City of Peterborough Launches Commemorative Tributes Policy
/The City of Peterborough seeks public feedback for a new Commemorative Tributes Policy.
File Photo.
Peterborough Blogs
Registration Open For Third Annual GPHSF Charity Bonspiel Closes On Sunday
/Registration for the third annual Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) Charity Bonspiel, held on Feb. 15 at the Peterborough Curling Club closes on Sunday.
Photo courtesy of GPHSF.
Funds raised go towards broadening healthcare and its accessibility for Peterborough, the County, Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations.
“We are really excited for our third Bonspiel in partnership with Imprinted Apparel Store. This event continues to grow each year. The response remains incredibly positive. We have a great time putting it on and being part of this event” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “Funds raised from this event will continue our mission to broaden health equity and access to healthcare for the residents in Peterborough City and County as well as Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations. Funds will support our partnership with the Peterborough Family Health Team, along with many other community organizations we work with.”
Registration is $300, with a $60 tax receipt. The day includes two games along with breakfast and lunch. There are $2,000 prizes to be won provided by Imprinted Apparel Store and $500 in prizes provided by Goldline. Other activities such as trivia challenges, raffle draws, cornhole boards and many other opportunities to win prizes will be at the event.
Participants can register online. Only 24 teams are available. GPHSF notes that participants should have some experience with the game and their equipment. They will not be able to provide on-ice training for beginners.
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City Council to Determine Approval of 2025 Budget On Monday's Meeting
/City Council will consider approving the City's 2025 Budget, which outlines investments in municipal services and infrastructure, during its meeting that starts at 6 p.m. on Monday.
File Photo.
The budget has a 6.72 per cent all-inclusive rate increase that equates to $10.44 per month per $100,000 of property assessment for the typical residential property,
Through its budget deliberations in November, the City of Peterborough reports that Council cut spending in several areas and added back in funding that had been removed earlier in the budget process to reduce the property tax requirement. Council started with a 7.8 per cent all-inclusive rate increase when the draft budget was initially presented.
To reduce the tax requirement for residents and businesses, Council asked the Peterborough County/City Paramedics and Peterborough Police Services Board to reduce their requested increases for 2025. Peterborough Paramedics reduced its funding request to $7,299,067, an increase of $488,270, or 7.2 per cent from 2024. Peterborough Police Services Board responded with a request for $37,802,241, an increase of $2,727,054, or 7.8 per cent, from 2024 – after initially requesting an 8.8 per cent increase.
Council made many changes to the City’s Draft 2025 Budget to reduce the property tax requirement by decreasing spending, increasing revenue and drawing from reserve funds.
Among the changes to the draft budget Council:
Restoring $298,153 for Community Grants that had been cut from the draft budget
Adding a $500,000 interest-free loan for the replacement of the roof at Showplace Performance Centre
Reducing the proposed 2025 stormwater management funding by $620,000
Providing $250,000 from the Social Services Reserve to help fund architectural, engineering and planning services for the proposed new Brock Mission Housing Project that would create 50 transitional housing units
Drawing $904,000 from the Social Services Reserve for several housing and homelessness services enhancements, including extending the Trinity Community Centre overnight drop-in program to a full-year service, increasing funding to the Housing Stability Fund, and increasing the capacity of the Brock Mission shelter to 40 beds from 32 beds
Restoring funding for discretionary benefits, which had been proposed to be reduced, at a cost of $235,695
Reducing preventative maintenance at municipal facilities for a savings of $153,000
Ending the lifeguard service for swimming at Roger’s Cove for a savings of $39,995 (lifeguard service continues to be provided at the nearby Beavermead Park beach)
Ending the maintenance of the Trent-Severn Waterway canal south of the Lift Lock in winter for skating for a savings of $100,000
Reinstating a $150,000 annual payment to the Downtown Business Improvement Area that had been proposed to be removed
Removing a $132,500 expense for contracting streetscape maintenance services to the Downtown Business Improvement Area as the City will directly provide the service in 2025
Reducing spending on graffiti management, forestry contractual services, and street cleaning totalling $60,000
Reducing Transit expenses for cleaning supplies and contractual services by $75,000
Reducing the budget provision for insurance premiums by $115,000
Through its 2025 Budget, Council has endorsed transitioning stormwater funding from the tax base to a dedicated user fee effective April 1, using a simplified interim rate structure. The proposed user fee will replace what is being paid by property owners through the property tax base and place a charge, or a user fee, on the utility bill. Unlike many municipalities with dedicated stormwater networks and raise the necessary funding through a user fee, the City of Peterborough currently funds the program through the tax base.
