City Council Unanimously Against By-Law 25-126 to Assume Power From Peterborough DBIA Board of Management

City Council has voted unanimously against passing By-law 25-126 to assume a power from the Board of Management for the Central Area Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) during their meeting on Monday evening.

Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director during the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce Meet the Candidates event for the federal election earlier this year. File photo.

The by-law, if passed, stated as follows:

1. On Feb. 21, 2017, Council approved the recommendations in closed session Report OCS17-003 and passed By-law 17-013 authorizing execution of a settlement agreement between the Board of Management for the Central Area Downtown Business Improvement Area, The Corporation of the City of Peterborough (City) and another party to an appeal to the then Ontario Municipal Board against Official Plan Amendment Number 173 and Zoning By-law 16-053 (Settlement Agreement).

2. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the City makes 20 annual payments to the DBIA of $150,000 each for a total of $3,000,000.

3. DBIA is a local board of the City.

4. Pursuant to section 216 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, a municipality may change a local board including assuming a power or duty of the local board.

As a result of City Council’s vote, The Corporation of the City of Peterborough by the Council has enacted the following:

1. The City hereby assumes the power of DBIA to receive from the City annual payments of $150,000 each pursuant to the Settlement Agreement.

2. Any by-laws or resolutions of DBIA pertaining to the exercise of the assumed power are deemed to be repealed or amended to the extent necessary to permit the City to receive the said annual payments of $150,000 and to spend the proceeds thereof subject only to the City’s performance of DBIA’s obligations respecting such payments pursuant section 3 of the Settlement Agreement.

3. This By-law is in effect when it is passed.

The DBIA issued a strong warning to City Council not to pass the by-law on Friday afternoon.

“Downtown businesses have been navigating higher operating costs, increased taxes, tariffs, and the lingering impacts of COVID-19,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “This is precisely the time when they need more support, not less. We have been transparent, responsible, and accountable with every dollar we manage. That’s why this by-law is so concerning; it breaks trust. If the City can change direction without discussion on something this important, what will they do next? Trust requires year-over-year consistency. Right now, that’s what’s at risk.”

The DBIA released a statement regarding the decision on Tuesday afternoon:

Dear DBIA Members,

On behalf of the Board of Directors and our entire team, I want to extend my deepest thanks for your incredible support over the past week. Because of your engagement, your voices and your commitment to the future of our downtown, City Council voted unanimously against By-law 25-126.

This outcome was only possible because our members showed up.

You delegated, you wrote letters, you asked questions and you made it clear that the vibrancy of downtown and the independence of the DBIA matter deeply to this community.

Your efforts reaffirmed what makes downtown Peterborough so special; a strong, united business community that cares, collaborates and stands together when it counts.

Thank you for your advocacy, your time, your belief and most importantly your trust in the work we do every day. We will continue to champion the needs of our members, strengthen our partnerships with the City, and build a downtown that reflects the energy, creativity and resilience of the people who drive it.

This was a meaningful win for all of us; and we achieved it together!

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Peterborough Police Seeking Break-and-Enter Suspect Attempting to Access a Downtown Restaurant

The Peterborough Police Service is asking for the public’s help in identifying an individual attempting to break into a downtown restaurant last week.  

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

A second individual is watching the suspect and is currently considered a person of interest.

At roughly 2 p.m. last Tuesday, a business owner called police about an incident that occurred around noon, when banging was heard at a side door.  A damaged lock on the door was noticed when the business owner had a moment to investigate a few hours later. The business owner called the police and was directed to online reporting. Officers with the Community F.I.R.S.T. Unit followed up with the business owner on Monday and obtained video that a witness had filmed as the incident was happening. 

The suspect is described as:

• Male

• White

• Wearing a black jacket, black pants, and winter hat with side flaps

The person of interest was described as:

• Female

• White

• Dark hair

• Wearing red hooded sweater, black hooded sweater, black vest, dark vest

The pair had two black backpacks.

At the time of this incident, there was a Peterborough Police Service cruiser in the vicinity. The officers connected to that cruiser were attending a serious mental health call for service inside a building. They had not been made aware of the situation as it was unfolding.

