Four Candidates Enter Mayoral Race For Upcoming Municipal Election

Four names in Neil Morton, Dr. Michael Eamon, Rebecca Schillemat and Keith Riel have placed their bids to become the Mayor of Peterborough for the upcoming 2026 municipal election on Oct. 26.

Photos courtesy of Neil Morton, Dr. Michael Eamon, Rebecca Schillemat and Keith Riel.

Morton placed his bid on Monday morning at City Hall.

The Peterborough native and PTBOCanada founder is known for his community-building and for being a local entrepreneur. He is a graduate of Adam Scott CVI and Trent University.

In addition to PTBOCanada, he also founded StudioPTBO and Cormor 3D. Morton has served with the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Canoe Museum, the Trent Alumni Association and has chaired the United Way of Peterborough & District fundraising campaign.

“I've spent the last several months speaking with PTBO residents just like you and I've noticed a common theme during nearly every one: We’re stuck managing decline instead of managing growth,” said Morton. “I'm a community builder, and I know Peterborough isn't living up to its full potential. I'm developing a bold, pragmatic platform to get PTBO unstuck.”

Morton will outline his platform and officially kick off his campaign at a public launch event on May 26.

Neil Morton. Photo courtesy of Avery Morton and Jason Fiorotto.

Eamon filed his candidacy on Friday morning.

Eamon has nearly 20 years of leadership experience in Peterborough. He is the current Principal of Catharine Parr Traill College at Trent University. According to Eamon, he has managed multi-million-dollar budgets, overseen diverse teams and spearheaded major community infrastructure projects, including the $1.5 million Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre.

He has held roles with federal and provincial governments, as well as in the academic sector.

Eamon’s volunteer work includes the United Way, the Peterborough Historical Society, Scouts Canada, and membership in the Peterborough Singers and the Peterborough Concert Band since 2006.

According to a press release, Eamon’s platform emphasizes good governance, civility, and compassion. His vision focuses on attracting new industries to expand the tax base, improving coordination with the non-profit sector to support vulnerable citizens and maintaining vibrant neighbourhoods across the city. Eamon pledged to be a sound financial manager, ensuring property taxes are applied efficiently while advocating for increased support from provincial and federal levels of government.

“A better future for Peterborough starts with stronger leadership today," said Eamon. “My vision is a consultative, coordinated, and compassionate approach. I am a problem-solver who respects the complexity of our issues, and I am ready to find productive, sustainable solutions with and for everyone in our community.”

Eamon says his goal over the next few months is to meet with as many people as possible throughout Peterborough to hear their thoughts on the future and develop informed plans that meet residents’ needs.

Dr. Michael Eamon. Photo courtesy of Dr. Michael Eamon.

Schillemat joins the mayoral race after placing her bid at Market Hall on Monday morning.

According to Schillemat, her campaign will focus on building a safer, more affordable and more functional city through responsible leadership, stronger community partnerships and transparent decision-making at City Hall.

Schillemat is a Clarington native, graduated from Trent University in 2010 and worked in Peterborough for six years. She moved away and back to Peterborough in 2021.

She expressed concern about the city's current state and said she wants to make changes if elected.

“This is not the city I remembered, it is not the city my husband grew up in, it isnot the city we planned to raise our children in,” explained Schillemat. “I want to change that. I want a better Peterborough. I want a city that has opportunities for our children from jobs and housing to sports and the arts. I want a city that is safe and affordable to build a life in. I want a city that is thriving for everyone.”

Schillemat outlined her key priorities of the campaign which include:

• Improving housing attainability including increasing capacity across the housing continuum

• Supporting safer and healthier public spaces for everyone

• Strengthening accountability and transparency

• Supporting economic growth and local business development

• Investing responsibly in infrastructure and city services

• Building collaborative solutions to complex social challenges

Schillemat has been involved with local tradespeople and home builders, with the arts community and environmental organizations. She has been on the Board of Directors for the Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and the Peterborough Folk Festival.

Her volunteer work includes the Cancer Society for Relay for Life, the Big Bike for Heart & Stroke, Santa’s Sleigh for the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Foundation and the Peterborough Folk Festival.

“My ideal Peterborough is a thriving community that has something for everyone—housing, employment, entertainment, healthcare, safety, and a sense of community and belonging,” said Schillemat. “I want opportunities for my children and future generations to build a life right here in Peterborough.”

Rebecca Schillemat. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Schillemat.

City Councillor Riel placed his bid as Mayor on Friday, backing up his declaration to run for the role back in mid-November.

Riel grew up in Peterborough’s south end and has served on City Council for 17 years, having been elected four times. He has worked for 38 years at General Electric as an industrial electrician and electrical technician.

