City Council Approves Conceptual Design of Charlotte Street West Streetscape Project

City Council approved the Charlotte Street conceptual design as part of a major infrastructure project that includes significant underground work to improve stormwater infrastructure during their meeting on Tuesday night.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Council also pre-committed $27.6 million in the 2026 to 2029 capital budgets, with $10,791,100 from the federal Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.

The Flood Reduction Master Plan identified the need for upgrades to the stormwater infrastructure beneath Charlotte Street to support the City of Peterborough’s broader flood mitigation objectives.

An investigation of Charlotte Street led to the recommendation for the installation of a 100-year stormwater conveyance pipe along Charlotte Street from Park Street to Bethune Street, from Bethune Street to Water Street, and along a portion of George Street from Simcoe Street to Charlotte Street. The proposed improvements are intended to extend flood protection benefits west of Bethune Street and align with the City’s long-term infrastructure resilience goals, according to the City.

Underground infrastructure projects of this nature typically necessitate the removal and replacement of surface-level streetscape elements. This disruption presents a strategic opportunity to reimagine and redesign the streetscape to better serve the future role and functions of a given corridor. Recognizing this, the City of Peterborough initiated a series of planning and design studies between 2015 and 2018 to develop conceptual streetscape designs for affected corridors.

This current project aims to finalize the proposed conceptual streetscape design for Charlotte Street from Park Street to Aylmer Street. Upon Council approval, this segment will be integrated with existing conceptual designs for Charlotte Street from Aylmer Street to Water Street, creating a comprehensive corridor plan.

The proposed streetscape concept retains existing road function, including full truck and bus movement, provides enhanced pedestrian space and separate cycle track facilities, removes mobility barriers and includes select on-street parking spaces and community flex space.

The proposed concept addresses requirements of the City’s Official Plan, Transportation Master Plan, Central Area Urban Design Guidelines, Central Area Master Plan, Climate Change Action Plan 2.0, the Transportation Association of Canada’s Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads and relevant Ontario Traffic Manuals, including Book 18: Cycling Facilities.

A pre-commitment of Capital budget is required through 2026 - 2029 to commit the City’s share of eligible costs under the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and secure $11,359,152 in Federal Funding.

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City Opens Survey For Community Planning Permit System

The City of Peterborough invites the public to help shape the priorities and related development control measures of the draft Community Planning Permit System through a public survey.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The City is preparing a City-wide Community Planning Permit By-law to replace the Zoning By-law, which will establish new regulations for development, including permitted and discretionary land uses, building heights, setbacks and more.  

Survey participants can identify which aspects of development are important to them when it comes to managing low-rise and medium-rise residential development within neighbourhoods, as well as high-rise residential and mixed-use development within the Strategic Growth Areas, such as the City’s downtown, the Lansdowne Street corridor, and the Chemong Road corridor. 

The survey can be found online. The Connect Peterborough project page also features the presentation and recording from a virtual community meeting held on June 24.

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City Providing Assistance For Air Conditioning Units to Eligible Residents

The City of Peterborough may provide financial support of up to $300 for those who receive either Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program to aid in the purchase of an air conditioner.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Eligible residents must have a diagnosed severe medical respiratory condition or diagnosed severe asthma and are required to submit a copy of a current prescription and at least one estimate for the purchase of an air conditioning unit. Recipients must also have an address in the City or County of Peterborough.

Additional information can be found at thier respective case workers or the Social Services office at 705-748-8830.  

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List of City Services For Canada Day 2025

Many City services and facilities will operate under holiday hours or be closed on Canada Day this Tuesday.

File photo.

The Canada Day ceremonies start at 10 a.m. in front of City Hall. The decorated bike contest judging will take place at 10:45 a.m. The parade begins at 11 a.m., departing from George Street North near City Hall and proceeding south on George Street to Millennium Park. 

The celebration continues in Millennium Park, featuring an afternoon of free, family-friendly fun that includes music and dance, face painting, storytelling, a cultural marketplace, and food and beverage vendors. This event will run from noon to 6 p.m. 

