City Hall Council Chambers Open House On Feb. 25

The public are invited to drop in for conversations and light refreshments with Mayor Jeff Leal and City Councillors at an Open House in the Council Chambers at City Hall from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 25.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

“We want to provide another way for residents to visit City Hall, to see the Council Chambers, and to speak with their Council members outside of the typical formal meetings that usually bring us together,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Join us for coffee, tea or juice and local baked goods. This is going to be another huge year for moving projects forward, renewing infrastructure, and delivering critical services. Let’s talk about our community and how we can build a better tomorrow, together.”

The Council Chambers are on the second floor of City Hallwhich can be accessed through the main doors and taking either the central staircase or the adjacent elevator to the second floor. Refreshments will be available in the City Boardroom next to the Council Chambers.

Free public parking is available in the City Hall parking lot when visiting City Hall and on-street parking is permitted in front of City Hall on George Street. 

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Peterborough Homeowners Staring Down a 9.59% Property Tax Hike in 2024

While inflation has taken its toll on household budgets, it’s also hammering the financial books of the city of Peterborough.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

Earlier this week, city staff released the draft 2024 budget. As a result of growing costs, the document proposes an all-inclusive property tax increase of 9.59 per cent in 2024.

So, what does that mean for the average homeowner?

The proposed increase would see your annual property tax bill grow by $167.17 per $100,000 of residential property assessment.

Or, if your property is assessed at $260,000, you would pay an extra $434.61 on your yearly tax bill.

To figure out what the proposal means for you, the city of Peterborough has a tool to help.

Where is the money being spent?

Proposed operating expenses for the city in 2024 will be $359 million ($173.9 million of that will be paid through property taxes).

Proposed capital costs will come in at $128.2 million.

The departments and agencies proposing to spend the most tax dollars include police, the fire department, social services, transit, public works, parks and recreation, and paramedics. Another large expense is capital financing costs.

The entire document is available to view HERE.

What’s causing the increase?

There are a number of reasons for the increase. However, general inflationary pressures are a big reason why.

However, other factors for the rise in costs include:

- Upgrading transit service

- Improving customer service

- Strengthening municipal law enforcement

- Rising policing costs

- Increased insurance costs

What could be cut?

Lowering the proposed increase by 1% would require $1.9 million in reductions. City staff have laid out a laundry list of possible cuts across a variety of departments.

Some of the larger potential areas to save money include (savings in brackets):

- Cancel downtown street surface repair program ($2.3 million)

- Defer traffic calming program ($700,000)

- Defer Towerhill Link Environmental Assessment ($600,000)

- Cancel Service Enhancement Plan ($530,000)

- Defer various new sidewalk installations ($500,000)

- Defer hiring four municipal law enforcement officers ($305,305)  and purchasing two security vehicles ($200,000)

- Full cost recovery of planning applications ($300,000)

- Cut statutory holiday transit service ($190,000)

- Close directly operated child care ($150,000)

- Increase transit fees ($100,000)

Planned Capital Projects

There are 147 capital projects proposed to begin (or be completed) in 2024. The projects come in at a cost of $128.2 million.

Some of those projects include:

- New arena and aquatics complex

- Brealey Drive construction from Lansdowne Street to Sherbrooke Street

- Pavement preservation program

- Lansdowne Street rehabilitation from Park Street to Otonabee River

- Charlotte Street upgrades from Water Street to Park Street

- Transit Garage replacement

- Curtis Creek watershed improvements

- Bonnerworth Park Redevelopment Project

- Downtown street resurface repairs

How to get involved

Nov. 9: Public meeting, brief presentation and opportunity to ask questions, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at McDonnel Street Community Centre, 577 McDonnel St.

Nov. 14: Informal drop-in from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. in the main foyer, at City Hall, 500 George St. N.

Nov. 14: Finance committee will hear from registered delegations, starting at 6 p.m., at City Hall, 500 George St. N. Register at peterborough.ca/delegations or call 705-742-7777 ext. 1820

Nov. 15: Finance committee meeting with outside boards and agencies, but no public delegations. Takes place at City Hall, 500 George St. N.

