City of Peterborough Declares Significant Weather Event Ahead of Weekend Ice Storm

The City of Peterborough has declared a significant weather event, effective immediately, in advance of the ice storm expected this weekend.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City is actively monitoring weather forecasts and conditions. Winter abrasives and de-icers are ready to go, and Public Works crews are ready to deploy the City’s 18 plow trucks, 11 sidewalk plows, two graders, seven loaders and backhoes to help keep roads, sidewalks and trails clear.

Crews will work throughout the weekend to keep roads clear; however, depending on the storm's severity, ice accumulation may still occur on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the region, forecasting a potent spring storm that will begin late Friday and last until Monday.

Significant ice accumulation can result from freezing rain, with general amounts of five to 15 mm and amounts in excess of 20 mm possible. Environment Canada warns that utility outages, slippery surfaces, and broken tree branches from ice build-up are a possibility.

City forestry crews are standing by, ready to clear fallen branches and trees that may become an issue.

To report a downed branch or tree on City property please call Public Works at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Due to ice accumulation, there is potential for power outages. Residents should be prepared if an extreme weather event results in a power outage.

Having an Emergency Preparedness kit on hand is essential for staying safe.

Emergency Preparedness Kits 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

Residents are encouraged to charge devices in advance of a weather event.

Motorists should also ensure enough fuel in their vehicles before the storm, as local gas stations may also lose power.

Residents should ensure that downspouts are directing rain away from the foundations of buildings. 

Residents can help by clearing debris away from the storm sewer drains near their property if possible.

Due to the volume of water moving through local waterways, residents are reminded to stay a safe distance from the water’s edge as banks can be slippery and unstable.

Otonabee Conservation has issued a Flood Warning for all watercourses in our region. Residents are advised to monitor conditions and take appropriate action to protect themselves and their property from flooding.

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City of Peterborough Closes Temporary Emergency Shelter

The City of Peterborough closed its temporary emergency shelter that had 30 beds and was operated by Brock Mission on Friday morning.

There are 127 beds in the City’s emergency shelter network plus the Trinity Community Centre overnight program, which includes Brock Mission, Cameron House, YES emergency shelter for youth and families, and Trinity. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The shelter had opened on Monday and operated from 9:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. daily during that period. Meant as a temporary, short-term use, it, offered 30 beds nightly

Two people used the temporary shelter on Tuesday night and five people on Wednesday night as reported by the City.

The emergency shelter was opened to provide additional beds in the City’s shelter network.

Those experiencing homelessness who contacted emergency shelters or Social Services to access shelter beds were referred to the temporary shelter starting Monday if beds were unavailable in the regular shelter network.

The City recognized an identified need for shelter beds at this time.

The City arranged to temporarily provide the additional 30 shelter beds at the Morrow Building over five days within the approved homelessness services budget. Providing the temporary shelter bed increase was dependent on the ability to provide the necessary shelter staffing to operate the service over the defined period.

City Council did not support a motion to open a new temporary homeless shelter last month. The motion considered by Council on Feb. 3 would have directed the opening of new temporary shelter spaces for the winter months, which would have been for approximately seven weeks, by increasing the homelessness services budget by $150,000.

They continue to add that opening a temporary shelter for an approximately seven-week period was potentially not possible, as arranging for specialized shelter staffing and other logistics for the service for that amount of time may not have been possible. Council did not support that direction.

They explain that exceeding the Council-approved budget, going beyond staff’s delegated authority for procuring services, or substantially changing service levels would require Council approval. A temporary increase to the shelter network over a five-day period that can be accommodated within the Council-approved homelessness services budget does not exceed that threshold.

A report on the Emergency Winter Response Plan, which was approved by Council in 2023, is anticipated to be presented to Council in the summer.

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Spring Cleanup Underway Throughout City of Peterborough

With the melting snow uncovering litter in City parks and along streets and sidewalks, spring cleanup is underway throughout the City of Peterborough.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

With the volume of litter, the City expects the cleanup effort to extend over the next few weeks.

Public Works will use street sweeping machines on routes throughout the City to clean the grit and dirt that accumulates on streets over the winter.

