Peterborough County Warden Recieves Rob Ford Community Leader Award for Cross-Border Leadership through EOWC

For her leadership and service, Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark has been named the recipient of the Rob Ford Community Leader Award, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus.

The award recognizes her leadership, dedication to public service, and significant contributions to strengthening communities through her work advancing cross-border collaboration at the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) as its Chair.

The Rob Ford Community Leader Award is presented annually by the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and Earl Provost, Ontario’s Agent-General in Chicago, on behalf of the Government of Ontario.

The award honours individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to public service, regional advocacy, and grassroots engagement.

According to the County, Clark has helped elevate the voice of rural Eastern Ontario on the international stage through her work with the Caucus. She also helped advance partnerships between Canada and the United States, particularly across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence regions.

A formal presentation took place earlier this month at the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Annual Conference.

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City Council Endorses $57 Million Multi-Use Sport and Event Centre; Council to Commit 33 Per Cent of Cost Towards Project

City Council endorsed a financial structure for the new Multi-Use Sport and Event Centre (MUSEC) project to replace the Peterborough Memorial Centre at their meeting on Monday night.

Mayor Jeff Leal showing support for the new centre at his initial press conference at the Peterborough and Kawartha Chamber of Commerce on Monday. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Council endorsed a motion to direct the following:

• That Council commit 1/3 of the cost, approximately $57 million, towards the Events Centre project;

• That staff be directed to provide a report identifying the funding plan to finance this $57 million commitment including amendments to the City's debt limit;

• That staff be directed to initiate proactive advocacy and explore options to acquire the remaining 2/3 of the cost, approximately $114M, from the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, County of Peterborough, private sector partners, fundraising, naming rights and sponsorship opportunities, and non-debt supported sources;

• That staff be directed to provide Council with a report detailing options for funds from non-debt supported sources; and

• That $1.7M be pre-committed in the 2027 budget to include a project manager position, site studies and preliminary consultant services.

Staff provided a number of options related to the approval and construction of the MUSEC in the report for Council's consideration. These options range from not proceeding to partial and full financing approval. 

Council has previously approved the MUSEC's preferred location at the existing City bus garage site on Townsend Street.

The Multi-Use Sport and Event Centre (MUSEC) project was initiated in 2018 with two feasibility studies. Previous studies have considered features, the expected project timeline, cost-benefit analyses of upgrades to the current Peterborough Memorial Centre versus a new building, a market analysis, and locations.

Council has previously considered developing a new sports and entertainment complex to replace the Peterborough Memorial Centre and support economic development, tourism, and community recreation objectives. Preliminary estimates indicate a total project cost of approximately $170 million, inclusive of construction, soft costs, and contingencies.

The current report evaluates options for next steps with information on various considerations, such as:

• Debt capacity

• Ability to finance the City's ongoing capital program

• Long-term financial risk and sustainability

• Municipal tax rate

• Credit rating

Three financing scenarios are analyzed in the report:

• Determining the maximum amount the City can reasonably afford within the City’s current debt capacity and seeking funding partners for the balance

• Financing the full project cost by increasing debt issuance up to the Provincial Annual Repayment Limit

• Funding $100 million through the sale of City assets and debt financing the remaining $70 million

Options presented for Council consideration include:

1. Approve the project moving to a Concept Confirmation and Further Site Development Phase - funding the next phase of design specification, without a commitment to move forward with the full project

2. Approve financing to the maximum of the existing debt limit policy and seek partnerships - committing $30 million debt capacity toward the project, and pursuing private sector partnerships to finance the remaining portion of the project

3. Approve financing for 33% of the project and seek remaining funding from other levels of government - committing $57 million towards the project that would require amendments to the City's debt limit, proceeding to the full design phase so that the project can be presented for funding opportunities to other levels of government, pre-committing $8.5 million in the 2027 Budget for the necessary next steps

4. Financing the entire project through a combination of Asset Sales and debt servicing - a report will be provided to Council at a later meeting on the potential sale of City assets that could be used toward the costs of the MUSEC

5. Full approval and financing of the project - financing the entire $170 million project cost with amendments to the City's debt limit and pre-committing $8.5 million in the 2027 Budget for the necessary next steps

6. Do not proceed any further with this project

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Four Candidates Enter Mayoral Race For Upcoming Municipal Election

Four names in Neil Morton, Dr. Michael Eamon, Rebecca Schillemat and Keith Riel have placed their bids to become the Mayor of Peterborough for the upcoming 2026 municipal election on Oct. 26.