Nov. 20 to 23: Finance committee reviews and debates draft budget, but no public delegations.

Dec. 11: Council votes final budget. Registered delegations can present beforehand. Takes place at City Hall, 500 George St. N.

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City Council Appoints David Potts As New Commissioner of Legislative Services

City Council has appointed David Potts as the new Commissioner of Legislative Services for the City of Peterborough, effective immediately.

Potts holds a law degree from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) degree from Western University. He is certified by the Law Society of Ontario as a Specialist, Municipal Law (Local Government). Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The announcement was made at the City Council’s meeting on Monday.

Potts also serves as the City Solicitor for the City of Peterborough, a position he has held since June 2018. Before joining the City of Peterborough, Potts was the City of Oshawa’s legal counsel for 19 years, including 17 years as its City Solicitor.

As the Commissioner of Legislative Services, Potts leads a department that includes Legal Services, the City’s Clerk’s Office, Court Services, Municipal Law Enforcement Services, and Realty Services.

Council has expressed its vision to enhance the delivery of the critical functions within the Legislative Services Department, including bylaw enforcement, to meet the community's needs better moving forward according to Mayor Jeff Leal.

“Dave has the experience and knowledge to lead the department through this exciting period of change,” he said.

“I am looking forward to working with Dave in this senior leadership role and use his knowledge and vast experience in our exciting journey to make the City of Peterborough a future-ready City,” said Jasbir Raina, Chief Administrative Officer.

Legislative Services is a new department for the City of Peterborough, which was created as part of a recent reorganization to position the City to be future-ready, realigning existing divisions, services and programs within the administrative structure of the City of Peterborough according to a press release.

Potts has served as the acting Commissioner of Legislative Services since the department was created on Oct. 2.

As the community positions itself for growth and progress, it will be critical that the City learns from the experiences of other municipalities while simultaneously implementing services in a way that considers the local context for Peterborough, Potts said.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the City’s talented, dedicated group of professionals in my new role as we implement Council’s vision as expressed through its Strategic Plan: Peterborough 2050,” he said. '“I’m grateful to Council and my staff colleagues for this additional opportunity to serve my hometown.”

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City Council Amends By-Law To Allow Tenting On Wolfe Street Municipal Parking Lot

After a City Council meeting on Aug. 5, the City of Peterborough’s Parks and Facilities by-law and Trespass by-law has been temporarily amended to temporarily allow tenting on the Wolfe Street municipal parking lot.

There are beds available within the City’s shelter system which includes 106 beds at four emergency shelters. Last week, there was an average of 40 beds available each night including 27 each night at the overflow shelter bed program. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The lot is at the southeast corner of Aylmer and Wolfe Street where construction of a new Modular Bridge Housing community on the nearby Rehill Parking Lot is occurring.

Allowing tenting on the secondary parking lot at Aylmer and Wolfe Streets helps create a clear, safe work site for the construction of the Modular Bridge Housing community that will include 50 individual units for people experiencing homelessness according to the City.

Tenting remains prohibited on all other City properties, except Beavermead Campground when permitted.

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Jasbir Raina Unanimously Appointed City's New Chief Administrative Officer After Monday's Council Meeting

Peterborough City Council has unanimously approved the appointment of Jasbir Raina as the City of Peterborough’s new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) effective immediately announce at a Council meeting on Monday night.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Raina began working for the City in June last year as the role of Commissioner of Infrastructure and Planning Services as part of the City’s senior leadership team after working in senior roles at the City of Brampton and the City of Mississauga over the last15 years. He is an engineer and has a Master of Business Administration degree, has extensive professional experience in the public sector in various positions over 30 years.

The CAO is the top administrative position that reports directly to City Council, overseeing the implementation of policies set by Council through the delivery of services by the City of Peterborough’s municipal workforce according to a press release.

“Mr. Raina’s commitment and dedication to the citizens of Peterborough has clearly been demonstrated in his previous role as Commissioner of Infrastructure and Planning Services,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “We look forward to his leadership and guidance in his new role as Chief Administrative Officer.”

