City Councillors Echo Mayor Jeff Leal's Statement Increased Homelessness Throughout Peterborough and the Country

Several City Councillors echo and endorse Mayor Leal’s statement regarding increased homelessness and the humanitarian crisis surrounding it which was made on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Councillors Gary Baldwin, Matt Crowley, Kevin Duguay, Dave Haacke, Lesley Parnell and Don Vassiliadis agree with the mayor and have made the following statement in support of Leal.

The following is the joint statement released by City Council:

As City Councillors for the City of Peterborough, we express our agreement with and strong support for the statement issued by Mayor Jeff Leal on Thursday, January 23, 2025.

The creation of 60 more temporary shelter beds is a substantial budget and service level decision that rightly belongs to Council as a whole.

This was not raised during the recent 2025 Budget review when City Council approved substantial increases in homelessness services funding to maintain and enhance services for people who are experiencing homelessness. 

We will repeat some of Mayor Leal’s words: 

“This Council has taken significant steps to help some of the most vulnerable in our community.  

In terms of shelter spaces, our community supports 127 shelter and drop-in centre beds provided in partnership with community agencies. That is among the highest per-capita provision of shelter beds in the Province. 

There are still people in our community who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness. 

Municipalities are not equipped to address homelessness and its related health care, mental health, addiction, and housing issues. Our ability as municipalities to fund these services out of property tax revenue, which is based on property assessment rather than ability to pay, is limited. 

City Council decides how much to invest in homelessness services as it considers the various needs in our community. This Council is now, this year, more than doubling the City’s investment in the City’s Homeless Prevention Program for shelter services and drop-in centre spaces. 

This Council has shown compassion and political will. There is no question more needs to be done.” 

As city councillors, we recognize that additional, long-term, provincial and federal funding is needed for the complete housing continuum.

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Peterborough Chamber to Launch "Igniting Emerging Leaders" to Support and Network Young Professionals

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is launching ‘Igniting Emerging Leaders – Young Professionals Group’ to help network young professionals under 40 at Shorelines Casino on Jan. 29.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

The free event is open and intended for emerging business leaders under 40 to receive new opportunities to connect and develop through the Young Professionals Group. It runs from 7 p.m to 8:30 p.m.

The group will offer opportunities to connect, fun activities, and insightful speakers on relevant and timely themes such as building a personal brand in the digital age says Nigel Broersma, Chamber director of business development.

“We are thrilled to launch our new Young Professionals program, which is a direct response to feedback from our members,” he said. “This initiative will feature quarterly meetings that blend social interaction, networking, engaging activities, and a speaker series. It’s an excellent opportunity for young professionals to learn, grow their knowledge, and build meaningful connections within our vibrant and expanding business community.”

Registration is online. The Young Professionals Group will meet quarterly at a different regional business. Attendees will be allowed to grow their relationships, ask questions and learn new skills.

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Central Smith Creamery Receives Grant Up to $200,000 In Government's Effort to Strengthen Dairy Sector

In an effort to bolster the dairy sector in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, Selwyn’s Central Smith Creamery has received a grant of up to $200,000 from the provincial and federal governments.

(left to right) Jillian Scates, project manager and co-owners Ian and Jennifer Scates are part of three generations who have been involved with Central Smith Creamery. The Sustainable CAP is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by provinces and territories. Photo by David Tuan Bui

The funding is used to purchase various technologies including an ultraviolet liquid storage tank, volume and temperature control systems, a fat tester system, liquefier load cells, an upgraded raw material management system and a robotic conveyor system.

The grants aims to enhance product quality and boost processing efficiency through the Dairy Processors Modernization Initiative, which offers cost-shared funding to dairy processors for improving efficiency, capacity, and food safety by adopting modern milk processing methods according to Dave Smith, Peterborough Kawartha MPP.