Photos courtesy of Neil Morton, Dr. Michael Eamon, Rebecca Schillemat and Keith Riel.

Morton placed his bid on Monday morning at City Hall.

The Peterborough native and PTBOCanada founder is known for his community-building and for being a local entrepreneur. He is a graduate of Adam Scott CVI and Trent University.

In addition to PTBOCanada, he also founded StudioPTBO and Cormor 3D. Morton has served with the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Canoe Museum, the Trent Alumni Association and has chaired the United Way of Peterborough & District fundraising campaign.

“I've spent the last several months speaking with PTBO residents just like you and I've noticed a common theme during nearly every one: We’re stuck managing decline instead of managing growth,” said Morton. “I'm a community builder, and I know Peterborough isn't living up to its full potential. I'm developing a bold, pragmatic platform to get PTBO unstuck.”

Morton will outline his platform and officially kick off his campaign at a public launch event on May 26.

Neil Morton. Photo courtesy of Avery Morton and Jason Fiorotto.

Eamon filed his candidacy on Friday morning.

Eamon has nearly 20 years of leadership experience in Peterborough. He is the current Principal of Catharine Parr Traill College at Trent University. According to Eamon, he has managed multi-million-dollar budgets, overseen diverse teams and spearheaded major community infrastructure projects, including the $1.5 million Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre.

He has held roles with federal and provincial governments, as well as in the academic sector.

Eamon’s volunteer work includes the United Way, the Peterborough Historical Society, Scouts Canada, and membership in the Peterborough Singers and the Peterborough Concert Band since 2006.

According to a press release, Eamon’s platform emphasizes good governance, civility, and compassion. His vision focuses on attracting new industries to expand the tax base, improving coordination with the non-profit sector to support vulnerable citizens and maintaining vibrant neighbourhoods across the city. Eamon pledged to be a sound financial manager, ensuring property taxes are applied efficiently while advocating for increased support from provincial and federal levels of government.

“A better future for Peterborough starts with stronger leadership today," said Eamon. “My vision is a consultative, coordinated, and compassionate approach. I am a problem-solver who respects the complexity of our issues, and I am ready to find productive, sustainable solutions with and for everyone in our community.”

Eamon says his goal over the next few months is to meet with as many people as possible throughout Peterborough to hear their thoughts on the future and develop informed plans that meet residents’ needs.

Dr. Michael Eamon. Photo courtesy of Dr. Michael Eamon.

Schillemat joins the mayoral race after placing her bid at Market Hall on Monday morning.

According to Schillemat, her campaign will focus on building a safer, more affordable and more functional city through responsible leadership, stronger community partnerships and transparent decision-making at City Hall.

Schillemat is a Clarington native, graduated from Trent University in 2010 and worked in Peterborough for six years. She moved away and back to Peterborough in 2021.

She expressed concern about the city's current state and said she wants to make changes if elected.

“This is not the city I remembered, it is not the city my husband grew up in, it isnot the city we planned to raise our children in,” explained Schillemat. “I want to change that. I want a better Peterborough. I want a city that has opportunities for our children from jobs and housing to sports and the arts. I want a city that is safe and affordable to build a life in. I want a city that is thriving for everyone.”

Schillemat outlined her key priorities of the campaign which include:

• Improving housing attainability including increasing capacity across the housing continuum

• Supporting safer and healthier public spaces for everyone

• Strengthening accountability and transparency

• Supporting economic growth and local business development

• Investing responsibly in infrastructure and city services

• Building collaborative solutions to complex social challenges

Schillemat has been involved with local tradespeople and home builders, with the arts community and environmental organizations. She has been on the Board of Directors for the Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and the Peterborough Folk Festival.

Her volunteer work includes the Cancer Society for Relay for Life, the Big Bike for Heart & Stroke, Santa’s Sleigh for the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Foundation and the Peterborough Folk Festival.

“My ideal Peterborough is a thriving community that has something for everyone—housing, employment, entertainment, healthcare, safety, and a sense of community and belonging,” said Schillemat. “I want opportunities for my children and future generations to build a life right here in Peterborough.”

Rebecca Schillemat. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Schillemat.