The City maintains 388 garbage bins spanning over 100 parks and along the City’s trail system year-round. In 2024, crews collected just over 333 tonnes of garbage from those receptacles, a 41 per cent increase over 2023 according to the City.

They also maintains 325 garbage bins along City streets and outside City buildings.

Last year, Public Works crews collected 80 tonnes of illegally dumped waste, this includes large items and garbage bags full of waste, five tonnes of litter that includes smaller items such as wrappers, bottles, and coffee cups. Clean Up Peterborough, a volunteer group which organized several litter clean-ups last year collected more than 50,000 cigarette butts from City streets, roads, trails and paths.

Litter composition was made up of:

• 34 per cent recyclables (bottles, bags, food packaging, etc.)

• 32 per cent cigarette butts or other smoking paraphernalia (vapes, etc.)

• 25 per cent organics (food waste)

• 5 per cent textiles (clothes, towels, etc.)

• 4 per cent hazardous waste (pet waste, sharp objects, etc.)

Litter can harm local wildlife and pollute waterways; accumulated litter can attract pests.

Residents are encouraged to do their part by disposing of waste in appropriate receptacles.

Crews regularly maintain the City’s 713 garbage receptacles; however, if a garbage receptacle is complete, residents can report it using its online reporting portal.

The City also implements a street sweeping program to protect the environment by removing pollutants from road surfaces and reducing urban runoff through the stormwater system to downstream water bodies. Street sweeping also improves the cleanliness and aesthetics of City streets and parking lots by removing residual salt and sand used during winter operations.

City street sweepers will clean all 958 lane km of roadway and all City-owned sidewalks, trails and parking lots between March and May once temperatures are continuously above freezing. Many areas receive a secondary sweep as required based on the amount of residue on the surface. The City says work typically takes seven weeks to complete, depending on weather conditions.

Each year, crews start street sweeping in a different area of the City. This year, crews are starting in the downtown core.

Residents are asked to keep streets clear to improve the overall effectiveness of the street-sweeping program. Residents can ensure sweeping equipment can reach the full street surface by removing sports nets, placing garbage and recycling containers on the lawn or driveway and not parking on the street.

When approaching street-sweeping vehicles, please proceed cautiously and allow plenty of room for safe operations.

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City of Peterborough Opens Registration For Spring and Summer Recreation Programs

The City of Peterborough has opened registration for spring and summer recreation programs this week.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Programs include instructional sports, youth programs, older adult leisure programs and fitness and health programming. Most programs start during the first week of April and vary from four to 12 weeks.

Public registration for spring and summer programming and Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre members are open.

The City offers several fitness programs at Miskin Law Community Complex to support all ages and fitness levels.

Programs include Gentle Mobility and Stretch, Qigong, Chair Fitness, Baby & Me Bootcamp, Zumba Kids and Hatha Flow Yoga and Stretch & Strength.

The Miskin Law Community Complex will continue to host drop-in skating during the spring and summer months.

Registration can be done online. Registration can also be done in person at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr. or over the phone at 705-742-0050 ext. 2201.

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City Hosting Public Information Session for Riverside Park and East City Bowl Upgrades

The City of Peterborough is inviting residents to learn more about proposed upgrades to Riverside Park and East City Bowl at a public information session at the Peterborough Lions Community Centre April 3 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

City staff are available to answer questions about the project. Residents can provide feedback on what amenities they want to see in the proposed revitalization of the park.

Riverside Park and East City Bowl ball diamonds, located at 325 Burnham St., require repairs to address areas of deterioration.

Riverside Park was identified as a priority project by the City following input from local baseball groups. The wood fence, bullpen, batting cage, irrigation, scorekeepers tower and lighting were identified as areas needing improvement.

Phase 1 work includes replacing the outfield wall and scorekeeper’s tower and providing irrigation at Riverside Park.

Phase 2 work, subject to budget approval, includes replacing the bleachers and scorekeeper’s booth, new dugouts, irrigation and a new lighting system at East City Bowl. 