Raina replaces Sandra Clancy, who retired as CAO following a 38-year career with the City of Peterborough.

“It is a great honour to lead the team of professional and dedicated staff who are fully committed to delivering services to the City’s residents,” said Raina “I am beyond excited to take on this value-creating role at the City. I would like to thank the Mayor and members of Council for entrusting me to be City’s next CAO. I look forward to working collaboratively with the Mayor, Council, our community, and all stakeholders to advance priorities of Council to build a Future Ready Peterborough.”

Raina’s professional experience includes serving in the following positions:

• Commissioner, Public Works and Engineering, City of Brampton

• Director, Facilities Services/Operations and Maintenance, City of Brampton

• Manager, Capital Planning and Asset Management, City of Mississauga

• Manager, Facilities Operations and Property Management, City of Mississauga

Raina has a Master of Engineering from the Naval Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration from Athabasca University. He also has a Project Management designation through the Project Management Institute and a law certificate from Harvard University.

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City of Peterborough Official Plan Approved By the Province

The City of Peterborough was notified on April 11 that the Province has approved the City’s new Official Plan with amendments; in effect as of April 11.

photo by Keegan Beekers.

The Plan identifies where various land uses can be located, such as residential, commercial, institutional, employment and open space, plans for the city’s infrastructure needs, identifies and protects the City’s natural heritage system and water resources, and establishes a vision and policies for growing as a complete, vibrant, sustainable, resilient and equitable city. The new Official Plan also provides a framework for future zoning by-law regulations.

It replaces the City’s current Official Plan as well as two former township Official Plans that have remained in effect in areas annexed between 1998 and 2013. 

“The Official Plan is our overarching document to guide growth and development. Our community participated in its drafting to ensure it reflects our collective goals and vision. Growth, investment, employment lands, homes, heritage, and sustainability are all part of the Official Plan,” said Mayor Jeff. “Congratulations to our community, our team at the City of Peterborough, and to the previous Councils that led the creation of this exciting plan.”

The new Official Plan was endorsed by City Council in November 2021 after extensive community consultation and work with various stakeholder groups to draft the document that sets the vision and direction for growth and development for Peterborough to the year 2051. It was submitted to the Province for approval.

“This is an exciting milestone after several years of work to craft the Official Plan with input from residents, developers and community groups. Our Official Plan serves as a foundation for growth and investment in our community. With the Plan amended and approved by the Province, people looking to invest in Peterborough have certainty on the planning direction for the City,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell, chair of Council’s Planning Portfolio.

A draft of the new Official Plan was initially released in June 2019 after more than two years of consultation and activity on drafting the document.

The Province explained in its approval that it made amendments to address provincial policy direction related to growth management, housing supply, cultural heritage resources, land use compatibility and the protection of natural heritage features and drinking water.

The Province’s approval is posted online here.

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Peterborough Youth Council Applications Now Open for 2023-2024 Term

The City of Peterborough is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 term of the Peterborough Youth Council.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

Young people between the ages of 10 and 21 who live or attend school in Peterborough are invited to apply to become a member of the Council.

The Peterborough Youth Council is a voice for youth in the community. Members can bring their ideas and energy to organizing and being involved in community events.

This is a volunteer position, and the volunteer hours can be used towards students’ Ontario Secondary School Diploma requirement of 40 hours of community involvement.

“The Youth Council is a voice for youth in our community,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell, chair of the youth portfolio. “Help us plan events that will resonate with young people in our community. You’ll have fun, meet other young people and gain valuable skills such as organization, communication and teamwork.”

Youth are invited to visit the City’s website to learn more and complete an application. Applications are due by April 28 at 4:30 p.m.

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Peterborough County Council Approves 2023 Budget

The Peterborough County Council has approved the 2023 Budget at Wednesday’s meeting.

photo courtesy of peterborough county council.

The total increase is 4.93 per cent which includes a dedicated infrastructure levy of 2.5 per cent.

“Staff have brought forward an extremely fiscally responsible budget again this year. There are so many outside influences, that are beyond our control and yet together with our Finance Committee, we are bridging the infrastructure gap and fulfilling our mandate to our residents,” said Warden Bonnie Clark.