City Councillor Riel placed his bid as Mayor on Friday, backing up his declaration to run for the role back in mid-November.

Riel grew up in Peterborough’s south end and has served on City Council for 17 years, having been elected four times. He has worked for 38 years at General Electric as an industrial electrician and electrical technician.

He served as president of the local union representing General Electric workers. Riel was also president of the Peterborough and District Labour Council.

In that span, he ran three local businesses: a bar (five years); a retail shop, The Green Door; (five years) and a DJ company, RMS Music (20 years).

Riel outlined his key priorities of the campaign which include:

• A City That Works

• Housing People Can Afford

• A Local Economy That Grows Here

• Safe Communities, Strong Services

• Arts, Culture and a City That Creates

• A Council That Acts

“We’re at a jumping-off point,” said Riel. We have to do something concrete to build the city we want, not just accept a slow decline into something we don’t recognize.”

Riel is hosting a launch party on Wednesday night.

Councillor Keith Riel. Photo courtesy of Justin Sutton.

Mayor Jeff Leal is undecided if he will run for reelection this October.

“First of all, it will truly be a family decision and my family is chatting about this as we speak,” explained Leal. “There's a lot of time to file nomination papers and in my view, I've never let politics ever distract you from the work that needs to be done. I think this (multi-sport and Event Centre) is a good example of work that still needs to be done.”

He defeated Henry Clarke, Stephen Wright, Brian Lumsden and Victor Kreuz in the 2022 municipal election to become the Mayor of Peterborough after a four-year hiatus from politics from 2018 to 2022.

Leal served four consecutive terms as the Peterborough-Kawartha MPP for the Liberal Party from 2003 to 2018 until current Conservative MPP Dave Smith won the seat.

Candidates have until Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. to file submissions for the City of Peterborough municipal election. Submissions are accepted by appointment only and can be scheduled by emailing elections@peterborough.ca.

Mayor Jeff Leal served under former Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne. He worked in several ministries as an MPP such as the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Environment and the Minister of Agriculture and Food and Rural Affairs. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

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Selwyn Township Announces Retirement Of Chief Administrative Officer After 37 Years; New CAO Assumes Role June 1

After more than 37 years of dedicated service, Janice Lavalley is retiring and Jennifer Moore has been named the new Chief Administrative Officer for the Township of Selwyn.

LinkedIN.

“Janice Lavalley’s leadership and dedication have helped shape the Township of Selwyn into the strong organization it is today,” said Sherry Senis, Selwyn Township Mayor. “Her steady guidance, and commitment to excellence in municipal service will be greatly missed. Council and staff are grateful for her decades of service and wish her all the best in retirement,”

Moore assumes the role, effective June 1.

“Council is pleased to appoint Jennifer to the role of Chief Administrative Officer,” said Senis. “With her municipal experience, including a decade as a CAO, Jennifer brings strong leadership, financial expertise and a strong understanding of municipal governance. Having strong roots in the region, she is well-positioned to lead the organization in alignment with Council priorities and community expectations.”

Moore has over 17 years of executive-level experience in municipal government. She most recently served as Chief Administrative Officer with Northumberland County. Her experience includes strategic leadership, financial and asset management, budget development and oversight, infrastructure project delivery, council relations, shared services implementation, and community partnership development. 

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Township of Selwyn and excited to work with Council and staff in service of this community,” said Moore. “With strong roots in Peterborough County, Selwyn feels like home, and I look forward to building strong relationships and contributing to Selwyn’s continued success.”

Ms. Moore holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree with a minor in Economics and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

The Township of Selwyn expressed its sincere appreciation to Lavalley for her exemplary public service and leadership and welcomed Moore, working together to advance strategic objectives and maintain excellence in municipal service delivery.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Township of Selwyn and excited to work with Council and staff in service of this community,” said Moore. With strong roots in Peterborough County, Selwyn feels like home, and I look forward to building strong relationships and contributing to Selwyn’s continued success.”

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Ontario Minimum Wage to Increase to $17.95 An Hour On Oct. 1

To support over 700,000 workers, the Ontario Government is raising the minimum wage from $17.60 to $17.95 an hour, effective Oct. 1.

Under the Employment Standards Act, Ontario’s minimum wage increases annually based on the Ontario CPI, a measure of inflation that represents changes in prices experienced by Ontario consumers. Screenshot.