“These proposed upgrades to Riverside Park and East City Bowl will address areas of deterioration in our existing sports diamonds and will ensure the park continues to meet the needs of Peterborough residents. We encourage residents and park user groups to share their insights and perspectives during this community engagement process,” said Community Services (excluding homelessness) co-Chairs Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk in a statement.

“Riverside Park and East City Bowl is an East City gem. Investing in and repairing these facilities will ensure this valued space will continue to serve our community for years to come, and help support the local athletes, families and the many residents who gather to enjoy the park,” said Ashburnham Ward Councillors Keith Riel and Gary Baldwin in a joint statement.

A public survey is available online. Hard copies of the survey are available at City Hall, 500 George St. N.  The survey will be open until 11:59 p.m. on APril 11.

Residents with questions or concerns can also call 705-742-7777 ext.1829.

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Water Services Transitioning to the City of Peterborough Starting April 1

City water services, currently provided by the Peterborough Utilities Commission on behalf of the City, will transition to a directly operated service by the City of Peterborough beginning April 1.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City says there will be no immediate changes for customers.

Customer billing will remain the same at this time, with no changes required by customers for April 1. Customers will continue to receive water services bills from Peterborough Utilities for a period after April 1.

Notice will be provided to customers before any future change to billing. 

Customer service contact information will also remain the same after April 1.

The same Water Services team of employees that currently delivers high-quality water services and responsive customer service today as part of Peterborough Utilities will continue to deliver the service as they integrate into the City of Peterborough organization.

Water Services customer service can be reached at 705-748-6900, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

City Council decided to streamline the governance structure related to the delivery of water services by transferring responsibility for that service delivery from Peterborough Utilities Commission, a local board of the City, to a directly operated model.

Council gave direction in June 2024 to proceed with the transfer to the City of water assets and operations, information technology assets and operations of the Riverview Park and Zoo.

Peterborough’s Riverview Park and Zoo will continue to be a publicly owned and operated facility, with Riverview Park and Zoo employees providing the same excellent care for animals and welcoming experience that has made the Park and Zoo an attraction for residents and visitors. 

A review of water and wastewater services, including both the sanitary and stormwater networks, in 2021-22, recommended the services be directly operated by the City to create operational efficiencies and align with City Council’s existing responsibility and accountability for water services.

In December 2023, City Council approved a motion to support in principle the transfer of the water operations to the City, with added stipulations that staff report back to Council in 2024 with further details on the transfer and that no current International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers employees be displaced as a result of the transition. 

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Wastewater Plant Gets Brief Secondary Treatment Bypass Due to High Water Flows; Residents Asked to Reduce Water Intake

Residents are asked to reduce water intake after significantly increased volumes of water entered the City of Peterborough Wastewater Treatment Plant that briefly caused a bypass of the secondary treatment process at the facility early Monday morning.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant fully treated 105,751 cubic metres of sewage on Sunday. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The extra water came from melting snow and rainfall, according to the City.

The secondary treatment bypass was experienced from about 3:30 a.m. to 3:50 am. Less than 50 cubic metres of partially treated effluent was discharged into the Otonabee River.

The discharge had received primary treatment, which includes full screening, primary treatment and UV disinfection.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant resumed full treatment operations at 3:50 a.m.; however, it continues to monitor a high volume of water flowing through the plant due to current conditions.

Residents are asked to reduce water consumption by taking short showers instead of baths, limiting or delaying loads of laundry and turning off taps while brushing teeth and doing dishes.

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Road Closures In Effect For Sunday's 25th St. Patrick's Day Parade

Road closures, parking restrictions and Peterborough Transit detours will be in place during the St. Patrick’s Day parade starting at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough St. Patrick's Day Parade.

To allow for staging and procession of the parade, the following road closures will be in place starting at 12:30 p.m. until 4 p.m.:

• Dublin Street between Aylmer Street and Water Street 

• London Street between Aylmer Street and Water Street 

• McDonnel Street between Aylmer Street and Water Street 

• Murray Street between Aylmer Street and Water Street 

• George Street from Parkhill Road West (south side of intersection) to Brock Street 

The parade will travel south on George Street beginning at McDonnel Street. During the parade, a rolling road closure will be in place along George Street from Brock Street to McGill Street. All road closures are expected to be over by 4 p.m. 