He served as president of the local union representing General Electric workers. Riel was also president of the Peterborough and District Labour Council.

In that span, he ran three local businesses: a bar (five years); a retail shop, The Green Door; (five years) and a DJ company, RMS Music (20 years).

Riel outlined his key priorities of the campaign which include:

• A City That Works

• Housing People Can Afford

• A Local Economy That Grows Here

• Safe Communities, Strong Services

• Arts, Culture and a City That Creates

• A Council That Acts

“We’re at a jumping-off point,” said Riel. We have to do something concrete to build the city we want, not just accept a slow decline into something we don’t recognize.”

Riel is hosting a launch party on Wednesday night.

Councillor Keith Riel. Photo courtesy of Justin Sutton.

Mayor Jeff Leal is undecided if he will run for reelection this October.

“First of all, it will truly be a family decision and my family is chatting about this as we speak,” explained Leal. “There's a lot of time to file nomination papers and in my view, I've never let politics ever distract you from the work that needs to be done. I think this (multi-sport and Event Centre) is a good example of work that still needs to be done.”

He defeated Henry Clarke, Stephen Wright, Brian Lumsden and Victor Kreuz in the 2022 municipal election to become the Mayor of Peterborough after a four-year hiatus from politics from 2018 to 2022.

Leal served four consecutive terms as the Peterborough-Kawartha MPP for the Liberal Party from 2003 to 2018 until current Conservative MPP Dave Smith won the seat.

Candidates have until Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. to file submissions for the City of Peterborough municipal election. Submissions are accepted by appointment only and can be scheduled by emailing elections@peterborough.ca.

Mayor Jeff Leal served under former Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne. He worked in several ministries as an MPP such as the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Environment and the Minister of Agriculture and Food and Rural Affairs. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

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.

Selwyn Township Announces Retirement Of Chief Administrative Officer After 37 Years; New CAO Assumes Role June 1

After more than 37 years of dedicated service, Janice Lavalley is retiring and Jennifer Moore has been named the new Chief Administrative Officer for the Township of Selwyn.

LinkedIN.

“Janice Lavalley’s leadership and dedication have helped shape the Township of Selwyn into the strong organization it is today,” said Sherry Senis, Selwyn Township Mayor. “Her steady guidance, and commitment to excellence in municipal service will be greatly missed. Council and staff are grateful for her decades of service and wish her all the best in retirement,”

Moore assumes the role, effective June 1.

“Council is pleased to appoint Jennifer to the role of Chief Administrative Officer,” said Senis. “With her municipal experience, including a decade as a CAO, Jennifer brings strong leadership, financial expertise and a strong understanding of municipal governance. Having strong roots in the region, she is well-positioned to lead the organization in alignment with Council priorities and community expectations.”

Moore has over 17 years of executive-level experience in municipal government. She most recently served as Chief Administrative Officer with Northumberland County. Her experience includes strategic leadership, financial and asset management, budget development and oversight, infrastructure project delivery, council relations, shared services implementation, and community partnership development. 

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Township of Selwyn and excited to work with Council and staff in service of this community,” said Moore. “With strong roots in Peterborough County, Selwyn feels like home, and I look forward to building strong relationships and contributing to Selwyn’s continued success.”

Ms. Moore holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree with a minor in Economics and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

The Township of Selwyn expressed its sincere appreciation to Lavalley for her exemplary public service and leadership and welcomed Moore, working together to advance strategic objectives and maintain excellence in municipal service delivery.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Township of Selwyn and excited to work with Council and staff in service of this community,” said Moore. With strong roots in Peterborough County, Selwyn feels like home, and I look forward to building strong relationships and contributing to Selwyn’s continued success.”

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 Minimum Wage to Increase to $17.95 An Hour On Oct. 1

To support over 700,000 workers, the Ontario Government is raising the minimum wage from $17.60 to $17.95 an hour, effective Oct. 1.

Under the Employment Standards Act, Ontario’s minimum wage increases annually based on the Ontario CPI, a measure of inflation that represents changes in prices experienced by Ontario consumers. Screenshot.

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 David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

“Ontario workers are the engine of this province,” he said. “By raising the minimum wage to one of the highest in Canada, our government is putting more money in the pockets of Ontario workers, supporting families through economic uncertainty and giving businesses the stability and predictability they need to plan and grow."

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

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 Approves Procedure By-law Update

Council approved a new Procedure By-law, developed in consultation with the Procedure By-law Working Group, to govern Council meetings during their Monday night meeting.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The revisions in the proposed Procedure By-law focus on improving clarity, aligning with current legislative requirements and supporting efficient and transparent meeting processes according to Council.

