Peterborough DBIA Accepting Applications For 2026 Community Event Support Grants

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is accepting applications for its 2026 Community Event Support Grant, announced on Tuesday.

Past grant recipients include the Neighbourhood Markets, Highly Likely Festival, Otonabeats Day Breaks and An Evening with Folk Fest's Emerging Artists. Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

The first deadline is March 8 for events taking place between April 1 and Sept. 30. The Sept. 8 deadline covers events from Oct. 1 to March 31, 2027.

According to the DBIA, the grant program provides financial and in-kind support to organizers hosting community-minded events in downtown Peterborough. Funding can offset costs such as advertising, permits, supply costs, administrative fees and rental fees. The number of grants awarded will depend on available funds and the volume of qualifying applications.

Local businesses, grassroots groups and organizations in Downtown Peterborough are eligible for grants. The DBIA says priority is given to events that reach diverse audiences, engage DBIA member businesses, drive foot traffic and tourism, bring economic activity to the BIA district and celebrate the unique cultures and identities of the downtown community.

All applications must include a detailed budget outline to be considered.

Applications are accepted twice a year. Following each deadline, the DBIA board will review submissions at its next scheduled meeting and notify applicants of funding decisions. Successful applicants can expect to receive funds within two weeks of their event date. Organizers requiring in-kind support should coordinate with the DBIA at least two weeks before their event.

“Our Community Event Support Grant is about more than funding — it's about helping event organizers bring their ideas to life in ways that bring real energy to our downtown core," says Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “Every event we support strengthens people's connection to downtown Peterborough, inspires new experiences and builds the kind of community that keeps people coming back.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Ontario Government Invests $8,691,562 For Peterborough Critical Water Infrastructure

The Ontario government has invested up to $8,691,562 to rehabilitate water infrastructure in the City of Peterborough, announced at City Hall on Friday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The target area is the water systems at Lansdowne Street West and Park Street. The funding supports the replacement and upgrade of aging watermain, sanitary sewer and storm sewer infrastructure.

The City of Peterborough has outlined the project’s goals and benefits as follows:

• Strengthen community resilience by helping protect the area during extreme weather events

• Improve flood reduction and drainage through upgraded storm sewer infrastructure

• Increase watermain and sanitary sewer capacity and to better serveexisting homes and businesses

• Support future growth and development with expanded servicing capacity

• Enhance public accessability thrrough roadway and intersection improvements

The funding comes from the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS). The amount has increased by $700 million to $875 million.

The total approved project’s cost is $11,906,250:

• The Province of Ontario will invest up to $8,691,562, representing approximately 73 per cent of the total project cost

• The City of Peterborough will contribute $3,214,688, covering the remaining 27 per cent

Field investigations and utility relocations are expected to occur this year, construction starts next year and completion is expected in 2028. Planning and design for the project are already underway.

“Our government is taking the necessary steps to ensure that Peterborough has the robust, modern infrastructure needed to support our growing community,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “By investing nearly $8.7 million into the rehabilitation of water systems at Lansdowne and Park Street, we are not only protecting our access to safe drinking water but also clearing the way for new housing developments. This is about building a safer, more prosperous Peterborough where families can thrive for generations to come.”

 “This significant provincial investment in Peterborough’s water infrastructure is critical to protecting public health and supporting our city’s continued growth,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Reliable, modern water systems are the foundation of safe neighbourhoods and economic development. We thank the Province of Ontario and MPP Dave Smith for recognizing the importance of investing in core infrastructure that will serve our community today and for generations to come.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Kinsmen Club Makes Numerous Community Donations

The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough presented a total of $52,500 to several organizations to support the citizens of Peterborough during the annual Founder’s Night Gala on Feb. 18.

photo courtesy of the kinsmen club of peterborough.

The annual event at the Air Force Association 428 Wing honours the founding of Kin Canada in February 1920 by Hal Rogers and celebrates more than a century of volunteer service and community impact.

“Founder’s Night is an opportunity to reflect on our history, celebrate our commitment to service, and recognize the partnerships that make our work possible,” said Bob Hall, keynote speaker, Club Vice President and National Board member. “We are proud to continue the Kin tradition of improving lives and strengthening our communities.”