The City says benefits to implementing a Stormwater Management Fee include:
Dedicating a funding stream allocated back to providing the service
Awareness and transparency showing owners what they pay for the service and what is required for capital and operating costs
Fairness where owners may pay based on stormwater contribution as opposed to property assessment
Introducing the opportunity for economic incentives, giving owners the opportunity to reduce their costs associated with delivering the service
The Budget details investments in municipal services and infrastructure, such as water and wastewater infrastructure and treatment, garbage collection, the Green Bin program, the landfill and composting facilities, affordable housing, homelessness services, roads, recreation and parks, arts and culture, policing, fire services, paramedics, and public health.
The Draft 2025 Budget, as presented on Nov. 4, includes $411 million in operating expenses, with $185.9 million from property taxes and the remainder funded by other revenues such as grants from other governments, user fees, and service charges.
On the capital side, the Draft 2025 Budget as presented on Nov. 4, includes $147.4 million for 174 projects such as the Transit Garage Replacement, police station renovations, major infrastructure work on Brealey Drive between Lansdowne and Sherbrooke streets, updating and replacing equipment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and various road projects.
The City started the 2025 Budget process in March 2024 with community consultation, including a survey and public meetings held through March and April. Council held General Committee meetings in June to review information and consider input from the community. Council considered detailed breakdowns of budget implications for services and capital projects before recommending guidelines for preparing the Draft 2025 Budget.
Council heard from public delegations on the Draft 2025 Budget at a meeting on Nov. 12.
The City held informal public meetings on Nov. 7 and 12 to present information, respond to questions and get feedback on the Draft 2025 Budget ahead of Council’s deliberations.
At its meeting on Dec. 9, Council gave final approval to specific projects and programs in the 2025 Budget to allow that work to proceed while Council considers the remainder of the Draft 2025 Budget. Council also approved the 2025 User Fees and Charges.
The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 500 George St. N. and can be attended in person or watched live online at peterborough.ca/WatchCouncil.
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Three People Arrested For Impaired Driving In Separate Incidents
/Peterborough Police Service arrested three drivers for impaired-related offences in three incidents early Saturday morning.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
A 56-year-old Peterborough man is facing impaired charges after a traffic stop. On Saturday, a vehicle was spotted being driven erratically and was stopped in the Lundy’s Lane and Monaghan Road area. The officers noticed signs of impairment with the driver.
The was arrested and charged with:
Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs
Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
The accused was issued an automatic 90-day license suspension and seven-day vehicle impoundment.
The accused was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on March 11.
A 28-year-old Peterborough man is facing impaired charges after a single-vehicle collision early Saturday morning.
At roughly 3 a.m. on Saturday, a 9-1-1 call occurred about a collision in the Highway 7 and Parkhill Road area. Upon arrival, officers located the driver outside the vehicle and, during the conversation, noticed signs of impairment.
The man was arrested and charged with:
Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs
Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
The accused was issued an automatic 90-day license suspension and seven-day vehicle impoundment.
The accused was released on an appearance notice and is schedule to appear in court on March 4.
A 21-year-old Omemee man is facing impaired charges after an incident Saturday morning.
At roughly 6:20 a.m. on Saturday, officers were called about a vehicle in a snowbank in the Valleyview Drive and Parkhill Road West area. It was reported that the vehicle was running and a male in the driver’s seat was either asleep or unconscious. The driver was awake and officers were able to talk him and noticed signs of impairment.
The man was arrested and charged with:
Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs
Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
Novice driver - B.A.C. above zero
The accused was issued an automatic 90-day license suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment.
The accused was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on March 11.
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Peterborough Petes Pick Up Pair of Wins During Weekend Stretch
/The Peterborough Petes picked up four points after getting wins in back-to-back games over the Brampton Steelheads and the Oshawa Generals.
Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.
The wins were part of a three-game stretch where the Petes played on back-to-back-to-back games.
After falling late to the Brampton Steelheads at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday, the Petes got revenge on the back end of the home-and-home series, defeating Brampton 5-4 on Friday. Peterborough had lost 4-3 to the Steelheads on Thursday after coughing up two goals in the third period.
Caden Taylor led the team with a goal and an assist, while Aiden Young and Rio Kaiser had two assists. Braydon McCallum, Martin Matejicek, Brady Stonehouse and Colin Fitzgerald all scored. Jonathan Melee, Blake Gowan, Liam Ladds,and Nico Addy each had an assist. Easton Rye stopped 37/41 for his eighth win of the season, being named the first star of the game.
The Petes returned home to battle their rival Oshawa Generals for their Pink in the Rink game in support of Pedal for Hope, a part of Cops for Cancer at the Canadian Cancer Society.
Peterborough defeated the Generals 3-2 in a shootout to finish the three-game stretch on a high note.
Before the game, the Petes held a ceremony commemorating Pedal for Hope and their accomplishments, raising money and awareness for pediatric cancer. The ceremony also contained a video collage featuring pictures of loved ones, family members, and friends of the community who have battled cancer.
The game featured several fundraising activations in support of Pedal for Hope. The fundraising total for the 16th annual Pink in the Rink campaign will be announced in the coming days.