It is customary during each term of Council to consider amendments to the current Procedure By-law. The Procedure By-law Working Group, comprising the Mayor, the Chair of the General Committee, the Chair of the Planning Committee, the CAO, the Commissioner of Legislative Services, the City Clerk, and the Deputy Clerk, met on several occasions to discuss procedural considerations. The Ombudsman’s Office was consulted and a review was undertaken of best practices from municipalities including Caledon, Cambridge, Chatham-Kent, Guelph, Pickering, Richmond Hill, St. Catharines, Whitby and Windsor.

The Procedure By-law updates certain aspects of how Council governs its meetings, such as the following examples:

• The authority and duties of the Chair in maintaining order, decorum and the effective conduct of meetings;

• Restricting the use of electronic devices during meetings to support transparency and uphold the statutory open meetings requirements;

• Aurally recording Council's closed session meetings, with the recordings kept confidential in accordance with legislative requirements;

• Using a consent agenda process for Council's closed session meetings, with Council having the option to approve reports through one motion prior to going into closed session and only matters not included as part of the consent agenda will be considered during the closed meeting;

• Requiring that notices of motion be introduced at Committee meetings, not at a regular Council meeting, to follow a two-step approval process;

• Setting a limit of four delegations per agenda item at a Council meeting to support efficient agenda management, with the delegations limit not applying to delegations heard as part of a statutory public meeting under the Planning Act or applicable legislation;

• Setting a limit of two questions per Council member for questions on delegations, with the question specifically related to the content of the delegation and the response to the question from the delegate not to exceed 90 seconds - this change was amended during Council's General Committee consideration of the proposed by-law to increase the limit to two questions from one question;

• When a motion to amend or a motion to defer a recommendation from City staff report is presented, the Chair of the meeting will ask staff to provide information on any implications on the amendment or deferral to ensure Council has the complete and accurate information prior to making a decision;

• A majority vote is sufficient for a Motion to Reconsider where the original matter was not decided by
  Council, or where it was decided by Council during a previous term of Council;

• A two-thirds vote will be required to pass a Motion to Reconsider where the original matter was decided by Council within the current term of Council; and

• To support efficient and orderly debate, it is proposed that Members be permitted to speak to a Motion no more than twice, with each speaking opportunity limited to five minutes during General Committee meetings and a maximum of three minutes during Council meetings.

Council amended the direction on the maximum number of delegations from the original recommendation to set a limit of 10 at a Council meeting, except for statutory public meetings under the Planning Act or other applicable legislation, where the limit does not apply. Council changed the limit to four delegations per agenda item at a Council meeting, except for statutory public meetings under the Planning Act or applicable legislation, when the limit will not apply.

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 Mourns Passing of Former City Councillor Ann Farquharson at 68

Former Peterborough City Councillor and local volunteer Ann Farquharson has passed away at 68 years of age.

Photo courtesy of Highland Park Funeral Centre.

She passed away peacefully in her home while sleeping on Monday.

Farquharson earned her B.A. (Hons.) from Trent University in 1981 and her L.L.B. from the University of British Columbia in 1984. She was called to the Bar of British Columbia in 1985 and to the Bar of the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1986. As a lawyer, she began practicing law in Peterborough in 1986 as a partner with Farquharson Daly (now known as Farquharson Law). She also acted as Human Rights Advisor at Trent University from 2000 to 2006.

The City of Peterborough flew the flag at half-mast in honour of Farquharson on Tuesday. She was a Town Ward Councillor who served on City Council from 2006 to 2010.

Mayor Jeff Leal released the following statement:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ann Farquharson, a former City Councillor and a dedicated advocate for our community. Ann served the people of Peterborough with integrity and an unwavering commitment to making life better for others. Her leadership, her thoughtful voice at the Council table, and her years of service left a meaningful and lasting impact on our city.

Beyond her time as an elected official, Ann was an active and passionate community supporter, always working to strengthen the places and organizations she cared about. She will be remembered for her generosity, her spirit, and her steadfast belief in building a stronger Peterborough.

On behalf of City Council and the residents of our community, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Ann’s family, friends, and all who were touched by her remarkable life and contributions.”

As an avid volunteer, Farquharson served on more than 30 boards and committees, including:

• President, Peterborough Law Association

• Board member, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough (and a Big Sister for five years)

• Director, Five Counties Children’s Centre

• Provincial appointee to the Board of Governors, Peterborough Civic Hospital, where she chaired the Public Relations and Finance Committees

• Founding member, Women’s Health Care Centre

• Board member, C.H.A.N.G.E.S.