A highlight of the gala was ten cheque presentations totalling $52,500. In addition, the Club celebrated its broader philanthropic impact. Through the success of Kinsmen Super TV Bingo, Hall Bingo, and the Fathers’ Day Car Show, the Kinsmen will donate $100,000 to support the citizens of Peterborough, while helping raise an additional $750,000 for communities across Central Eastern Ontario.

The Club supports organizations that provide vital services locally and nationally:

• Kin Canada Foundation - $1,000 

• Hal Rogers Endowment Fund - $1,500 

• Cystic Fibrosis Canada - $5,000 

• Brock Mission - $5,000 

• YMCA of Central East Ontario Strong Kids Campaign - $5,000 

• Kawartha Food Share - $5,000 

• Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough - $5,000 

• Hospice Peterborough - $5,000 

• Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation - $10,000 

• Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation - $10,000

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

City Council Endorses Robinson Street Reconstruction Funding After Prior Project's Completed Under Budget

City Council endorsed transferring funding from the recently completed Brealey Drive project, which was completed under budget, to help fund the Robinson Street infrastructure project during their meeting on Monday night.

Google Maps Screenshot.

The Robinson Street project could start construction this year if funded.

The Brealey Drive reconstruction project from Lansdowne Street West to Sherbrooke Street has been completed under budget with an estimated surplus of almost $2.9 million. According to the City, Council will consider transferring $2.6 million to the Robinson Street infrastructure project.

It includes installing concrete curbs and gutters, sidewalks, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, a new pavement structure, stormwater management infrastructure, and landscaping. The work will also include a pedestrian crossing at the Rotary Trail and Robinson Street.

The following are the funding allocation proposals from the Brealey Drive project to be transferred to Robinson Street:

• $1,250,000 of Wastewater Reserve funding

• $1,350,000 of Canada Community-Building Fund funding

The Robinson Street Reconstruction project was deferred from 2026 to 2027 as part of the 2026 budget process.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Ontario Government Invests $6.4 Billion to Support Postsecondary Sector’s Long-Term Success and Sustainability

To protect postsecondary students’ access to education and help them launch successful careers, the Ontario government is investing $6.4 billion in postsecondary institutions to ensure long-term success and sustainability, announced at Trent University on Friday.

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP (left) and Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent University president and vice-chancellor (right) as joint announcements were made at Trent’s Bata Library. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Accroding to the Ontario Government, its plan to build a stronger postsecondary sector is based on three principles:

• Preparing students for rewarding, in-demand careers that meet labour market needs

• Preserving Ontario students’ ability to access high-quality postsecondary education, while supporting their ability to appropriately invest in their education and success

• Providing Ontario’s postsecondary sector long-term sustainability, while continuing to ensure funding for the sector is being used to further Ontario’s position as a centre for world-class research excellence while meeting student and labour market needs

Federal changes have significantly reduced international student revenues and the province is also facing increased domestic demand for higher-cost programs and a financial aid program (OSAP) that is dramatically out of line with other jurisdictions.

According to a press release, to ensure the province’s world-class institutions continue producing one of the most competitive workforces in the G7 for generations to come, the Ontario government is making the following changes starting in Fall 2026:

• A new long-term funding model will see universities, colleges and Indigenous Institutes focused on delivering programs that align with student and labour-market demand supported by increased, predictable funding. This new long-term funding model will bring an additional $6.4 billion into the sector over four years and raise annual operating funding to $7 billion, a 30 per cent increase and the highest level in the province’s history. It will also fund 70,000 more in-demand seats, while better meeting the needs of small, rural, northern, French-language and Indigenous Institutes

• An updated tuition framework will support the postsecondary sector’s long-term sustainability while maintaining one of the lowest tuition increases in Canada. Ontario will allow publicly assisted colleges and universities to raise tuition by up to two per cent per year for three years, then by up to two per cent or the three-year average rate of inflation, whichever is lower, in the years that follow. This rate of increase will be among the lowest in Canada, comparable to that of British Columbia and Manitoba.

• On average, this change will result in an additional cost of $0.18/day for college students and $0.47/day for university students. Low-income students will have this cost absorbed through an enhanced Student Access Guarantee (SAG)

• A stronger, more sustainable OSAP system will ensure financial assistance remains available for future generations while supporting students’ appropriate investment in their education and success. To strengthen the long-term sustainability of OSAP and align it with other provinces, Ontario students will be eligible to receive a maximum of 25 per cent of their OSAP funding as grants and a minimum of 75 per cent as loans. OSAP will no longer offer grants to students at private career colleges, in alignment with changes the federal government has made to its student support funding.

