City of Peterborough's Spring Road Maintenance and Litter Cleanup Are Underway

Spring road maintenance and cleanup are underway across the city which includes litter collection, street sweeping, pavement crack sealing, pothole repairs and the return of weekly yard waste collection. 

Recreation, Parks & Cultural Services maintains 390 garbage bins across more than 100 parks and along the City’s trail system and will begin litter cleanup in those areas in the coming weeks. A total of 334 tonnes of litter and garbage were collected from city parks and trails in 2025.  Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Weekly yard waste resumes on Tuesday until the end of November. Residents can place unlimited quantities of yard waste in reusable, labelled containers, bushel baskets, or paper yard waste bags. 

Yard waste set-out requirements: 

• Rigid open-top container with a maximum volume of 80 litres, with two fixed handles; lids must be removable and not secured 

• Bins must have two clearly identifiable yellow labels (available at City Hall, 500 George St. N.) 

• Brown paper bags or bushel baskets are accepted; no plastic bags 

• Damaged or broken bins will not be collected 

• Weight limit: 13 kg (30 lbs) 

• Brush must be bundled (max 1 m length, 30 cm diameter) 

• Set out after 6 p.m. the night before or by 7 a.m. on collection day

City crews have begun litter cleanup and expect the work to continue over several weeks due to the volume of debris. 

As snow melts, litter that accumulated over the winter becomes visible in parks, along streets and on sidewalks. 

Litter can harm wildlife, pollute waterways and attract pests. Residents are encouraged to dispose of waste properly. If a garbage receptacle is full, residents can report it online at peterborough.ca/ServiceRequest. 

For more information on litter cleanup, including how to request a litter clean-up kit visit, peterborough.ca/LitterAction. 

City crews will sweep all roadways, City-owned sidewalks, trails and parking lots in April and May. The work typically takes about seven weeks to complete, depending on weather conditions. Many areas may receive a second sweep as needed.  

This year, crews will begin in the west end, followed by south, east and north. Overnight crews will sweep arterial streets and the downtown area. 

City street sweeping removes winter sand and salt from roads and helps prevent debris from entering the stormwater system. Street sweeping also improves the cleanliness and appearance of streets, sidewalks and parking lots. 

Residents can assist by removing sports nets from streets, placing garbage and recycling containers on lawns or driveways and avoiding on-street parking during sweeping operations. Drivers are asked to proceed cautiously around street sweeping equipment. 

Crack sealing in asphalt began at the end of March and is expected to continue through the summer into early fall. While no full road closures are planned, traffic may be reduced to one lane in each direction on collector and arterial roads and reduced to single-lane access with flagging operations on local streets. 

To review planned locations, visit the City’s construction map at peterborough.ca/ConstructionMap. Locations will be added to the map as they are approved throughout the season.

City crews will patch potholes as weather conditions permit. Repairs are prioritized in high-traffic areas and locations where road damage poses safety concerns. 

Motorists are reminded to slow down, exercise caution and leave a safe distance when approaching maintenance crews. 

Road inspections and repairs are conducted year-round in accordance with Provincial Maintenance Standards, with increased focus during the spring thaw. 

Freeze–thaw cycles place stress on road surfaces as moisture enters cracks in the asphalt, freezes and expands. When temperatures rise, weakened pavement can break apart under traffic, resulting in potholes. 

Residents can report potholes by: 

• Using the online form at peterborough.ca/ServiceRequest 

• Calling Public Works at 705-745-1386 

In addition to seasonal cleanup work, several road maintenance programs will take place across the city this spring and summer. Restoration of utility cuts made over the winter will begin in late April and continue throughout the spring and summer. 

Commercial vehicles are restricted to half-loads on designated streets within the City of Peterborough until April 30, 2026. Half-load restrictions help protect roadways during the spring thaw, when pavement structures experience reduced load-bearing capacity due to freeze–thaw conditions. 

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Offering Thousands in Funding for Local Green Startups and Environmental Innovators

The Rotary Club of Peterborough is rewarding thousands of dollars in funding through the Rotary Environmental Innovators Fund (REIF) to local green startups and environmental innovators.

The following were last year's recipients of REIF: Wildrock Outfitters / Kawartha Land Trust, Woodleigh Farms, Clean Energy Generation, Taproots for Tomorrow and Second Nature Studio. Last year saw 16 applicants for local projects. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Rotary Environmental Innovators Fund (REIF) is an initiative of the Rotary Club of Peterborough, with the goal of identifying, funding and elevating local environmental innovators whose ideas can make a measurable difference in the region and beyond.