• Board member, Fourth Line Theatre Company

• President, Peterborough Chapter of the Trent Alumni Association

• Board member, Peterborough Theatre Guild, Festival of Lights (Musicfest), Fairhaven Foundation

• Member, Save the Market Hall Committee; Peterborough Youth Commission; Peterborough Centennial Celebration Committee

• Chair, Citizens Advisory Panel on Flood Planning

• Member, Veterans Wall of Honour Working Committee

• Sponsorship Chair, Peterborough Flood Relief Concert Committee

• Member of YMCA Fundraising Cabinet

• Member of Women United (United Way)

• Board member, Women’s Resources (current)

• United Way Cabinet member (current)

A Celebration of Life for Ann will be held at Market Hall this Saturday at 2 p.m. In place of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice are encouraged.

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.

Mayor Jeff Leal Endorses Automated Speed Enforcement Ban

Following the Ontario government's announcement that it plans to introduce legislation to ban automated speed enforcement cameras across the province late last month, Mayor Jeff Leal has endorsed this move, releasing a statement on Monday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his government announced that they will table legislation this month.

Leal has issued the following statement regarding Automated Speed Enforcement:

“I have sent a letter to Premier Ford to request that the provincial government continue to allow Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras in school zones.

I join with many other mayors across Ontario who have come together to propose the same exemption for prospective legislation dealing with this issue.

Peterborough City Council’s priority is the safety of children. We believe the implementation of ASE cameras will ensure the greatest safety level possible for our most vulnerable residents.

Our children will always remain our top priority when it comes to safety.”

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 Raising Minimum Wage to $17.60 This Wednesday

To support over 800,000 workers, the Ontario Government is raising the minimum wage from $17.20 to $17.60 an hour, effective Wednesday.

Under the Employment Standards Act, Ontario’s minimum wage increases annually based on the Ontario CPI, a measure of inflation that represents changes in prices experienced by Ontario consumers. Screenshot.

This annualized wage increase of 2.4 per cent is based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI). It delivers on the government’s plan to protect and support workers while keeping Ontario competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs according to David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

“At a time when many families are feeling the pressure of global economic uncertainty, our government will protect Ontario workers with a minimum wage increase that supports our world-class workforce,” he said. “We will continue to take action to build a strong, resilient workforce ready to face whatever comes our way.”

As a result of the changes, a worker making minimum wage and working 40 hours per week will get an annual pay increase of more than $800.

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

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.  

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

Local Government Leaders Meet With Economy Professionals to Address Industry Challenges

Local government leaders met with key industry stakeholders and economic development professionals to address recent economic shifts and their impact on employment in the Peterborough community at the Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce on Thursday morning.

(from left to right) Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP; Mayor Jeff Leal and Bonnie Clarke, Peterborough County Warden. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The leaders included Mayor Jeff Leal; Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP, was not in attendance physically but endorsed the actions taken to address the issue. According to her communications assistant, Jessica Nyznik, Harrison had attended the meeting virtually via Zoom.

On Monday, Smith had called leaders to meet with economic professionals at the Chamber of Commerce for Thursday.

The meeting’s purpose was to determine how to reverse current trends, fortify Peterborough's business environment and understand local economic growth challenges.

“A real emphasis today, Peterborough County and City have a lot of top-notch homegrown industries,” said Leal. “Those homegrown industries are the ones that make the decisions every day, right here in our local community so we need to continue to look at ways that we can expand that base in order to create those new job opportunities.”

The call for the meeting followed three days after Peterborough’s Minute Maid facility announced it would discontinue frozen products and production would cease in the first quarter of next year. This results in job losses but the number is undisclosed.

Last week, Lufthansa InTouch announced they were shutting down its Peterborough facility in May next year. One month prior, Siemens had announced its consolidation operations in Concord on June 25, relocating approximately 160 manufacturing positions over the next two years.

The local politicians meet bi-weekly to address any issues and concerns. The economic challenges were on their radar but the changes in the three companies, as mentioned above, were a tipping point that led to calling the meeting, according to Smith.

“These companies are making decisions based on their global footprint, not necessarily the local footprint,” he explained. “We will do what we can do then, to ensure that the local environment here is as conducive as possible to keep those companies, to expand those companies.”

Thursday’s discussions aimed to uncover the reasons behind the most recent downsizing and company relocations from Peterborough to other jurisdictions.

“This is the start,” explained Clark. “We will be supportive, we will put plans in place that Peterborough grows — the City of Peterborough and the County. We want to make sure that our businesses are supported and that we retain businesses and we grow businesses.”

Smith added that US President Donald Trump and his tariffs are not a direct factor in the economic shift in Peterborough but they do play a role in companies’ decisions.