“Central Smith Creamery plays a vital role in our community by providing job opportunities and backing local initiatives. It's wonderful to witness their ability to enhance production capabilities through this project,” he explained. “Central Smith is establishing a standard of excellence within the industry. This upgrade is anticipated to boost efficiency and allow the company to satisfy increasing demand while upholding the high quality that customers have come to cherish.”

The Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative still accepts applications from cow, goat, sheep and water buffalo milk processors until the program is fully subscribed. The initiative provides up to $200,000 in cost-shared funding to each successful applicant to help dairy processing businesses increase production efficiency and food safety in their facilities. Funding can help cover the cost of new or refurbished equipment, training and more. The governments of Ontario and Canada are investing up to $8 million in the initiative through the Sustainable Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to receive this grant, as it will enable us to elevate the level of support we offer to our customers across the country. The backing from the Ontario Government is incredibly valuable, and we sincerely appreciate it,” said Ian and Jennifer Scates, Central Smith Creamery co-owners.

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Forbes Lists Peterborough Regional Health Centre In Top 300 List of Canada's Best Employers

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has been recognized as one of Canada's Best Employers in 2025 according to Forbes’s list on Wednesday.

PRHC is the region’s largest employer, with more than 3,100 staff, 450 physicians with privileges and a core group of 250 volunteers. File Photo.

PRHC was listed as one of the top 20 employers nationwide in the healthcare and social services category and 199 overall among 300 Canadian employers across all sectors.

“Every day, I see the work that our healthcare leaders, staff, physicians and volunteers put in to make our regional hospital such a special place,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC president and CEO. “It’s wonderful to see a prestigious organization like Forbes recognizing that too. At PRHC, our greatest strength is our people. One team, here for our community when you need us most.”

The annual Forbes list of Canada’s Best Employers is developed by asking survey respondents if they would recommend their employer to others based on a range of criteria, including salary, work flexibility, training programs and opportunities to advance.

It was produced in partnership with market research firm Statista. The latter surveyed over 40,000 Canada-based employees working for companies and institutions that employ at least 500 individuals within Canada. Data was analyzed from the last three years, each employer was given a score and the top 300 organizations made the Forbes list of Canada’s Best Employers in 2025.

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Mayor Jeff Leal Issues Statement Regarding Increased Homelessness Throughout Peterborough and the Country

Mayor Jeff Leal has issued a statement regarding increased homelessness and the humanitarian crisis surrounding it on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

The following is the full statement released by Leal:

Communities across Canada and throughout Ontario are experiencing a humanitarian crisis from a substantial increase in homelessness. Peterborough is no exception. A recent report from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) shows that homelessness across the province has increased by 25 per cent since 2022.

I have stated publicly many times, and AMO’s report makes clear, that municipalities are not equipped to address homelessness and its related health care, mental health, addiction, and housing issues. Our ability as municipalities to fund these services out of property tax revenue, which is based on property assessment rather than ability to pay, is limited. Municipalities are collectively appealing to the province and the federal government to put a greater focus on this crisis that is affecting individuals, families and communities.

But the City of Peterborough, and this Council, have taken significant action to help some of the most vulnerable in our community. The need is truly great.

Between 2024 and 2025, in one year alone, we are more than doubling the City’s funding toward homelessness prevention programs to increase support to our emergency shelters, expand drop-in space hours of operation, and enhance services.

The overall cost of the City’s Homeless Prevention Program will increase to about $8.4 million in 2025 from almost $6.9 million in 2024, with the City’s share of those costs more than doubling from $1.2 million in 2024 to more than $2.6 million in 2025. The Province’s contribution to shelters and drop-in spaces for homelessness services is increasing to $5.6 million from $5.4 million, which doesn’t include its substantial funding for the 50-unit Modular Bridge Housing Community.

In terms of shelter spaces, our community supports 127 shelter and drop-in centre beds provided in partnership with community agencies. That is among the highest per-capita provision of shelter beds in the Province.