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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Peterborough Police Service Seeking Missing Teen Girl Last Seen In South End

UPDATED: 04-12-25 Brooke has been found by Police.

The Peterborough Police Service is looking for the public’s help in locating a missing 13-year-old girl, Brooke.

She was reported missing early Tuesday morning around 1:15 a.m. after not returning home. Brooke was last seen in the area of 572 Crystal Dr. around 5:30 p.m. on Monday. Officers have been searching for her but with no results.

Brooke is described as:

• Female

• Brown hair

• Brown eyes

• Slim build

• Wearing a black coat, white Nike shoes, black leggings, hair down with hoop earrings and her makeup done

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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Renowned Comedian Jimmy Carr Returns to Peterborough Memorial Centre on Oct. 25

Outback Presents and Chambers Touring are bringing global comedy superstar Jimmy Carr back to the Peterborough Memorial Centre for his show, ‘Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny’ on Oct. 25.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

His show is part of a tour that visits 31 cities in Canada with six stops in Ontario.

This is his second visit to the Memorial Centre and was last here on June 2 last year as part of his ‘Jimmy Carr: Terribly Funny’ tour.

A household name in UK television, he is well known for hosting Channel 4’s 8 Out Of 10 Cats, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Big Fat Quiz Of The Year in addition to presenting Comedy Central’s Roast Battle UK and Your Face Or Mine, and is the star of the UK’s most streamed Netflix comedy special of 2021 His Dark Material. He has been a guest on multiple U.S. late night staples such The Tonight Show, The Late, Late Show and Late Night With Conan O’Brien, and has performed at the Montreal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival since 2003.

Carr also co-wrote The Naked Jape: Uncovering the Hidden World of Jokes in 2007 and his memoir Before & Laughter, released Sept. 2021, made The Sunday Times Bestsellers list.

Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10 a.m. at jimmycarr.com.  

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Peterborough Fire Services Partner For Campaign to Reduce Fire and Carbon Monoxide Deaths

Enbridge Gas Ontario, the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC) and Peterborough Fire Services have partnered to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough Fire Services received 336 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero. This public education campaign will provide more than 14,200 alarms to residents in 75 communities across Ontario, according to a press release.

This year, Enbridge Gas invested $450,000 in Safe Community Project Zero and over the past 17 years, the program has provided more than 115,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments.

“Carbon monoxide alarms play a vital role as a second line of defence against this invisible threat, often called ‘the silent killerʼ,” said Jeff Braithwaite, Operations Supervisor, Enbridge Gas. “Proper maintenance of fuel-burning appliances is the most effective way to prevent carbon monoxide exposure. We’re proud to support our communities by raising awareness and helping Ontarians take simple, proactive steps to stay safe in their homes.”

“Our priority is making sure every resident of Peterborough has the tools they need to stay safe,” said Fire Chief Chris Snetsinger. “Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives, and programs like Safe Community Project Zero help us reach residents who may otherwise go without this critical protection. We’re grateful for the continued partnership with Enbridge Gas and the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council as we work together to reduce preventable injuries and deaths in our community.” 

When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide early warning to escape from a house fire or carbon monoxide exposure safely. Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odourless gas that is a by-product of the incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels. 

“This is an important initiative that puts the safety of Peterborough residents first and strengthens the well-being of our entire community. We are grateful to Enbridge Gas and Peterborough Fire Services for working together to provide residents with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, a tool that is proven to save lives and alert residents to potential danger when every second counts,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

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Peterborough DBIA Issues Strong Warning to the City Regarding Risks of By-Law 25-126

The Downtown Peterborough Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has issued a strong warning regarding By-law 25-126, which is scheduled to go before City Council for approval during their meeting on Monday evening.

Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director during the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce Meet the Candidates event for the federal election earlier this year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to the DBIA, if passed, the by-law would shift authority over funds that have long supported downtown stability, revitalization, safety and economic activity – potentially weakening the DBIA’s ability to deliver services at a time when downtown businesses are already facing unprecedented pressures.

The DBIA says they were not consulted on the development of the by-law. Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director, said she raised questions about how this change would affect the organization’s ability to carry out its mandate during an already challenging economic period.