“There have been other things that have given them the decision to do that,” explained Smith. “Everything that happens in the market affects other parts of the world. Because there is uncertainty in the US market, that trickles into other areas of the world economy and there is uncertainty in all of them.”

All four politicians released a joint statement regarding Peterborough’s business challenges:

“Mayor Jeff Leal, Warden Bonnie Clark, MPP Dave Smith and MP Emma Harrison conducted the first of a series of consultations with industry and economic development experts to understand the challenges faced by industry operating in the Peterborough area. Recognizing that all levels of government play a role in ensuring job creators in the region can be successful, a task force will be formed to facilitate the cooperative approach that all four elected officials will use to work together to address the concerns of businesses and improve the conditions for their operations. Working together to find ways to leverage each level of governments tools and programs in a collaborative approach to help businesses in the region succeed will be the main goal of the task force.

Mayor Leal, Warden Clark, MPP Smith and MP Harrison commit to work together to enhance the prospects of the local job creators in the Peterborough region to be successful and continuing to contribute to the fabric of the region.”

Meetings are ongoing to continue addressing this issue.

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

Integrity Commissioner Finds Mayor Jeff Leal Twice Breaching Code of Conduct; However Pickleball Decisions Did Not Involve 'Private Advantage'

Guy Giorno, Peterborough Integrity Commissioner, has found that Mayor Jeff Leal has twice breached the City Council’s Code of Conduct, as reported on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The 55-page inquiry report, released Monday by Giorno, states that Leal breached the City Council’s code of conduct twice by intimidating Councillor Alex Bierk and bullying Councillor Joy Lachica regarding the Bonnerworth Park redevelopment of new pickleball courts.

There were eight complaints filed after the April 2 General Committee meeting, when Leal allegedly made a threat to Bierk. The statement in question is when Leal stated he would ‘carve Councillor Bierk like a Thanksgiving turkey’ and that he’d ‘regret’ having said that since Leal’s decision-making regarding pickleball courts were a conflict of interest and was ‘not impartial.’

The statement was made after a mention of Leal’s wife, Karan, a member of the Peterborough Pickleball Association, during the discussion. Five more complaints were made after Leal’s public apology on April 8.

Former Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien-Hale, Zachary Hatton, Laurie Breese, Jill Staveley, Sarah Byer, Martha Jansenberger, James Anderson, Allison Potts, Ryan Perks, Rob Hailman, Courtney Seddon, John Gerelus and former Green Party provincial candidate Robert Gibson filed the collective complaints.

The ‘turkey’ comment, expressed figuratively, was not intended or interpreted as a threat of violence or physical harm. The ‘regret’ and ‘turkey’ mentions are considered intimidation according to section 10 of the Code.

However, Giorno’s report stated that Leal did not breach section 29 of the Code. The Integrity Commissioner determined that the Mayor’s decision-making on Bonnerworth Park did not involve a private advantage for him or his wife.

The findings determined that:

“The argument that the Mayor could not take part in the decision on Bonnerworth Park is as flawed as an argument that swimmers cannot participate in decisions on pools and hockey players cannot vote on ice pads.”

The second investigation involved the filed complaint by Lachica. The incident alleges that Leal bullied and intimidated her, out of the public’s view, after the April 2nd General Committee meeting.

The report stated the following:

“The incident in the corridor occurred in the context of a power imbalance that is a hallmark of bullying. The Mayor is more powerful than a Councillor. In a strictly legal sense, this has been the case since October 31st, 2023, when Ontario Regulation 331/23 added Peterborough to the list of municipalities subject to strong mayor powers. The Mayor’s powers include the direct appointment of the chairs and vice-chairs of committees.”

As a result, the report finds that Leal violated section 10 of the Code of Conduct relating to Lachica.

City Council has the option to impose one of two penalties (but not both) on Leal as a result of his violations: a reprimand or a pay suspension (up to 90 days).

Leal made this statement following the report:

“I acknowledge that the Integrity Commissioner has completed his report, and I will accept Council’s decision on this matter.

I appreciate that his report fully exonerates me of the most egregious and false conflict-of-interest allegations that my family and I have been subjected to over the last year.

I acknowledge his findings related to my interactions with Councillors Bierk and Lachica on the nights of April 2 and April 8, 2024. My comments were made in the heat of the moment, during the most hostile meeting environments I have experienced in all my years of public service. I regret my comments, and I apologized to both Councillors last year.

I will recuse myself from the Chamber when my colleagues discuss the Integrity Commissioner’s report, and will accept their recommendations.

I have been working in partnership with all members of Peterborough City Council, and will continue to do so for the benefit of our community.”

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