‘No Parking’ signs will be posted in advance of the road closures.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to park in the following downtown locations: 

• King Street Parkade at 202 King St. 

• Simcoe Street parking garage at 190 Simcoe St.  

• Chambers Lot at 184 Hunter St. 

• Reid Lot at 350 Reid St. 

• Del Crary Lot at 100 George St. N. 

• Downie Lot at 336 Downie St. 

Parking in municipal lots and parking garages is free on weekends. 

Parking enforcement will start on Sunday morning once signage is in place. Parking contrary to posted signage during a road closure event may result in a $35 penalty notice and towing. Any vehicles not moved from the street in the parade staging area and route may be towed to the Eastgate Memorial Park parking lot, 2150 Ashburnham Dr., to make space for the float assembly and procession.

The following transit routes will have detours during the closure period: Route 2 Chemong, Route 4 Weller, Route 6 Sherbrooke, Route 7 Lansdowne, Route 9 Parkhill, Community Bus 22 (Blue) and Community Bus 23 (Red). 

Route 2 Chemong 

During the rolling road closure at 2 p.m.:

• Southbound from Terminal: route follows Simcoe Street to Aylmer Street to Romaine Street to Park Street to Braidwood Avenue to Lock Street. 

• Northbound from Lansdowne Street at Borden Avenue follows the regular route to Lock Street to Braidwood Avenue to Park Street to Romaine Street to Aylmer Street to Simcoe Street. 

Route 4 Weller 

During the rolling road closure, westbound will follow a regular route to the terminal only. Eastbound will travel to the bus stop at Simcoe at Water Streets. Customers will walk east to catch the bus at the Simcoe and Water streets stop. An extra driver will cover the east side of the route for the 2:23 p.m. trip

Route 6 Sherbrooke 

• Southbound from Trent from 12:30 p.m. to about 3:30 p.m. follows the regular route on George Street to Parkhill Road, west on Parkhill to Reid Street and follows Route 2 to the terminal.   

• Northbound from Terminal during the rolling road closure at 2 p.m. follows Route 2 to Reid Street at Parkhill Road, travelling east on Parkhill to Water Street where it resumes its regular route 

Route 7 Lansdowne 

During the rolling road closure at 2 p.m.:

• Westbound follows its regular route to Lock Street, left on Lock Street and taking Braidwood to Park Street to Lansdowne Street, where it returns to the regular route  

• Eastbound follows the regular route to Park Street, right on Park Street and taking Braidwood to Lock Street to Lansdowne Street, where it returns to the regular route 

Route 9 Parkhill 

From 12:30 p.m. to about 3:30 p.m. 

• Westbound from Trent: Regular route to George Street at Parkhill Road, continuing along Parkhill Road to the regular route  

• Eastbound from Fleming: Regular route to Parkhill at Reid, continuing along Parkhill Road to the regular route 

Route 22 Blue Community Bus

From 12:30 p.m. until about 3:30 p.m., Route 22 will follow the regular route to George at Parkhill, travel west on Parkhill Road to Reid Street, where it will follow Route 2 Chemong to the terminal.

Route 23 Red Community Bus

From 12:30 p.m. until about 3:30 p.m., Route 23 will travel eastbound on McDonnel Street to Reid Street, where it will follow Route 2 Chemong to the terminal. The 3 p.m. trip departing from the Transit terminal will detour along Aylmer Street to Romaine Street to Park Street, where it resumes its regular route. 

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Patio Permit Applications Open For the 2025 Season

Applications are now open for the City of Peterborough’s annual patio program for the 2025 season.

In February 2025, City Council approved maintaining the current insurance requirements for Downtown Patio Program participants at $2 million Commercial General Liability, except for patios licenced to serve alcohol, which would be required to have $5 million Commercial General Liability. File Photo.

The patio program creates the opportunity for more patio and pedestrian space in the City’s Central Area.  

The program includes:

• Allowing businesses on George, Water and Charlotte streets to use on-street parking spaces for additional outdoor business/patio space.

• Maintaining the existing two-vehicle travel lanes and cycling lanes on George and Water Streets.

