City to Perform Fire Hydrant Flow Testing From May 12 to 31

As part of routine maintenance, fire hydrant flow testing of the water distribution system will take place from May 12 to 31.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Sean Skelly Contracting conducts the work on behalf of the City of Peterborough.. During this period, work will be completed Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

Testing is scheduled for the northwest quadrant of the City:

• West of Aylmer Street and Chemong Road to the north and west city limits

• North of Sherbrooke Street to the north and west city limits

Water may become coloured or cloudy for a brief period. If this occurs, residents should run the cold water tap closest to the source until the water is clear. 

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City of Peterborough Seeking Public Input Sought for Otonabee River Trail and Shoreline Improvement Project

The City of Peterborough invites residents to provide feedback and share ideas on the Otonabee River Trail and Shoreline Improvement Project during an open house at the Holiday Inn Waterfront, 150 George St. N., on May 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The project area is along Crescent Street between Haggart Street and the entrance to Del Crary Park.

The project is currently in the conceptual planning stage. At 5:30 p.m., a brief presentation will provide a background overview.

Enhancements could include options such as:

• New active transportation facilities in alignment with the Transportation Master Plan

• Shoreline erosion protection

• Shoreline naturalization

• Improvements to aquatic habitat and native replanting

• Better recreational access to Little Lake for water-based activities

• Traffic calming measures to improve safety

• Creation of enhanced public gathering spaces

The City seeks community input to inform design development and ensure the project reflects community needs and values.

Residents are encouraged to share input on:

• Current use of the area

• Identify challenges and opportunities within the corridor

• Offer ideas for potential improvements

• Help shape priorities for circulation, safety and public space

Feedback gathered at the open house will help guide the development of concept options and inform future phases of the project.

This project is the first phase of the broader Little Lake Loop, a key objective of both the Central Area Master Plan and the Little Lake Master Plan. The City has retained CIMA+ through a competitive RFP process to lead the engineering and design work.

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City of Peterborough Makes Subsidies Available For Its Recreation Programs

The City of Peterborough offers financial assistance to eligible children, families and adults to help cover the costs of recreation programs offered at City of Peterborough facilities.

File Photo.

These subsidies can be applied to a wide range of programs, including summer day camps, sports camps, and dance programs. Subsidies are also available for adult leisure activities at the McDonnel Street Community Centre.

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements under the City’s recreation subsidy guidelines.

Applications for a subsidy can be made within 30 days of registering for a program, with proof of receipt. It is recommended that applicants apply for the subsidy early if registration costs affect their ability to register.

Anyone who requires assistance with a subsidy application can email rec@peterborough.ca or call 705-742-0050 ext. 2215 to schedule an appointment with a Recreation Program Assistant. 

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The Queensway Temporarily Closed For Watermain Repair

The Queensway between Erskine Avenue and Crown Drive is temporarily closed due to a water main break that needs repair, announced by the City of Peterborough on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The road is currently closed and expected to be completed later this afternoon or evening.

During this time, the surrounding streets are open for detouring.

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City of Peterborough Launch New Maps to Help Residents Track Ice Storm Recovery Efforts

The City of Peterborough has developed three new maps to help residents track its ongoing recovery efforts following the ice storm that occurred from March 28 to March 30.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This map displays ongoing curbside brush debris and cleanup. Incomplete streets are shown in red and streets completed since Monday are displayed in green.

Crews will not return to a street once it has been marked as completed. All brush and debris related to the ice storm should be placed curbside. Brush collection will be ongoing, with several crews deployed daily. The collection is expected to take six to seven weeks to complete.

Residents are asked not to obstruct debris piles by parking in front of them. Crews will not return for brush and debris missed due to an obstructed location.

This map shows Right of Ways that still contain known hazards and Right of Ways that have been cleared of known hazards. If a tree-related issue remains in a completed area, the City asks to call Public Works at 705-745-1386 or report the issue online.

Residents in zones still marked as containing hazards are asked to be patient as crews work to address the issue. Please call Public Works to report any immediate matters.

This map indicates parks that have been cleared of known hazards and are open and parks that remain closed due to ongoing brush and debris hazards and removal. Parks that remain closed are shaded red.

Residents are asked to remain out of parks that are still listed as closed, and to follow all posted signage and barricades.

Residents are reminded to use caution in open parks. Subsequent windstorms may have resulted in further downed limbs and branches in previously cleared parks. Residents can report an issue by calling 705-745-1386 or online.

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City of Peterborough Recognizing Mental Health Week Running May 5-11

The City of Peterborough has recognized Mental Health Week, which runs from May 5 to 11.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Mayor Jeff Leal has released a statement regarding the week:

“Mental health affects all of us—our families, our friends, our workplaces, and our communities. Whether we are facing challenges ourselves or supporting someone else, it's important to remember that help is available, recovery is possible, and no one should have to struggle alone.

Mental Health Week is a time to raise awareness about these issues while reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations about mental health and well-being. 

'This year’s theme, ‘Unmasking Mental Health,”’ emphasizes the importance of connection, compassion and community support. By talking openly about mental health, listening without judgment, and ensuring access to the resources people need, we can help create a healthier and more supportive Peterborough for everyone. 

I want to thank all the mental health professionals, advocates, caregivers, and community members who work every day to support the mental wellness of others. Let’s continue to stand together, speak up, and support one another—not just this week, but all year long.”

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Photos: City of Peterborough Proclaims Red Dress Day For Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

City Hall was covered in red dresses to mark the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People (MMIWG2S) in a ceremony on Monday morning.

All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Mayor Jeff Leal proclaimed Monday as Red Dress Day, recognizing Indigenous women who were missing or murdered throughout Canada.