The City will host a fireworks display over Little Lake starting at 9:30 p.m. on July 1, following the Peterborough Musicfest concert at Del Crary Park. 

City Hall offices, including Service Peterborough, Building Services and the Clerk’s Office, will be closed on July 1. Online services are available at peterborough.ca. 

The curbside collection for Zones 1 and 2, which typically takes place on Tuesdays, shifts back one day to Monday. Residents are asked to place green bins, recycling and garbage (Zone 2 only) to the curb by 7 a.m. Tuesday.

There are no changes to the curbside collection schedule for the Downtown Business Improvement Area. 

The City-County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. will be closed on July 1.  

Peterborough Regional Airport will be open regular hours, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Art Gallery of Peterborough will be closed on Canada Day.

The Peterborough Public Library and the Miskin Law Community Complex branch will be closed on Tuesday.

The Peterborough Museum and Archives will be open noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1. 

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre and the Miskin Law Community Complex will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 1. Summer hours will be in effect for the Sport and Wellness Centre starting Wednesday, with daily operation from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. until Sept. 1. 

The Kinsmen Civic Centre, Healthy Planet Arena, Peterborough Memorial Centre, Grant Thornton Box Office, McDonnel Street Community Centre including Peterborough Youth Space, and the Recreation Facility Booking office will be closed on Tuesday

Lifeguards will be on duty at Beavermead Beach from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is no lifeguard supervision provided at Rogers Cove. Peterborough Public Health tests the water at local beaches.

Splash pads in City parks are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The splash pad at the Riverview Park and Zoo is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Lifeguards supervise City wading pools daily from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  

Customer service at Peterborough Marina will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Riverview Park and Zoo is open from 8:30 a.m. to dusk. Guest Services is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Miniature train rides will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Otter Enrichment takes place at 1:30 p.m.and a Meet the Keeper session with Torti the African Spurred Tortoise will take place at 2:30 p.m. The Café is closed.  

The Provincial Offences office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed on Tuesday. Fine payments can be made online at peterborough.ca/POA. 

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on Tuesday. Temporary detours will be in place for some routes during the Canada Day Parade.  

The Customer Service desk will be open from 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

The Social Services office will be closed on Tuesday. From Wednesday, August 30, to Friday, office hours will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  

City-operated child care centres will be closed on July 1.

Emergency shelter services remain open: to access emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours or on holidays, please call After Hours service at 705-926-0096.

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City Employee Given Award for Distinguished Service in Municipal Information Technology

The City of Peterborough has recognized Jamie Hagg, Manager Enterprise Technology, with the esteemed Regena Lerke Award for Distinguished Service by the Municipal Information Systems Association of Ontario (MISA).

Photo courtesy of MISA.

The Regena Lerke Award recognizes those who demonstrate outstanding service to MISA Ontario, going above and beyond in their support of the organization and its members while embodying the values of integrity, humour and humanity. Recipients are selected by a panel of representatives from municipalities across Ontario.  

Hagg has had a 25-year career with the City. His longstanding involvement with MISA Ontario includes more than eight years on the Board of Directors, serving in several key roles including Director, Central Region (2017 to 2019), Vice President (2019 to 2021) and President (2021 to 2023). Hagg just completed a two-year term as Past President in June.  

“Over the past eight years, this individual has served on the MISA Ontario Board with consistency, thoughtfulness, and a calm, kind approach to leadership,” MISA stated. “Jamie has been a steady presence — someone who listens carefully, considers all perspectives, and helps guide decisions with clarity and respect.” 

“This award is a well-deserved recognition of the incredible work and dedication shown over the years. Jamie’s leadership in municipal IT and his commitment to collaboration across Ontario have made a lasting impact, not just here in Peterborough, but across the province. On behalf of Council, I want to thank Jamie for his outstanding service and congratulate him on this remarkable achievement,” said Councillor Andrew Beamer.