For 2023, the tax levy increase of 4.93 per cent approximates an increase of $19 per each $100,000 of residential assessment and equates to an approximate 3.9 per cent tax rate increase.

photo courtesy of peterborough county council.

Approximately 51 per cent of the total tax levy increase is dedicated to capital infrastructure, with the remaining 49 per cent supporting County operations and the External/Shared Services.

photo courtesy of peterborough county council.

Each 1 per cent levy increase is equal to approximately $507,000 of additional revenue.

“Our Finance Committee did not lose any momentum even though we had a number of new Councillors on the committee, they grasped the technology and tools quickly. We met our objectives using our system we implemented last year, and things moved very smoothly,” said finance committee chair Councillor Matthew Graham.

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City Council Approves Changes To Garbage Pickup; Clear Bags and Bi-Weekly Trash Pickup

City Council has endorsed adopting the clear bags and bi-weekly trash pickup as part of an the Waste Management Master Plan Update during a meeting on Monday night.

File Photo.

The summary of changes in waste management services are the following:

• Requiring the use of clear garbage bags for waste collection

• Moving to every-other-week residential garbage collection starting Oct. 31 at the same time as the introduction of weekly Green Bin (household organic waste) collection service that will reduce the bulk of current garbage material

• Preparing for the provincially-directed switch to producer-responsible recycling program delivery, instead of it being a municipal service, starting Jan. 1

• Bringing a report to Council in the future to amend the Waste Collection Enforcement By-law to include new definitions of the waste stream, collection requirements, and penalties for non-compliance as an option if public education efforts are not effective in changing disposal behaviours

The changes would result in garbage collection would shift to every other week while Green Bin and Blue Bin collection would be provided weekly.

A ‘clear bag’ program refers to the use of a garbage bag that is transparent or see-through. According to the City, use of clear bags for garbage encourages waste diversion in several ways:

• Clear bag Programs improves worker safety and allows Transfer Station attendants the ability to conduct a quick assessment of the contents within the clear bag(s) to ensure that no recyclable or hazardous items are in the bag.

• Clear bags can serve as a reminder if people forget to separate out these materials from their garbage, as the clear bag allows residents to see what is being thrown out.

• Clear bags prompt people to reflect on their waste disposal habits and encourage them to consider waste diversion options.

• Clear bags can assist in with the enforcing of municipal material disposal bans by allowing waste collectors to monitor for compliance and reject any bags containing banned items.

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City of Peterborough Approves 2023 Budget; 3.15 Per Cent Property Tax Increase

City Council approved the City of Peterborough 2023 Budget, increasing property tax by 3.15 per cent for residential properties not on the water during Monday’s Council meeting.

File Photo.

The proposed increase was reduced by 0.85 per cent from its initial guideline during detailed budget reviews earlier this month according to a press release.

“Council made changes to the draft budget to ensure that investments reflect the priorities of the community, including spending on critical infrastructure and providing support for housing and homelessness, while at the same time respecting the current financial conditions,” Mayor Jeff Leal said. “Our community is building a better tomorrow, together.”

For the typical household, the proposed all-inclusive increase (municipal, education, and sewer surcharge) will equate to an additional $4.44 monthly or an additional $53.23 annually per $100,000 of residential assessment.

“Residents in our community are feeling the costs of inflation and the challenging economic environment in their daily lives. Municipal services are also impacted by those pressures,” said Councillor Andrew Beamer, Council’s finance chair. “Council made difficult decisions to lessen the increasing cost of services for taxpayers, drawing from reserves to meet needs in some areas and cutting spending in other areas to push down the tax increase.”

The budget process started in March last year with community consultation including a survey and a series of drop-in style meetings. Council approved the guidelines for drafting the budget documents in July of the same year. The Draft 2023 Budget was presented on Dec. 5.

The Operating Budget includes roughly $325.8 million for programs and services including waste management, road maintenance, wastewater sewers and treatment, social assistance, affordable housing, recreation, arts and heritage, fire services, and policing.