This annual increase, tied to Ontario’s Consumer Price Index at 1.9 percent, helps ensure wages continue to reflect economic conditions while protecting workers and providing businesses with greater stability according to David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

“Ontario workers are the engine of this province,” he said. “By raising the minimum wage to one of the highest in Canada, our government is putting more money in the pockets of Ontario workers, supporting families through economic uncertainty and giving businesses the stability and predictability they need to plan and grow."

Those earning the general minimum wage and working 40 hours per week will see an annual pay increase of approximately $728.

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City Council Approves Procedure By-law Update

Council approved a new Procedure By-law, developed in consultation with the Procedure By-law Working Group, to govern Council meetings during their Monday night meeting.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The revisions in the proposed Procedure By-law focus on improving clarity, aligning with current legislative requirements and supporting efficient and transparent meeting processes according to Council.

It is customary during each term of Council to consider amendments to the current Procedure By-law. The Procedure By-law Working Group, comprising the Mayor, the Chair of the General Committee, the Chair of the Planning Committee, the CAO, the Commissioner of Legislative Services, the City Clerk, and the Deputy Clerk, met on several occasions to discuss procedural considerations. The Ombudsman’s Office was consulted and a review was undertaken of best practices from municipalities including Caledon, Cambridge, Chatham-Kent, Guelph, Pickering, Richmond Hill, St. Catharines, Whitby and Windsor.

The Procedure By-law updates certain aspects of how Council governs its meetings, such as the following examples:

• The authority and duties of the Chair in maintaining order, decorum and the effective conduct of meetings;

• Restricting the use of electronic devices during meetings to support transparency and uphold the statutory open meetings requirements;

• Aurally recording Council's closed session meetings, with the recordings kept confidential in accordance with legislative requirements;

• Using a consent agenda process for Council's closed session meetings, with Council having the option to approve reports through one motion prior to going into closed session and only matters not included as part of the consent agenda will be considered during the closed meeting;

• Requiring that notices of motion be introduced at Committee meetings, not at a regular Council meeting, to follow a two-step approval process;

• Setting a limit of four delegations per agenda item at a Council meeting to support efficient agenda management, with the delegations limit not applying to delegations heard as part of a statutory public meeting under the Planning Act or applicable legislation;

• Setting a limit of two questions per Council member for questions on delegations, with the question specifically related to the content of the delegation and the response to the question from the delegate not to exceed 90 seconds - this change was amended during Council's General Committee consideration of the proposed by-law to increase the limit to two questions from one question;

• When a motion to amend or a motion to defer a recommendation from City staff report is presented, the Chair of the meeting will ask staff to provide information on any implications on the amendment or deferral to ensure Council has the complete and accurate information prior to making a decision;

• A majority vote is sufficient for a Motion to Reconsider where the original matter was not decided by
  Council, or where it was decided by Council during a previous term of Council;

• A two-thirds vote will be required to pass a Motion to Reconsider where the original matter was decided by Council within the current term of Council; and

• To support efficient and orderly debate, it is proposed that Members be permitted to speak to a Motion no more than twice, with each speaking opportunity limited to five minutes during General Committee meetings and a maximum of three minutes during Council meetings.

Council amended the direction on the maximum number of delegations from the original recommendation to set a limit of 10 at a Council meeting, except for statutory public meetings under the Planning Act or other applicable legislation, where the limit does not apply. Council changed the limit to four delegations per agenda item at a Council meeting, except for statutory public meetings under the Planning Act or applicable legislation, when the limit will not apply.

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Peterborough Mourns Passing of Former City Councillor Ann Farquharson at 68

Former Peterborough City Councillor and local volunteer Ann Farquharson has passed away at 68 years of age.

Photo courtesy of Highland Park Funeral Centre.

She passed away peacefully in her home while sleeping on Monday.

Farquharson earned her B.A. (Hons.) from Trent University in 1981 and her L.L.B. from the University of British Columbia in 1984. She was called to the Bar of British Columbia in 1985 and to the Bar of the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1986. As a lawyer, she began practicing law in Peterborough in 1986 as a partner with Farquharson Daly (now known as Farquharson Law). She also acted as Human Rights Advisor at Trent University from 2000 to 2006.

The City of Peterborough flew the flag at half-mast in honour of Farquharson on Tuesday. She was a Town Ward Councillor who served on City Council from 2006 to 2010.