"This historic investment in our post-secondary institutions like Trent and Fleming will provide predictable, long-term funding,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “By making this investment we are ensuring that students across Ontario will have access to world-class education in their own backyard. It’s also a recognition that our post-secondary institutions are the engines of our workforce and will continue to prepare generations of students in the high-paying and rewarding careers that will drive our economy for years to come.”

“This landmark investment in the postsecondary sector is greatly appreciated and comes at a pivotal time for our students - and for Ontario,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent President and Vice-Chancellor. “Trent University welcomes this funding as a substantial and positive step that strengthens planning, risk management and supports our efforts toward long-term sustainability. In addition, this investment will support Trent's ability to enhance experiential learning, grow high-demand programs, and continue delivering top quality programs for students that lead to career-ready graduates. This announcement will also support Trent’s regionally responsive approach. We look forward to reviewing the details of the announcement and understanding the specific rollout for Trent.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Trent University Receives $1.1 Million Investment From Ontario Government to Expand Local Primary Care Workforce

Trent University has received a $1,132,500 investment from the Ontario Government to expand the local primary care healthcare workforce, announced at Bata Library on Friday morning.

(From left to right) Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC president and CEO; Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent Universit president and vice-chancellor. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This funding will upskill 350 registered nurses through a specialized program at the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing. This is part of the government’s $2.1 billion Primary Care Action Plan to connect everyone in Ontario to primary care by 2029.

To support the recruitment and retention of nurses in primary care, Ontario is providing Trent University with $1,132,500 over three years for a new, innovative program.

This 12-week upskilling initiative will help nurses gain skills, including:

• Chronic disease management

• Maternal and child care

• Immunizations and cancer screening

• Rural and Indigenous health specializations

Launching this year, the program at Trent is designed to equip registered nurses with the expertise needed to work immediately in primary care settings, freeing up time for family doctors to focus on patients with more complex needs, according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“This investment in Trent University is a major win for the health and well-being of families here in Peterborough-Kawartha,” he said. “The Ministry of Health’s recognition of the high quality of education provided by Trent University is an endorsement of small urban, rural institutions and the value they provide to the health care system. The upskilling of 350 registered nurses at the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing gives our local health-care heroes the advanced tools they need to provide top-tier primary care right here in our community. Trent’s partnership with PRHC and other local rural hospitals demonstrates that the Ministry of Health recognizes the value of rural Ontario.”

The funding for Trent University is scheduled to scale over the next three years to meet growing demand:

“This upskilling program reflects Trent’s long-standing commitment to community-focused health education and addressing system-level challenges,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent University president and vice-chancellor. “By creating accessible advanced primary care education for registered nurses, we are helping strengthen care teams and improve access to healthcare services for people and communities across Ontario.”

“Investments into rural healthcare are incredibly important,” says Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC president and CEO. “Communities like ours, with urban and rural populations spread across broad geographies, have unique needs and challenges when it comes to accessing care. PRHC looks forward to continuing to work with Trent and our other post-secondary partners to ensure learners are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their healthcare careers, and to provide patients with the best possible care and support, today and into the future.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

City of Peterborough Approved For Provincial and Municipal Funding After March 2025 Ice Storm

At a City of Peterborough Council meeting Monday, the City announced that municipal and provincial funding has been granted to help offset $11 million in unplanned response and recovery costs following the March 2025 ice storm.

Photo by david tuan bui.

The March 29 to 30, 2025 ice storm caused extensive damage across central and eastern Ontario, with the City of Peterborough experiencing significant impacts to transportation networks, hydro infrastructure and municipal operations. In response, the City activated the Emergency Control Group (ECG) and implemented a coordinated multi-agency emergency response supported by community partners, third-party contractors, Ontario Corps volunteers and other municipalities.

Throughout the event, emergency services responded to an increased volume of calls related to downed hydro lines, transportation concerns, and structural hazards caused by ice loading. Public Works and utility services crews were deployed to clear debris, manage road safety, maintain and restore municipal infrastructure and support Hydro One with access to affected areas.

