroom and five three-bedroom units. The building is designed to support individuals and families facing challenges. This project represents a significant step toward addressing the community's urgent housing needs according Mayor Jeff Leal.

“The City of Peterborough is facing significant housing challenges, and the project at 681 Monaghan Rd. represents a major step forward in addressing them,” he said. “By working in partnership with the federal and provincial governments, we are securing the resources needed to build and repair affordable homes for the people who need them most. These investments provide safe, stable housing, and they strengthen our community for years to come. This project shows what we can accomplish at the local level by working together with our provincial and federal partners.”

This investment is made through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative. It is an initiative under the Canada-Ontario Bilateral Agreement, part of the National Housing Strategy.

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GPHSF 2025 Senior Care Microgrant Open Until Sept. 30

The Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s (GPHSF) Senior Care Microgrant program to support senior care projects and healthy aging initiatives in the Peterborough area is open for applicants.

These grants have been made possible due to funding provided by the June Towle Trust. She passed away in 2023. Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

This is the second year that GPHSF is offering the microgrant.

“2024 was the first year we offered the Senior Care Micro Grants program, and it was a great success” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “We had a number of really great projects submitted for funding and we truly wish we had more grants available to offer. We are excited to see who applies for the grants and what project they are working on in 2025.”

Two grants are available, with an application deadline of Sept. 30.

The new Senior Care Microgrant program is meant to be a low-barrier applicant process according to GPHSF. The grants can be used as seed money to address a new need or as financial support to an existing program in Peterborough, Peterborough County, Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation. 

Two grants are available, with up to $5,000 in funding available with each grant.

Applications are open to community and not-for-profit organizations, including medical organizations, that run programming and services or propose to run programming and services within the boundaries of Peterborough City and/or Peterborough County, as well as Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation.

Proposed projects must be general in scope (including and impactful on as many people as possible). Project completion must occur within one year of approval unless GPHSF grants an extension. Grant funding can be applied to existing projects or used as seed money for new projects.

A maximum of $5,000 is available for each grant, and a maximum of $10,000 is available across all grants (two total).

The project timeline and budget must be provided.

Senior Care Microgrant projects may include.

• Research

• Equipment

• Nutrition

• Physical Activity

• Mental Health

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Have a lasting impact on our community.

• Support emerging needs in our community.

• Improve the quality of life for seniors in the community.

Applications can be submitted online.

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Francophone Communities Receive a Three Million Dollars Investment From Ontario Government

The Ontario Government is investing three million dollars to protect the province’s Francophone community by creating jobs and driving economic growth through the 2025-26 Francophone Community Grants Program (FCGP).

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding is to aid 71 organizations and businesses around the province to strengthen the cultural and economic impact of Franco-Ontarians by expanding service offerings, improving employee training, increasing community outreach and expanding hiring, according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“I am incredibly proud to see our government investing in the vitality of Ontario’s Francophone community right here in Peterborough,” he said. “This funding for Junior Achievement of Northern & Eastern Ontario is an excellent example of our commitment to supporting organizations that are making a tangible difference. By empowering our youth with access to French-language education on entrepreneurship and careers, we are not just investing in their future, but in the economic and cultural strength of our entire community.”

The government's Francophone Community Grants Program (FCGP) is providing $44,560 to Junior Achievement of Northern & Eastern Ontario.

This funding will support a project aimed at promoting and strengthening Ontario's Francophone community. The project will involve:

• Recruiting and training bilingual volunteers and facilitators

• Hosting French-language sessions for students at French and bilingual schools

The goal is to provide Francophone youth with better access to education on career exploration and entrepreneurship, enhance the organization's capacity to serve this community, and strengthen its partnerships with school boards, according to John McNutt, JA-NEO president and CEO.

“At Junior Achievement (JA), we believe the most powerful gift we can offer young people is the ability to distinguish between a want and a need. Through our programs in Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, and Work Readiness, young people don’t just learn about money or careers; they learn to make informed choices that will shape their futures,” he said. “Thanks to this support, and in partnership with our friends at JA Québec, we are bringing these opportunities to even more Francophone youth in border communities. This funding goes beyond building skills: it fosters friendships, deepen understanding, and creates lasting connections between Ontario and Québec. Together, we are empowering students to strengthen their communities and believe in a future where opportunity knows no boundaries.” John McNutt added.