The Capital Budget is approximately $131.2 million for various infrastructure and capital projects such as road work, a household organic waste composting facility and collection equipment, flood reduction efforts, facility maintenance, funding for the planned replacement of a fire station, sanitary sewer repairs, construction of a new twin-pad arena and police capital projects.

Budget highlights

How the municipal portion of taxes is spent (cost per $100,000 of residential assessment):

23.6 per cent goes to external organizations, including: 

• Peterborough Police Service $232.59

• Peterborough Paramedics $48.89

• Fairhaven Long-Term Care $12.79

• Peterborough Public Health $10.85

• Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development $8.64

• Otonabee Conservation $6.64

• Peterborough Humane Society $3.63

• Business Improvement Areas $1.42

• Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster $1.15

22.9 per cent goes to infrastructure and planning services, including:

• Engineering, Construction and Public Works $102.14

• Transportation $103.79

• Environmental Services $60.59

• Peterborough Airport $18.19

• Asset Management and Capital Planning $12.93

• Planning $10.66

• Building Inspection and Protective Services $6.91

• Office of Infrastructure and Planning Services $1.42

22 per cent goes to capital levy, debt payments, and other financial expenditures, including:

• Capital financing costs $265.67

• Property taxation costs $24.15

• Other expenditures $10.86

• Contingency provision $3.83

13.3 per cent goes to Community Services, including:

• Social Services $95.95

• Arts, Culture and Heritage $42.87

• Arenas $18.88

• Community Services Administration (incl. community grants) $17.18

• Recreation $9.70

11.8 per cent goes to fire services and the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, including:

• Fire Services $149.46

• Communication Services $5.95

• Office of the Chief Administrative Officer $4.65

• Emergency Management $4.01

5.9 per cent goes to Corporate and Legislative Services, including:

• Corporate Information Services $29.79

• Financial Services $18.55

• Human Resources $9.87

• Facilities Management $9.58

• City Clerk $7.08

• Legal Services $5.51

• Facilities and Planning Services $1.35

0.5 per cent ($6.51) goes to City Council

The total of the municipal portion is $1,384.63 per $100,000 of assessment.

Highlights of the 2023 Budget include:

• Police budget includes 11 new hires as the Peterborough Police Service continues to experience an increasing number of calls for service, increasing crime severity in the community, and an increasing population in the communities it serves.

• $6.1 million in municipal spending for housing and homelessness services (a 5.7 per cent increase compared to 2022), including support for approximately 2,000 social housing units, rent supplements, and the operation of four emergency shelters with 106 shelter beds.

• $7.6 million in the capital budget toward the $21.2-million household source-separated organics program implementation with a City-wide green bin program expected to start in fall 2023.

• $1 million for urban forest management strategic plan implementation for tree planting and urban forestry management.

• $750,000 to upgrade 3,000 street light fixtures to LED lights, which reduce energy use and energy costs.

• Holding Peterborough Transit expenses at the 2022 level which reduces the 2023 net requirement by $951,000.

• Deferring an $800,000 project that is part of upgrading water and sewer service to the Peterborough Airport until a land deal is reached to bring the airport property within the City of Peterborough boundaries.

• Establishing a permanent, annual individual artist grant program at $50,000 a year, through a three-year agreement with Electric City Culture Council with funding from the capital budget in 2023 and the program built into the operating budget in 2024 and 2025;

• Providing $281,800 from the capital levy reserve for the final two installments of the City's contribution to the Eastern Ontario Regional Network cell gap project as approved by Council in 2019;

• Using $287,780 from a reserve and contingency to provide additional funding, in addition to the amount included in the Draft 2023 Budget documents, to Peterborough Public Health;

• Deferring, until consideration in the 2024 Budget, a proposed $150,000 project for the next stage of the development of a Downtown Heritage Conservation District Plan; and

• Using $200,000 from the Social Services Reserve to add a third worker at the overflow shelter program and Brock Mission to help individuals with better support for referrals to services and to assist with housing searches, develop more of a harm-reduction focus, address service restrictions differently, and other functions.

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