“Red Dress Day is a powerful reminder of the heartbreaking and ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people in Canada,” said Leal. “The red dresses hanging in silence call out for justice, action and for the recognition of lives lost and families forever changed. On the National Day of Awareness, I encourage all residents of Peterborough to take a moment to reflect on the lives behind the statistics, and to consider hanging a red dress in a window, on a porch, or in a public space as a powerful symbol of remembrance and solidarity.”

The ceremony had smudging, drumming and singing, speeches and stories told throughout the event. A red flag with a black handprint was flown at half-mast as City Hall to mark the event.

“We cannot turn away from the systemic racism and gender-based violence that have made Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people disproportionately vulnerable,” said Shelley Knott, Advisor, Indigenous Relations with the City of Peterborough. “As a country, and as a community, we have a responsibility to listen, to learn, and to act. On this National Day of Awareness, we ask that you stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities in honouring the memory of those who are missing or murdered—and in committing to a future where all people can live in safety, dignity and respect.”

City Hall’s windows have red dresses hung inside to show solidarity with the event.

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City of Peterborough Advises Public to Be Prepared During Emergency Preparedness Week

The City of Peterborough encourages residents be informed of taking the necessary steps and be ready for an emergency, with Emergency Preparedness Week running until Saturday.

File Photo.

This year’s theme is ‘Be prepared. Know your risks.’

“We can’t always predict when an emergency will strike, but we can take steps to be ready,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The recent ice storm showed just how quickly severe weather can disrupt our lives. By having a plan, staying informed, and keeping emergency supplies on hand, we can help protect ourselves, our families, and our community. Preparedness saves lives, and it starts with each of us.”

Residents can access Alertable, a new tool to help stay informed during emergencies and critical events.

The free download tool is a community notification system that provides emergency alerts and essential updates directly through text messages, SMS notifications, telephone messages and emails. It is designed to ensure clear and timely updates to users and ensure effective communication to enhance public safety.

“Alertable is a vital tool in keeping our community informed during emergencies,” said Jodi DeNoble, director of emergency and risk management. “We encourage everyone to register and choose their preferred method of communication - whether it’s a phone call, text message, email, or notifications through the Alertable app. In an emergency, important information will be shared through the method you select, helping the community stay safe and prepared.”

The City says simple steps like creating an emergency plan and having an emergency kit on hand can help residents be prepared.

An emergency preparedness kit should include:

• Battery powered or windup flashlight

• Battery powered or windup radio

• First Aid Kit

• Portable external battery charger for cellphones, laptops, etc.

• Water (Two litres per person per day)

• Canned or dried food that won’t spoil

• Manual can opener

• Extra batteries for your flashlight or radio

• Cash-if there is an extended power outage many stores may only be able to accept cash as a form of payment

• Blankets

• Candles and matches

• A list of emergency numbers and important contacts

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Lighting to Be Installed at Rotary Greenway Trail Link; New Traffic Lights For George Street and Hilliard Street Intersection

The Rotary Greenway Trail Link will receive a 1.5 km stretch of lighting and new traffic signals will be installed at the George Street and Hilliard Street intersection, announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The work scheduled for this month to be completed this fall.

To facilitate the work on the Rotary Greenway Trail, the trail will be closed with posted detours. During various phases of the work on Hillard Street, Water Street, and George Street, a combination of lane shifts, flagging operations, and closures with posted detours will be implemented. Access for local traffic and businesses will be maintained during all construction phases; however, it is expected that local traffic may experience delays within the construction limits.

In addition to the intersection work, there will be a partial reconstruction and realignment and installation of new sidewalk and trail links surrounding the new intersection and associated restoration works.

The City has awarded the project to GIP Paving Inc.

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Adult Leisure Programs Offered at the McDonnel Street Community Centre

The City of Peterborough is offering a range of adult leisure programs at the McDonnel Street Community Centre at 577 McDonnel St.

Facebook.

Residents can join a free fitness class, drop in for a game of shuffleboard or sign up for a more structured, long-running program.

Drop-in sessions

Drop-in sessions cost $3.50 per person per visit. Please bring exact cash. Participants are asked to bring clean, indoor shoes to wear inside the facility.

Drop-in sessions include the following:

• Short Mat Bowling on Mondays and Fridays. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., play begins at 1 p.m. This drop-in play ends May 16.

• Shuffleboard on Tuesdays. Doors open at 9 a.m., play begins at 9:30 a.m.

• Darts on Thursdays. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., play begins at 1 p.m. This drop-in activity ends May 8.

Fitness classes

Community Care instructs fitness classes and focus on a range of motion, strength and balance.

Classes run every Wednesday as follows:

• Zumba Gold, 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

• Warm Up and Weights, 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Registered programs

The MSCC offers a variety of registered programs for residents looking for more structured activities:

• Lawn Bowling Try It Lessons with the Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club. Sessions run from May 5, May 6, May 8 and May 9.

• Painting Workshops: participants learn techniques like colour-mixing, brush selection and creating acrylic paintings on canvas.

• Adult Mixed Dart League takes place each Monday until May 26. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., play begins at 7 p.m. All levels welcome.

Registration information

Registration for programs can be done online by visiting peterborough.ca/adultleisure. Registration can also be done by calling 705-742-0050 or in person at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr., or Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St. W., during operating hours, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Accessibility and subsidies

Adults can apply for the Recreation Program Subsidy, which provides up to $200 per year (based on household income) per individual for sport, aquatic, or recreational programs offered by Peterborough Recreation at City facilities.

The MSCC is hosting an Open House on June 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to explore the facility and learn more about the variety of programs offered at the MSCC. A complimentary hot lunch will be served from noon to 1:30 p.m.  

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