The March 2025 ice storm resulted in significant unplanned expenditures across multiple City divisions. Response and recovery costs totalled approximately $11 million and included equipment deployment, contractor support, overtime staffing, debris removal, facility operations and the operation of Warming Centres.

In response to the storm, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) established the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance (MISA) program to provide one-time financial support to eligible municipalities for incremental costs incurred because of the ice storm.

The City submitted its MISA application on October 31, 2025, identifying $9,359,201 in expenses eligible under MISA guidelines. The remaining $1.66 million in ineligible costs will be funded by the City and reflected in the 2025 operating budget. Based on the MISA funding formula, if the City’s claim is fully approved, the City would be eligible to receive $7,949,223 in provincial funding, with a municipal contribution totalling $1,409,978.

On December 18, 2025, the City received confirmation from MMAH of funding approval up to $7,950,000 for incremental costs incurred from the ice storm.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Redpath's Right to Heal Program Receives $150,000 Grant From The City and County Housing Reserve

The City of Peterborough Council has approved a $150,000 grant for the Redpath Right to Heal program.

Photo by david tuan bui.

The one time grant, funded by the City/County Housing Reserve, will be put towards Redpath’s affordable housing project at 271 Brock Street.

Council staff have been directed to work with Redpath founder Peggy Shaughnessy to “identify and pursue options for municipal, federal and provincial capital grant funding to support Redpath’s long-term operations and facility for the 2027 Budget process,” as stated in City Council’s motion from Feb. 2.

Right to Heal receives $275,000 annually from the provincial government, which primarily funds its Redpath program, an outpatient addiction treatment program.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Ontario Government Doubling Fire Protection Grant to Support Peterborough-Kawartha Firefighters

The Ontario government is doubling the total funding available for municipal fire departments this year from $10 to $20 million as part of its Fire Protection Grant, announced by MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha Dave Smith on Tuesday.

file photo.

Local fire services will receive $316,565 of this investment to purchase life-saving equipment, enhance cancer prevention initiatives and improve responses to lithium-ion battery incidents.

“Our firefighters are always there when we need them, running towards danger to protect our homes and our families,” said Smith. “By doubling this year’s Fire Protection Grant, we are ensuring our local heroes have the specialized equipment and training they need to stay safe on the job and return home healthy to their families.”

The Fire Protection Grant is an application-based program that provides municipal fire services with the resources needed to address contemporary safety challenges. This year's funding will benefit several municipal fire departments across the City and County of Peterborough, including Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Trent Lakes, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, North Kawartha and Peterborough.

Eligible projects under the 2025-26 grant cycle focus on three critical pillars; cancer prevention, including specialized gear decontamination units, Lithium-Ion Battery Response, providing tools for electric vehicle and electronics fires and Infrastructure Modernization, such as high-speed broadband for rural fire halls.

“This investment is a significant step forward in protecting the health and safety of our firefighters,” said Peterborough Fire Services Chief Chris Snetsinger. “Firefighting is a demanding profession that carries real and lasting health and safety risks. This support recognizes the importance of doing everything we can to reduce those risks. Whether that’s limiting exposure to contaminants or improving protective equipment, investments in firefighter safety are investments in the well-being of our entire community.”

For a grant breakdown between each local fire department, click the link.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

OLG Issues Third-Quarter Gaming Revenue Payment to Peterborough of $624,898

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has made their third quarter payment totalling $624,898 to the City of Peterborough for hosting Shorelines Casino Peterborough.

file photo.

So far during OLG’s fiscal year (April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026), Peterborough has received $2,053,832. Since the gaming site opened in October 2018, Peterborough has amassed $17,149,043.

These payments to host communities are based on a formula in the Municipality Contribution Agreement that is consistently applied across all casino sites in Ontario using a graduated scale of gaming revenue at the hosted site according to a press release.

“Year after year, a share of the revenue from Shorelines Casino Peterborough through OLG’s Municipality Contribution Agreement has been an important source of funding for Peterborough, helping to deliver vital services and helping to enhance the quality of life of local residents,” said Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha. “Communities like ours who host a gaming facility benefit from their share of local casino revenue, while all Ontarians benefit from OLG’s gaming revenues, as 100 per cent of OLG profits are reinvested in communities across the province.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.