REIF is currently seeking proposals from students, entrepreneurs, community leaders and small businesses developing local solutions to environmental challenges.

Up to $3,000 is available for initiatives that address:

● Climate action and energy efficiency

● Land and water conservation

● Waste reduction and circular economy solutions

● Sustainable food systems and regenerative practices

● Eco-conscious innovation in product and service design

More than $30,000 has been awarded to successful applicants since the fund’s inception in 2023.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the website to download an application form and learn more about this opportunity.

The deadline for applications is April 2 with the winners announced at a reception on May 11. at the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s regular lunch meeting.

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City of Peterborough Encourages Temporary Water Conservation During Wet-Weather Events

The City of Peterborough is encouraging residents to temporarily reduce non-essential water use to help lower the volume of water entering the City of Peterborough Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City is issuing the warning following heavy snowmelt and a winter with substantial snow accumulation, with heavy rainfall forecast for Wednesday.

According to the City, heavy rainfall and spring snowmelt can significantly increase the amount of water entering the municipal wastewater system, placing additional pressure on the sewer infrastructure during wet-weather events.  

The Wastewater Treatment Plant is experiencing higher-than-normal flows of water into the facility for treatment. It is operating within capacity and treatment is taking place as expected. 

During major wet-weather events, rainwater and melting snow can enter the sanitary sewer through foundation drains, cracks in pipes, and improperly connected sump pumps or downspouts. This additional flow, known as inflow and infiltration, adds to the volume that must be carried and treated. 

To help manage these temporary increases, residents are encouraged to reduce non-essential water use for short periods during significant rainfall or snowmelt events. When many households take simple steps to limit indoor water use, these actions help lower peak flows and reduce pressure on sewer pipes and pumping stations during extreme conditions.

Residents can assist by delaying laundry and dishwasher use, taking shorter showers, avoiding full bathtub fills and turning off taps when not in use. Homeowners can also help reduce stormwater entering the sanitary system by ensuring sump pumps discharge outside, keeping downspouts disconnected from sanitary sewers, and directing roof drainage away from foundations. 

These actions help reduce pressure on the wastewater system during wet weather periods.

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City of Peterborough Receives 2025 Sustainability Award for Battery Recycling

After diverting 22,689 kg of batteries from landfill last year, the City of Peterborough has been named a recipient of the Leaders in Sustainability Awards by Call2Recycle Canada. 

The City participates in the Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! The program is operated by Call2Recycle Canada, providing convenient battery recycling options throughout the community. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The collection was done through the City’s participation in the Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! program. 

The Leaders in Sustainability Awards recognize organizations that demonstrate exceptional environmental leadership by responsibly managing end-of-life batteries and making measurable contributions to Canada’s circular economy. 

In 2025, Call2Recycle reported its most successful year to date, collecting more than eight million kilograms of batteries across Canada, a 17 per cent increase over the previous year. 

Proper battery recycling prevents hazardous materials from entering landfills and supports resource recovery by reclaiming metals such as lithium and nickel for reuse. 

Batteries can be dropped off at the following City of Peterborough locations: 

• City Hall, 500 George St. N 

• Household Hazardous Waste Depot, 400 Pido Rd. 

• Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd. 

• Kinsmen Civic Centre, 1 Kinsmen Way

• Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. 

• Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.

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City Invites Restaurants To Participate In Community Green Bin Initiative

The City of Peterborough invites restaurants and food-generating businesses within the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area to participate in the organic waste diversion program, a community Green Bin initiative.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Launched on Oct. 31, 2023, the City’s Green Bin program, with about 28,000 households, started an organic waste collection service. According to a press release, the service has significantly increased waste diversion from landfill. The organics collection is being extended to the commercial sector to further strengthen Peterborough’s sustainability efforts. 

The Phase 2 project starts with approximately 25 voluntary participants, primarily restaurants in the downtown and surrounding areas, with the potential inclusion of other food-generating establishments. This focused approach allows the City to refine collection methods, address logistical considerations and optimize service routes before broader expansion, as stated by the City. 

According to the City, by participating, businesses can: 

• Reduce garbage volumes

• Keep food out of the landfill

• Cut greenhouse gas emissions

• Turn food scraps into compost and valuable resources

• Demonstrate environmental leadership

• Support Peterborough’s sustainability goals

Businesses interested in participating in the project can complete a form by March 6.

Businesses not selected for the initial rollout of the project will be considered as the program expands. 

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Blue Box Program to Accept More Recyclable Items Starting Jan. 1

Starting Jan. 1, Peterborough residents will be able to recycle more items through the Province’s Blue Box program.  