“It was another successful year of Pink in the rink,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “The atmosphere in the rink was incredible. I want to take this time to thank everyone who came out and contributed. Not only did we raise a lot of funds, but also a lot of awareness for Pedal for Hope and pediatric cancer research. I’d also like to recognize the effort of the Petes Staff, Pedal for Hope team, and all of the volunteers who made tonight such a success.”
Zach Bowen stopped 38/40 in the win. Genc Ula and Quinton Pagé scored, while Colin Fitzgerald, Braydon McCallum and Jonathan Melee each had an assist.
The Petes stay at home Thursday for their Talk Today game when they host the Flint Firebirds. The game is in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Planet Fitness, Laridae, Peterborough County and Business Advisory Centre
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
Looking to get in shape for 2025?
Planet Fitness have a new location in the lower level of Lansdowne Place in Peterborough. This 24-hour gym occupies a 17,000-square-foot location where Sport Chek was previously located. It’s a judgement-free zone where everyone can feel at ease, no matter their fitness level. The gym has state-of-the-art equipment and a helpful team. Drop by and check out the new space and see what Planet Fitness has to offer.
Laridae Management Consulting has acquired the book of business of Diatom Consulting Ltd., including its Founder and President, Diane Richard.
This strategic move enhances Laridae’s position as a leader in management consulting for the non-profit sector while extending its expertise into new industries and services. Laridae has been providing management consulting services, with strength in strategy, governance and people engagement for non-profits across Canada since 2012. Diatom Consulting has been providing very similar services including operations management in manufacturing and service businesses since 2014.
Are you interested in a summer student position in local government?
Peterborough County is working with the City of Peterborough, Selwyn Township, and the Municipality of Trent Lakes for a job fair aimed at post-secondary students looking for summer employment opportunities. Drop by the Healthy Planet Arena on Feb. 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and find out more about what work opportunities are available, meet the hiring managers, and learn about the benefits of municipal employment.
There’s a new Advisory Suite at Community Futures as part of the Business Advisory Centre.
The Advisory Suite offers a fully furnished, professional space designed to meet the evolving needs of local entrepreneurs. With a state-of-the-art meeting room, a 360-degree camera for integrated meetings and virtual workshops, a collaborative workspace, and a dedicated confidential advisory area, the new suite aims to be a cornerstone of support for the local business community. Drop by 270 George St. N. and see what the Business Advisory Centre can do to support your business.
If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.
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Peterborough Lakers Partner With Fleming College Students For Business and Marketing Consultation
/As a final project for 39 Fleming College students, they are providing business and marketing consultation for the Peterborough Lakers in a partnership announced at the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame on Friday morning.
Pete Dalliday (right) addresses the Fleming Students during a Q&A session. Photo by David Tuan bui.
The students are from the General Business program within Fleming College’s School of Business and IT Applied Projects class. The collaboration will run until April for the undergraduate students.
“This collaboration project is to build awareness and sales for the Peterborough Lakers,” said David Swales, program coordinator and professor. “The project itself is to create the strategy and identify deliverables; we’re acting like consultants.”
Students are responsible for conducting research to create a consulting package on how to raise ticket sales and gain sponsorships for the Lakers. Pete Dalliday, Lakers director of community engagement, laid out an overview of the organization’s current status and goals of what they are looking to achieve.
Swales says the students are well-equipped with the tools to effectively help the Lakers reach their goals.
“So many of them have such great social media skills so there’s a lot of expertise they can bring,” he explained.
After the Q&A session, the students were given a tour of the facility and treated to briefly watch an ongoing hockey game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
Peterborough Petes Defenceman Named OHL Academic Player of the Month
/Peterborough Petes defenceman Carson Cameron has been announced one of the Academic Players of the Month for January by the Ontario Hockey League on Friday.
Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.
The 17-year-old from Bobcaygeon native currently excelling academically at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School. He has 86 per cent average in Grade 12 Advanced Functions, an 81 per cent average in Physics and excellent grades in Interdisciplinary Studies, Healthy Active Living and Physical Education.
“Carson is a leader both on and off of the ice,” said Shannon Fifre, Petes academic advisor.” He participates in all team community events while maintaining a high academic average. He was taking academic overload as he was finishing up courses online while attending school,”
The first-round (13th overall) pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection has appeared in 43 games this season with seven goals, 13 assists and 20 points. In 102 regular season contests with the Petes, the 6-foot-2, 193lb. blueliner has registered 46 points (11-35-46).
NHL Central Scouting listed Cameron as the 87th-ranked North American skater eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft in their recently released midterms.
Peterborough will get a rematch Friday night against Brampton as the second game of the home-and-home series at CAA Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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Peterborough County Expanding the ‘The Local Advantage to Cavan Monaghan Township to Bring Funding Opportunities
/Peterborough County is expanding the ‘The Local Advantage – With Peterborough County’ event series to bring funding opportunities to one-on-one business consultations in Cavan Monaghan Township.
Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.