Even with that investment in emergency shelters, the beds are often full, especially in the winter. And when we do have spaces available, there is tenting in our parks as people may choose to not access shelter, or they may not be able to access shelter for a variety of reasons, such as addictions or mental health. There are still people in our community who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

Beyond shelter services, the City financially supports more than 2,000 affordable and social housing units as well as various other homeless and housing support services in the community.

I express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Councillor Alex Bierk and Councillor Keith Riel who serve as homelessness portfolio co-chairs on Council.

Their call to declare a homelessness emergency and to use Strong Mayor Powers as a way to immediately create 60 additional shelter spaces is, however, a misguided approach.

The City of Peterborough is already under a declared homelessness emergency and has been since October 2022 when it was issued by former Mayor Diane Therrien. The declaration was officially filed with the Province and remains in place. Declaring an emergency does not necessarily provide additional support from the province or federal government.

My understanding as Mayor is that Strong Mayor Powers provided by the Province are to be utilized specifically for the building of housing – the powers do not encompass the provision of temporary shelter.

Councillor Bierk and Councillor Riel stated they have been pushing for an action plan since late summer, yet they did not put forward a motion at the Council table to add additional shelter space to the Winter Response Program, which they championed in its creation and this Council approved in May 2023.

That Winter Response Plan led to the opening of the One City daytime and overnight drop-in program and the building of the 50-unit Modular Bridge Housing Community. In November 2024, Council supported a motion from Councillor Riel, by a 9 to 1 vote, to increase funding to expand the hours for the One City drop-in space program.

I agree that we should do whatever we can to provide shelter space for individuals experiencing homelessness, but that needs to be decided on by a majority of the members of Council.

City Council decides how much to invest in homelessness services as it considers the various needs in our community. This Council is now, this year, more than doubling the City’s investment in the City’s Homeless Prevention Program for shelter services and drop-in centre spaces.

This Council has shown compassion and political will. There is no question more needs to be done. We are doing more. We will do more beyond that, I have no doubt.

Yours sincerely,

Jeff Leal
Mayor
City of Peterborough

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Peterborough Man Arrested For Break and Enter; Police Seeking Another Suspect Who Fled

A 35-year-old Peterborough man is facing charges after a break-and-enter incident Wednesday evening. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 8:15 p.m, officers were called to a George Street North and Brock Street building about two unwanted people. Officers learned that one person was still inside.  While checking the building, officers located that person and took them into custody.

Theman was arrested and charged with:

• Break, Enter a place - with intent to commit indictable offence

• Fail to Comply with Probation Order

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance- Other Drugs

The accused is currently bound by a probation order with the following condition: to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court today on Thursday.

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

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JA-NEO Unveils Class of 2025 Business Hall of Fame Inductees

Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has revealed this year’s exceptional business leaders into the class of 2025 10th Annual JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame (BHF), announced at the Venture North Building on Wednesday morning.

Toni and Kelli Grady; Donnell Leahy, Natalie McMaster and Julia Leahy and Margo and Paul Hudson were absent from the event. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The nominees are being inducted at an event at The Venue on May 29. Each year, JA-NEO highlights nominees and their contributions that have significantly impacted the local business landscape, according to a press release.

“JA-NEO is excited to unveil the 10th annual class of inductees to join our ever-growing Business Hall of Fame as we mark our 10th induction ceremony this May,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO CEO and president. “As we celebrate 10 years of our Business Hall of Fame, we are thrilled to welcome our biggest class yet who are helping to inspire and show local youth that starting their own business can be rewarding and last multiple generations much like the business leaders being honored today.”

The 2025 JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame Inductees for Peterborough are:

• Darrell Junkin, Craftworks at the Barn

• Toni and Kelli Grady, Grady Feet Essentials

• Grant Seabrooke, Machine Dynamics Ltd.