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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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United Way Announces Recipients of Neighbourhood Fund Grants of $30,000 In Total Funding

United Way Peterborough & District has announced 11 recipients of its 2025 Neighbourhood Fund grants, which will receive $30,000 in funding.

This year saw 27 applications requesting over $100,000 in support. Photo courtesy of the United Way.

The Neighbourhood Fund supports grassroots, community-led initiatives that foster connection, inclusion, and belonging across the city and county according to a press release.

The following are the 2025 Neighbourhood Fund Grant Recipients:

• Big Sing Nogojiwanong-Peterborough ($2,240)

• BIPOC Youth Environmental Justice Program ($4,200)

• Building Community Through Creative Recycling & Reuse ($3,900)

• Diwali 2025 ($4,000)

• Healing Through Gardening ($900)

• Lakefield Pride Picnic ($1,500)

• Neighbourhood Welcome & Inclusion Project ($1,050)

• Neighbourhood Winter Gatherings ($2,200)

• Peterborough Volunteer Appreciation Day ($5,000)

• The Community Table ($2,010)

• Ukrainian Cultural Events ($3,000)

“These projects reflect the incredible creativity, diversity, and warmth of our community, it is amazing how far a little bit of money can go in building community,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO.

“We’re honoured to support initiatives that bring people together and build stronger, more inclusive neighbourhoods. It’s not about the best grant writer, it’s about finding groups that really connect with their neighbourhood,” said Nancy Fischer, Chair of the Community Impact Committee.

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Ontario Government Invests $878,878 For New Canadians For Training to Land Jobs In Trades Sector

The Ontario Government has invested $878,878 through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream to support new Canadians in Peterborough-Kawartha in acquiring skills for jobs in the construction industry, announced at Toromont Cat and Battlefield Equipment Rentals on Thursday.

Trainer Shawn Shaw (left) gives a lesson on heavy machinery to New Canadian students getting into the trades sector. Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s Skills Development Fund has helped connect more than half a million job seekers with skills and training for careers. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This funding is a part of our broader effort to strengthen Ontario’s workforce, improve productivity, and protect workers from U.S. tariffs, according to David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

“Our government is protecting Ontario by investing in the tools, training, and resources needed to keep our workforce strong,” he said. “Through targeted funding, we’re strengthening our supply chains, growing a job-ready workforce, and building the foundation for a more self-reliant and productive province – one that can compete, deliver and win.”

The investment is made in partnership with Utimus, a business that aims to provide new Canadians with proper training to enter the workforce. Augmented by some online training and job resumé help, students can go through training as quickly as two to three weeks said Brian Macdonald, Utimus CEO.

“We have a number of partners and through those partners, we deliver both online and in-person training,” he explained. “In this case, we do heavy equipment training and some basic carpenter skills to get New Canadians into worksites as quickly as possible and ultimately careers in the skilled trades.”

The ‘Training New Canadians for Construction Jobs’ program aims to prepare newcomers to Canada to work in the construction sector in Eastern Ontario such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers and other in-demand skilled trades said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“By investing in new Canadians, we're not only helping them build a new life in Ontario but also addressing a critical labour shortage in the construction industry,” he said. “This funding will ensure that our newcomers have the skills to thrive and contribute to a stronger, more prosperous Ontario.”

@ptbo_canada The Ontario Government has invested $878,878 through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream to support new Canadians in Peterborough-Kawartha in acquiring skills for jobs in the construction industry. #ptbocanada #peterborough #journalism #news #fyp ♬ Trendsetter - Connor Price & Haviah Mighty

The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is open to a wide range of applicants, including employers, industry associations, labour unions, hospitals and more.

“We are training excellent people that are ready to go on your jobsite,” said Macdonald. “They've got the safety training, they've got basic skills, they're going to provide good labour so let's get them building.”

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