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Circular Materials, a not-for-profit organization, manages the recycling collection and processing program in the City of Peterborough through its local contractor, Emterra Environmental, under Ontario’s Blue Box Regulation. Recycling collection and processing in the City of Peterborough was assumed by Circular Materials effective Jan. 1, 2024. 

The expanded list of items eligible for recycling through the Blue Box program is part of Ontario’s move to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which shifts responsibility for recycling to the companies that produce packaging and paper products.  

The changes to the Blue Box program allow the same recyclable materials to be accepted across the province and more items can now be recycled.  

Newly accepted items include: 

• Black plastic containers 

• Hot and cold beverage cups 

• Deodorant and toothpaste tubes 

• Frozen juice containers 

• Ice cream tubs and similar packaging 

• Foam packaging, including meat trays, takeout containers, cups, plates, bowls and foam packaging for products 

• Flexible packaging, which includes potato chip bags, bubble wrap, snack wrappers, cereal box liners, deli pouches and plastic gift bags

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City of Peterborough To Undergo Annual Urban Forest Maintenance

The City of Peterborough is performing annual urban forest maintenance to maintain public safety and the urban forests’ health from December 2025 to March 2026.  

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Trees identified for removal include: 

• Trees that are unhealthy or unsafe, typically marked with an orange dot.  

• Ash trees impacted by Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) marked with a pink dot or band. 

The identified trees are on City property, including parks, road allowances and natural spaces, where they may pose a risk to people or property. This proactive approach helps reduce potential property damage and public-safety risks while supporting the goals of the City’s long-term Urban Forest Strategic Plan. 

External contractors will remove Ash trees. 

Residents may notice crews working in various locations during this period and may be affected by temporary trail or parking area closures at parks. 

The work over the four months will include the removal of approximately 2,000 dead and dying Ash trees infested with EAB.  

Ash tree removals will take place in unmaintained parks and natural areas. Some of these areas are within Otonabee Conservation areas, regulated flood plain zones that restrict the use of equipment to protect the ecologically sensitive areas. The woody material (trunk, limbs, brush, etc.) will be left onsite to decompose naturally over time, adding organic material back to the site and encouraging wildlife habitat. Stumps will not be ground.  

Urban park fires are often related to human activity. To reduce this risk, park users should stay on trails, be aware that smoking is prohibited and report any fire immediately by calling 9-1-1. 

The 2026 tree-planting program will include planting up to 2,000 new trees across the city, supported by the Government of Canada’s 2 Billion Trees Program and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund. These efforts contribute to the City’s goal of achieving an overall tree canopy cover of 35 per cent by 2051. 

In future years, reforestation efforts could be implemented in the areas heavily impacted by the EAB to ensure the sustainability of the urban forest of Peterborough. 

Approximately 150 Ash trees are on municipal road allowances in residential areas, in addition to the road allowances, parks, and natural areas listed below.  

The following areas are scheduled for work during this period:  

Road name: 

• Driscoll Road  

• Guthrie Drive  

• Maniece Avenue  

• Nassau Mills Road/University Road 

Park name: 

• Ashburnham Memorial Park   

• Auburn Reach Park   

• Beavermead Park   

• Burnham Point Park   

• Chelsea Gardens Park   

• Collison Park   

• Corrigan Park   

• 120 Fradette Ave, green space 

• Giles Park   

• Golfview Heights Park   

• GreenUP Ecology Park   

• Hamilton Park   

• Jackson Park   

• James Stevenson Park   

• Kawartha Heights Park   

• Kinsmen Park   

• Mapleridge Park   

• Newhall Park   

• Nicholls Oval Park   

• Oakwood Park   

• Rogers Cove   

• Stenson Park   

• Stillman Park   

• University Heights Park   

• Walker Park   

• Wallis Heights Park   

• Whitefield Park 

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Otonabee Region Watershed Downgrades to Level 1 Low Water Condition

The Otonabee Region Water Response Team has downgraded the Otonabee Conservation watershed to a Level 1 Low Water Condition, following its Level 2 status since August.

Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.

Above-average rainfall in September and October has eased the effects of this summer’s hot, dry weather. Otonabee Conservation states they will continue monitoring conditions and may return to normal status if precipitation remains sufficient in the coming weeks.

The Otonabee Region Water Response Team includes representatives from local municipalities, water managers, tourism and agriculture, provincial and federal agencies, First Nations and Otonabee Conservation.