“Downtown businesses have been navigating higher operating costs, increased taxes, tariffs, and the lingering impacts of COVID-19,” said Mazloum. “This is precisely the time when they need more support, not less. We have been transparent, responsible, and accountable with every dollar we manage. That’s why this by-law is so concerning; it breaks trust. If the City can change direction without discussion on something this important, what will they do next? Trust requires year-over-year consistency. Right now, that’s what’s at risk.”

She also stated that the DBIA has a long-standing, collaborative working relationship with City staff and remains committed to maintaining that partnership but emphasized that major financial or governance changes require proper consultation.

“By-laws have consequences and this one has them,” she said.

“You can’t pass a by-law without considering the consequences. This one has them,” said Sacha Lai-Svirk, DBIA Chair. “A by-law like this sends a message about the City’s commitment (or lack of commitment) to stability, predictability, and partnership. After the progress we’ve made together, introducing doubt right now is strategically harmful. It risks undoing years of work to rebuild confidence with the City.”

Lai-Svirk emphasized that the DBIA is not opposed to tough conversations but decisions of this magnitude must be informed, transparent, and collaborative.

“I’ve run a small business downtown for 20 years. I know exactly what uncertainty does to a business,” she said. “The last thing our businesses need is confusion about the City’s support.”

Lai-Svirk also addressed an online comment that the by-law ‘does not change anything.’

“If this by-law doesn’t change anything, then passing it is unnecessary,” she explained. “And if it does change something, the City needs to explain exactly what — and why.”

Lai-Svirk added that the DBIA warns that shifting administration of the funds to the City creates the possibility of future reductions or redirection, undermining the stability provided through existing commitments through 2037.

“We have stability until 2037. There is no reason to revisit this now. This by-law should be set aside until then,” she said.

The DBIA has highlighted the following strategic implications if the by-law is passed:

Passing By-law 25-126 without review or consultation risks:

• Undermining downtown stability during a volatile economic period

• Creating uncertainty for 400+ businesses who rely on DBIA support

• Damaging trust between the City and downtown stakeholders

• Sending a negative signal to investors, developers, and new businesses

• Interrupting momentum at a time when the downtown has finally turned a corner

• Jeopardizing future collaborative initiatives, including:

• permanent lighting strategy

• downtown boundary expansion

• high-speed rail (Alto) integration

• Event Centre activation

• new streetscape, placemaking, and safety programs

“These are the conversations we should be having,” said Lai-Svirk. “Not a by-law that destabilizes the very partnership that makes these projects possible.”

The DBIA is formally requesting that Council:

1. Vote against the by-law

2. Conduct a full legal and strategic review

3. Engage directly with the DBIA, AON Inc. and downtown stakeholders

4. Reassess the by-law in the context of downtown’s economic recovery

“We are prepared to defend the future of downtown businesses,” said Sacha Lai-Svirk. “If Council chooses to move forward without consultation – AON Inc. and the DBIA, are prepared to take every appropriate step to protect downtown businesses and the commitments made to this community,” said Lai-Svirk. “But our hope is to resolve this collaboratively. We want decisions that strengthen our momentum, not undermine it.”

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Peterborough Police Make Four Impaired Driving Arrests Over the Weekend

The Peterborough Police have arrested one women and three men on four separate occasions for impaired driving over the weekend.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

A 48-year-old Peterborough woman is facing an impaired charge after an incident on Friday morning.

At roughly 10:15 am, an officer on general patrol in the Water Street and Parkhill Road area was waved down by a concerned citizen about a possible impaired driver.  The officers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop in the area of Wolsely Street and Chemong Road.  Upon speaking with the driver, they noticed signs of impairment.

She was arrested and charged with:

• Operation while impaired – drugs

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 Jan. 6.

A 24-year-old Lakefield man is facing an impaired charge after an incident on Friday evening.

At approximately 9 p.m., officers on general patrol were approached by a concerned citizen who spotted a man asleep at the wheel in a parking lot. Officers went and checked on the man, noticing signs of impairment and drug paraphernalia.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Operation while impaired – drugs

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 Jan. 6.

An 18-year-old Burlington man is facing an impaired charge after an incident early Saturday morning. 