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How to Stay Cool Outdoors In the City of Peterborough

With temperatures rising above 30 C lasting over the next few days, there are several ways to keep cool this summer.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The drop-in program at Trinity Community Centre, 360 Reid St., is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for individuals to access resources, community connection and systems navigation support. The overnight program is open 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.  

Outdoor water bottle filling stations are available at City facilities in the following locations: 

• Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte St. 

• Eastgate Park, 2150 Ashburnham Dr. 

• Peterborough Marina, 92 George St. N. 

• Beavermead Park washroom facilities, 2011 Ashburnham Dr. 

• Rogers Cove washroom facilities, 131 Maria St.  

Water bottles can also be refilled inside the following City facilities during hours of operation: 

• Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. 

• Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr. 

• Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd. 

• Kinsmen Civic Centre, 1 Kinsmen Way 

• Social Services office, 178 Charlotte St. 

• Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St. W. 

Beavermead Beach is currently not supervised. Lifeguard supervision begins on Saturday and continues daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Aug. 31.  

The beach at Rogers Cove will not be supervised by a lifeguard this year but will continue to be maintained by the City of Peterborough.

Peterborough Public Health monitors the water quality at Beavermead Beach and Rogers Cove.

Splash pads are open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The splash pad at Riverview Park and Zoo is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Splash pad locations:

• Rogers Cove, 131 Maria St.  

• Nicholls Oval Park, 725 Armour Rd.   

• King Edward Park, 455 George St. S.  

• Turner Park,673 Chamberlain St.   

• Hamilton Park, 575 Bonaccord St.   

• Barnardo Park, 955 Barnardo Ave.   

• Kinsmen Park, 1 Kinsmen Way   

• Riverview Park and Zoo, 1300 Water St. N.   

• A water feature also exists at Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte St. 

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Film Selected For Canada Day Movie Night

The City of Peterborough’s poll for the free Canada Day Movie Night has selected Fly Away Home as the feature film, held at Quaker Foods City Square on June 30.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

A total of 500 votes were cast to select the film for the City of Peterborough’s Canada Day Outdoor Movie Night. Fly Away Home was the winner with 217 votes.  

Other options included The Legend of Sarila, Kayak to Klemtu and Cheaper by the Dozen. Each movie has a Canadian connection through cast and crew, filming location, or theme. The poll was open from June 9 to June 13.

Quaker Foods will provide snacks and treats for the evening, and the City will offer free popcorn. Movie-goers are encouraged to arrive by 8 p.m. as supplies are limited.

The City reminds movie-watchers to bring an outdoor chair and water. 

The movie night will kick off the Canada Day festivities on June 30 at dusk (around 9 p.m.). The City is asking residents to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks to settle in. Free popcorn is handed out before the show.

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Denne Park Celebrates Grand Opening On Bensfort Road

The City of Peterborough celebrated the opening of Denne Park, located at 2401 Bensfort Rd., on Thursday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to the City, the need to rejuvenate Denne Park was identified as part of a comprehensive examination of the City’s green spaces and parks. Construction began in the spring of 2024.  

The City has added a playground, sheltered picnic area with accessible seating, walkways and new benches within Denne Park. A bicycle rack has been installed, and Sugar Maple and Colorado Spruce trees have been planted alongside the park’s existing trees. 

“This new park is an investment in both physical and mental well-being, and a reflection of our commitment to accessible, inclusive recreation for everyone in Peterborough. Access to safe, welcoming recreation opportunities is essential for a healthy, thriving Peterborough, and this new park is a meaningful step in that direction,” said Councillors Alex Bierk and Lesley Parnell in a joint statement.  

“A park is more than just a green space, it’s the heart of a neighbourhood. This is a space where families will gather, children will play and neighbours will connect. This is a space where community can grow. This new park will benefit residents for years to come,” said Ashburnham Ward Councillors Gary Baldwin and Keith Riel. 