Mayor Jeff Leal released the following statement:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ann Farquharson, a former City Councillor and a dedicated advocate for our community. Ann served the people of Peterborough with integrity and an unwavering commitment to making life better for others. Her leadership, her thoughtful voice at the Council table, and her years of service left a meaningful and lasting impact on our city.

Beyond her time as an elected official, Ann was an active and passionate community supporter, always working to strengthen the places and organizations she cared about. She will be remembered for her generosity, her spirit, and her steadfast belief in building a stronger Peterborough.

On behalf of City Council and the residents of our community, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Ann’s family, friends, and all who were touched by her remarkable life and contributions.”

As an avid volunteer, Farquharson served on more than 30 boards and committees, including:

• President, Peterborough Law Association

• Board member, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough (and a Big Sister for five years)

• Director, Five Counties Children’s Centre

• Provincial appointee to the Board of Governors, Peterborough Civic Hospital, where she chaired the Public Relations and Finance Committees

• Founding member, Women’s Health Care Centre

• Board member, C.H.A.N.G.E.S.

• Board member, Fourth Line Theatre Company

• President, Peterborough Chapter of the Trent Alumni Association

• Board member, Peterborough Theatre Guild, Festival of Lights (Musicfest), Fairhaven Foundation

• Member, Save the Market Hall Committee; Peterborough Youth Commission; Peterborough Centennial Celebration Committee

• Chair, Citizens Advisory Panel on Flood Planning

• Member, Veterans Wall of Honour Working Committee

• Sponsorship Chair, Peterborough Flood Relief Concert Committee

• Member of YMCA Fundraising Cabinet

• Member of Women United (United Way)

• Board member, Women’s Resources (current)

• United Way Cabinet member (current)

A Celebration of Life for Ann will be held at Market Hall this Saturday at 2 p.m. In place of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice are encouraged.

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Mayor Jeff Leal Endorses Automated Speed Enforcement Ban

Following the Ontario government's announcement that it plans to introduce legislation to ban automated speed enforcement cameras across the province late last month, Mayor Jeff Leal has endorsed this move, releasing a statement on Monday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his government announced that they will table legislation this month.

Leal has issued the following statement regarding Automated Speed Enforcement:

“I have sent a letter to Premier Ford to request that the provincial government continue to allow Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras in school zones.

I join with many other mayors across Ontario who have come together to propose the same exemption for prospective legislation dealing with this issue.

Peterborough City Council’s priority is the safety of children. We believe the implementation of ASE cameras will ensure the greatest safety level possible for our most vulnerable residents.

Our children will always remain our top priority when it comes to safety.”

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Ontario Raising Minimum Wage to $17.60 This Wednesday

To support over 800,000 workers, the Ontario Government is raising the minimum wage from $17.20 to $17.60 an hour, effective Wednesday.

Under the Employment Standards Act, Ontario’s minimum wage increases annually based on the Ontario CPI, a measure of inflation that represents changes in prices experienced by Ontario consumers. Screenshot.

This annualized wage increase of 2.4 per cent is based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI). It delivers on the government’s plan to protect and support workers while keeping Ontario competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs according to David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

“At a time when many families are feeling the pressure of global economic uncertainty, our government will protect Ontario workers with a minimum wage increase that supports our world-class workforce,” he said. “We will continue to take action to build a strong, resilient workforce ready to face whatever comes our way.”

As a result of the changes, a worker making minimum wage and working 40 hours per week will get an annual pay increase of more than $800.

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City of Peterborough Sends Call For Advisory Committee and Board Volunteers

The City of Peterborough is encouraging the public to get involved in local government by joining an advisory committee or board.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Advisory committees provide input and guidance on municipal services and programs for the Peterborough community.

The City selects volunteers through a formal selection process and some positions may require an interview. Applicants must reside or own property in the City of Peterborough.   

The following opportunities to join a committee or board are available:  

• Accessibility Advisory Committee (two vacancies)

• Community Investment Grants Advisory Committee (eight vacancies)

• Property Standards Committee (one vacancy)

• Peterborough Public Library Board (one vacancy)

• Planning Advisory Committee (one vacancy)

All terms will end in December next year.  

Interested residents are encouraged to pick up an application form in person at City Hall or online.  

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