At approximately 3:20 a.m., officers were called to Water Street, just north of Parkhill Road, after a rear-end collision involving a possible impaired driver. Upon speaking with the driver, officers noticed signs of impairment.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

• Young driver - B.A.C. above zero (Highway Traffic Act)

• Novice driver - B.A.C. above zero (Highway Traffic Act)

• Careless driving (Highway Traffic Act)

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 Jan. 6.

A 35-year-old Peterborough man is facing an impaired charge after an incident Saturday evening.

At approximately 8:30 p.m., officers were called to the parking lot of a plaza on Lansdowne Street East and Willowcreek Boulevard by a concerned citizen about a possible impaired driver.  Upon arrival, officers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop, noticing signs of impairment with the driver.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Operation while impaired – drugs

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 Jan. 6.

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The City of Peterborough Launches Project SEARCH Internship Program

The City of Peterborough celebrated the official launch of Project SEARCH at the Peterborough Public Library on Friday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

This internationally recognized internship program offers transition-to-work opportunities for program participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“This program offers the City of Peterborough the opportunity to lead as an inclusive employer by removing barriers to employment for people with disabilities and helping implement the employment priorities of the  2024-2028 Accessibility Plan,” said Reem Ali, The City of Peterborough’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisor. “The City is very proud to serve as the host business for Project SEARCH and honoured to be working with community partners on this unique initiative.”

According to the City, it offers individuals a unique, business-led employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the workplace for one academic year. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations. The program culminates in individualized job search and placement. 

The program is a partnership between the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board, Fleming College’s Muskoka-Kawarthas Employment Services and the City of Peterborough.  

“PVNC Catholic is excited to be working in partnership with the City of Peterborough and Muskoka-Kawarthas Employment Services on the first Project SEARCH site in this area. Project SEARCH provides our students with special education needs a vital, hands-on bridge from the classroom to competitive employment,” said Karen Spenceley, PVNC principal special education servicesc. “By fully immersing them in a real business environment, they gain marketable job skills, professional confidence, and real-world experience that dramatically increases their ability to secure meaningful careers after graduation. We are not just educating students; we are launching future skilled employees.”

“Fleming College is pleased to support Project SEARCH, working with our community partners to ensure that participants receive the employment supports necessary for a successful transition into meaningful and sustainable work,” said Joanne Spicer, Fleming College associate vice president, student experience. 

As the host organization, the City is offering workplace immersion opportunities for six interns through three rotating placements during the 2025-26 school year. 

Interns will be working in several City departments, including People and Culture, Children’s Services, Environmental Services, Cultural Services, Recreation Services, Peterborough Public Library, Art Gallery of Peterborough, and the Riverview Park and Zoo. Peterborough Transit will be providing interns with free public transportation during their internship. 

Project SEARCH began at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre and is a fully supported licensed program that runs in over 750 sites in 10 countries, with a 70% success rate of interns obtaining employment following graduation.  

The Ministry of Education has provided funding for this program. Project SEARCH staff are providing ongoing support. 

“There are more than 25 training locations in Ontario benefiting both students and businesses,” said Carolyn McDougall, Project SEARCH. “Thanks to this collaboration, I’m excited that now Peterborough-area students can train using the effective Project SEARCH model for employment.”

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Peterborough Petes Split Games On Weekend Road Trips

The Peterborough Petes travelled far to play a few road weekend games and ended up splitting their games between the Erie Otters and the Niagara IceDogs.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 15-10-1-1 record. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes could nab the lead in their Saturday tilt against Erie. This included a three-goal period in the second which resulted in a 5-2 loss.

Matthew Perreault and Leon Kolarik scored for Peterborough with Adam Levac, Matthew Soto and James Petrovski each getting an assist. Masen Johnston made 24 saves.

The Petes bounced back with a 6-3 matinee win over the IceDogs on Sunday.

James Petrovski racked up four assists while Yanis Lutz and Adam Novotný each scored twice and had an assist. Kaden McGregor also scored twice, marking his first multi-goal OHL game. Leon Kolarik, Aiden Young, Matthew Soto, Adam Levac and Carson Cameron each earned an assist. Easton Rye made 34 saves for his 14th win of the season.

The Petes return home to play Thursday against the Flint Firebirds. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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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