The City has also completed rejuvenation work at Dominion Park. Improvements to Dominion Park include upgraded safety surfacing, a shaded shelter, accessible seating, tree planting, a new walkway and a sensory play area.  

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Patio Season Returns to Downtown Peterborough

With the sun shining and the warmer weather, patio season is ramping up as the installation of expanded areas and more pedestrian space for people visiting downtown Peterborough is mostly occuring on Wednesday.

File Photo.

Some on-street patios have already been installed. The City will be installing decorative fencing and planter boxes next to businesses that have obtained approved patio permits. 

Expanded patios are planned for George, Water, Simcoe and Charlotte streets. Businesses that do not have widened sidewalks in front of the establishment will be permitted to use the on-street parking area in front of the business for patio operations. 

Patio season changes include the reconfiguration of Hunter Street West between George and Aylmer streets into a one-lane, one-way street westbound to facilitate more patio and pedestrian space. Within the Café District along Hunter Street West, the expanded sidewalk space for patios, along with the temporary lane reconfigurations, will create additional room for people to enjoy businesses and outdoor restaurant spaces. This year, Chambers Street will remain a regular one-way road and will not be closed at Hunter Street.  

Reduced speed limits will be implemented on streets with patios to ensure the safety of pedestrians and customers. Parking spaces, including accessible spaces, loading zones and designated waste pick-up areas, may be adjusted once patio locations have been confirmed with participating businesses. 

Patio Permit applications for the 2025 season are now closed. Patio Permits are required for all individuals, partnerships or corporations who are proposing to place a patio, including bistro-style tables and chairs on City-owned lands. Businesses operating patios on private lands may require a permit and ta emporary liquor licence extension.

To ensure compliance with patio permits and limit the City’s risk related to non-permitted patios operating on city-owned lands, an Administrative Monetary Penalty System has been implemented. This system will create an enforcement process for businesses that are not in compliance with their permit or have not obtained a permit.

The Sidewalk Patio Program began in 1997, which included bistro-style tables on the sidewalks adjacent to the building facades. The program was later expanded to include the creation of the Hunter Street Café District in 2005. This is the sixth consecutive summer that the City is implementing temporary changes to downtown public spaces to accommodate more patios and expanded pedestrian areas.   

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Peterborough Public Library Staffing Reorganization Paused For Considerations

The Peterborough Public Library staff reorganization, which was expected to result in a net reduction of one full-time position, has been paused for the City to consider alternative options for meeting budgetary constraints, announced on Monday.

File Photo.

A Library staff reorganization was planned to reduce the Library’s 2025 operating budget increase from 10.9 per cent to about 8 per cent, as approved through the City’s 2025 Budget. 

While the approved budget needs to be followed, the City is exploring all options to ensure the most effective means to reduce the budget while maintaining the same level and quality of service, through constructive meetings with Peterborough Public Library staff. 

Through the initial plans for a staff reorganization, the Library planned to maintain children’s library services, but would have delivered them differently through staffing changes.  

The City says it has heard and appreciates the support for Library services expressed by residents and others who have advocated for the Peterborough Public Library. The Library is a core community service that continues to receive strong support, including the opening of a new Library branch in the City’s south end at the Miskin Law Community Complex to improve access to library services. 

A press release states the City is continuing an open dialogue with Peterborough Public Library staff and their union executive, as represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1833, as discussions progress on implementing changes within the Library’s approved budget and as the collective bargaining process continues. 

The staff reorganization at the Peterborough Public Library was one of several budget changes in various City program areas that City Council approved in the City’s 2025 Budget to reduce the property tax increase, such as ending the lifeguard service at Rogers Cove beach with lifeguard service being maintained at the nearby Beavermead Park beach, ending the maintenance of the ice for skating on the Trent-Severn Waterway next to the Lift Lock, reducing preventative maintenance of City facilities, reducing funding for advertising and increasing the Peterborough Transit single ride fare by 25 cents. 

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