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FCM Grant Helps City of Peterborough Enhance Urban Canopy

The City of Peterborough is restoring its urban canopy and increasing tree coverage by planting thousands of new trees through grants from the Government of Canada’s 2 Billion Trees Program and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund (GMF) totalling $1,623,230.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The money was from GMF’s Growing Canada’s Community Canopies (GCCC) initiative, to plant up to 4,000 trees throughout the city, maximizing benefits for residents and the City’s urban canopy. 

Jointly announced by the Government of Canada and FCM in May 2024, GCCC will support the planting of at least 1.2 million new trees across Canada by the end of March 2031, while providing funding, resources, and coaching to communities.  

“This initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the impacts of climate change by restoring the vital ecosystems in our community,” said Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP. “Planting trees brings immediate benefits to all living beings and lasting benefits for generations to come. I’m proud to be part of planting the seeds today that our children and grandchildren will one day enjoy.”

“Fair and equal access to trees means ensuring that every resident, in every neighbourhood, can enjoy the cleaner air, shade, and beauty that our urban forest provides,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The support from this FCM grant will not only help us expand canopy coverage city-wide, but it will also allow us to replace the many trees we’ve lost. Peterborough's tree canopy has been greatly impacted over the last few years by a derecho in May of 2022, the ice storm in March of 2025, and the invasive emerald ash borer. With this grant, we'll be able to rebuild and replenish our urban forest, making sure the benefits of trees are shared equitably while building a greener, more resilient Peterborough for the future.”

“With the right trees in the right places, communities of all sizes can unlock environmental, social and economic benefits,” said Rebecca Bligh, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. “Through the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies initiative, our municipalities now have access to the funding, training and resources they need to make tree planting a smart investment in the long-term health and resilience of our communities.” 

Trees will be planted along road allowances, parks and open spaces. The City will maintain the trees.   

Factors like space, soil conditions, sunlight, and nearby utilities and structures will help determine the location and species of the tree to be planted. Large, native-growing trees are planted whenever possible.  

As part of the City’s annual tree planting program, notification letters are sent to property owners when a tree is going to be planted on a boulevard or road allowance. A door hanger is also provided when the tree planting location has been marked in advance of the planting.

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Trent University Receives $359,000 Grant From TD Bank Group For University Green Network

Trent University has received over $359,000 from the TD Bank Group (TD) to support conservation and learning on the University Green Network (UGN), announced on Wednesday.

A student conducts research in a forested area part of the University Green Network at Trent University. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The network is a large, interconnected 868-acre system on Trent’s Peterborough campus, including habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring, Indigenous Knowledge integration, and experiential learning opportunities for students, according to Julie Davis, Trent's vice-president of external relations and development.

“Thanks to this latest funding from TD, we can take the next step in realizing the vision for the UGN – implementing the Ggwepnandizamin Systems-Level Plan,” she said. “The plan provides a structured approach to monitoring and enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem health across campus. This funding support will allow us to restore and enhance habitats, establish best practices in conservation, and create meaningful opportunities for students and the community to engage with the natural environment.”

This new grant builds on funding received from TD in 2022 to support multiple initiatives within the UGN, a system that includes diverse habitats, wildlife corridors, productive landscapes, and various green spaces that promote ecological function and biodiversity according to a press release. The UGN was first envisioned in the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan.

Earlier funding from TD facilitated the development of the Ggwepnandizamin Plan in collaboration with faculty, students, Michi Saagiig First Nations, and local organizations, including Camp Kawartha and Peterborough Green-Up.  The word Ggwepnandizamin means ‘together, putting our best effort forward towards something important’ in Anishinaabemowin. The name was provided by the Elders and Knowledge Keepers Council at Trent, who provided wisdom and guidance in developing the plan.

“Trent University's focus on enhancing biodiversity and embedding Indigenous Knowledge in environmental stewardship reflects a deep commitment to reconciliation and sustainability,” said Robyn Small, TD Bank Group senior manager, Philanthropy, Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship. “Through the TD Ready Commitment, TD is proud to continue supporting Trent University in advancing this important work that honours Indigenous knowledge and creates hands-on opportunities for students and community members to meaningfully connect with the environment.”

During the next three-year funding period, Trent says the will implement key actions from the Ggwepnandizamin Plan, including developing wildlife corridors and natural areas, such as pollinator gardens; creating Michi Saagiig cultural harvesting areas; reducing invasive species, such as phragmites; launching Indigenous storytelling initiatives; and expanding teaching and learning opportunities.

The grant will also fund a part-time ecological land planning coordinator to implement the plan, integrate ecological planning into campus projects, support environmental monitoring, facilitate Indigenous engagement and involve students and faculty.

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