• Reducing Hunter Street West to a one-lane, one-way street to expand pedestrian space and available patio areas.

• Maintaining Charlotte Street as a two-way, two-lane street while allowing for patios in on-street parking spaces through the patio permit process.

• The use of decorative fencing and planters to delineate between the new pedestrian areas, expanded/on-street patios and vehicular traffic lanes.

• The program has been expanded to allow businesses in East City along Hunter Street East to operate a patio on a portion of the city sidewalks.

• A non-refundable $400 Application fee.

Patio licences are required for all individuals, partnerships or corporations that want to place a patio on City-owned property.

To apply for a patio licence, visit the City’s Application, Licences and Permits webpage online. Applicants can submit an application, permit fee and supporting documents through the City’s website.

There will be reduced speed limits on streets with patios. Parking spaces, loading zones and designated waste pick-up areas may be adjusted once patio locations have been confirmed with participating businesses. 

Patio licence holders must put in place feasible measures to reduce physical barriers, respecting the accessibility needs of individuals. Business owners and patrons may contact the City with suggested modifications to the patio layouts that would improve accessibility. Where feasible, the City will work with licence holders to make requested improvements.

To have a patio licence ready for the Victoria Day long weekend, completed applications should be submitted by April 1. The last day to apply for a patio licence for the 2024 Patio Season is May 30.

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City of Peterborough Releases List of Activities For March Break

The City of Peterborough’s Recreation and Parks Services division is hosting various events encouraging residents to stay active and spend time with friends and family during March Break.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

Michelle Ferreri, Peterborough-Kawartha MP. is hosting free public swimming at the Sport and Wellness Centre on Friday, from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

“Peterborough—Kawartha is built on strong families and an incredible sense of community. That’s why I’m thrilled to invite everyone to the 3rd Annual March Break Family Fun Swim,” said Ferreri. “This free swim is a great way to kick off March Break while staying active and enjoying time together at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre. Events like this bring us closer as a community, and I’m so proud to host this fun-filled evening for families across our riding. There’s no registration, no cost—just bring your swimsuits, smiles, and energy. I look forward to seeing you and your family there.”

A free public skate takes place at the Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St. W., from noon to 1:50 p.m. on the CHE Pad on Thursday thanks to World’s Finest Chocolate.

“World’s Finest Chocolate is proud to sponsor a free Community Skate at the Miskin Law Community Complex, where we're bringing the community together over the March Break with free hot chocolate, delicious chocolate samples, and fun on the ice,” said Jennifer King, Director, Canadian Business, World’s Finest Chocolate. “While our Campbellford Outlet may be closed, our fundraising business is stronger than ever, helping schools, teams, and community groups raise the important funds they need.”

Other March Break activities are as follows:

Public Skating at the Miskin Law Community Complex

Cost $5.25/person

• Monday, March 10, 11 a.m. – 12:50 p.m., CHE Pad

• Tuesday, March 11, noon – 1:50 p.m., CHE Pad

• Thursday, March 13, noon – 1:50 p.m. CHE Pad – Free Skate sponsored by World’s Finest Chocolate

• Friday, March 14, 11 a.m. – 12:50 p.m., CHE Pad

• Saturday, March 15, Family Skate, 9 a.m. – 9:50 a.m., Family Stick and Puck 10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.

• Sunday March 16, Public Skating, 3 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.

Swimming at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre

 Cost $5.25/person

• Monday, March 10 to Friday March 14, 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

• Wednesday, March 12, 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

• Friday, March 14, 6:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

• Saturday, March 8 and 15, and Sunday, March 9 and 16, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre hosts drop-in sports from Monday, March 10 to Friday, March 14. Cost is $5.25 per person.

• Pickleball, 6:15 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

• Basketball, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

There are still spaces left in the March Break Camp at the Sport and Wellness Centre. Geared toward children between the ages of four and 11, the camp provides a full day of activities including swimming, games and crafts. Registration for the event can be done online.

Registration for the City’s spring and summer swimming (spring session only), recreational and sport programs opens at 7 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, for Sport and Wellness Centre members and at 7 a.m. Wednesday, March 19 for members of the public.

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