• Matt Holmes and Michael Riseley, Holmes Riseley LLP

• Donnell Leahy, Natalie McMaster and Julia Leahy, Natalie Donnell Entertainment

• Margo and Paul Hudson, Jo Anne’s Place Health Foods

• Nancy Wiskel, Dan Joyce Clothing

• Martin and Kelly Carbajal, La Mesita Restaurante

• Drew Merrett, Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre

• Diane Richard, Diatom Consulting

• Raj Patel, Ennismore Foodland

• Peter, Rita, Michael, Eric and Graeme Eatson, Peterborough Volkswagen

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Canadian Mental Health Association Offer Tips To Battle Mental Health Stigma On Bell Let's Talk Day

To mark the 15th annual Bell Let’s Talk Day, the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) have joined the latter in providing tips to help beat the stigma of mental health.

Since its launch in 2010, Bell Let’s Talk has significantly advanced Canada’s mental health conversation. This initiative has reduced stigma, spurred open dialogue, and fostered positive changes in attitudes and behaviours surrounding mental health. File Photo.

 CMHA HKPR encourages the public to be part of the change and use this campaign as an opportunity to take action that is meaningful. 

How to Get Involved:

• Text the keyword “YOUTH” to 45678 to donate $5 to support youth mental health. Bell will match these donations up to $1 million.

These are the five ways to help fight the stigma surrounding mental illness:

1. Language matters – pay attention to the words you use.

2. Educate yourself – learn, know and talk more – understand the signs when someone needs help. Consider education offered through CMHA HKPR, including corporate and workplace mental health education as well as certificate training.

3. Be kind – small acts of kindness to someone struggling can help a lot.

4. Listen and ask – sometimes it is best to just listen.

5. Talk about it – start a dialogue, break the silence!

In October, Bell announced a $10 million contribution to mental health in 2025, increasing its total investment to $184 million since 2010.

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Innovation Cluster Announce Record-Breaking Year In 2024

The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas have declared 2024 as its best-performing year on its twentieth anniversary, announced on Wednesday.

The organization serves over 125 early-stage companies in 23 countries and regional and provincial Ontario Canadian clients. File photo.

According to Innovation Cluster, in 2024, international and regional demand for technology-based incubator and accelerator programming drove a 19 per cent increase in active clients.

“Working with the Innovation Cluster was an incredible experience,” said Kinen Ocitti, CEO & Founder of Kuwota. “We received valuable guidance from the program's experts-in-residence, who helped us understand our platform's value to individuals and mental health professionals, explore different customer acquisition strategies and build partnerships with mental health organizations.”

The following are Innovation Cluster’s 2024 highlights:

● 30 events across a broad spectrum of topics focused on skill-building and networking

● Launched the LevelUP accelerator program and conducted two over-subscribed cohorts with over 50 per cent of the applicants new to the Innovation Cluster

● Expanded the Expert-in-Residence (EXiR) program with additional expertise in funding, IP, operations, and service models and delivered over 130 expert advisory hours

● Continued to receive Government funding for new programming.

● Added a virtual component to all programming and moved to new offices in response to client needs

“I am excited to bring my experience in deep tech, venture capital, and innovation strategy to help scale startups and drive transformative change,” said Moien Giashi of GreenSky Ventures Inc. “As an ExIR, my priority is to empower founders to overcome complex challenges, fast-track their journey to market, and contribute to the ongoing success of the Innovation Cluster's dynamic and impactful ecosystem.”

“The rapid growth we experienced last year, coupled with our ability to maintain consistently high customer satisfaction, validates our vision and the quality of our programming,” said Nicole Stephenson, Chair of the Board of Directors. “2024 was a year of change in the industries and communities we serve and our organization. We left 2024 well positioned for continued growth in 2025 and beyond.”

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Police Seeking Missing 35-Year-Old Peterborough Man

The Peterborough Police Service is asking the public’s assistance in locating a missing person 35-year-old Justin Lambert, reported on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

He was last seen leaving his residence in the downtown area around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. His family and police are concerned for his well-being.

Lambert is described as:

• black jacket

• green toque yellow "Zelda" logo

• prescription glasses

• black pants

• reddish hair

• 6'1

• Thin build

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

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