City of Peterborough Hosting Two Public Meetings; Survey Open For Input On 2025 Budget

The first of two public drop-in meetings to consult with the community as part of the early phase of the City of Peterborough’s 2025 Budget process will be held on Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the McDonnel Street Community Centre located at 577 McDonnel St.

pHOTO BY Keegan Beekers.

A second drop-in meeting will be held Monday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 500 George St. N.

The drop-in meetings provide an informal opportunity for residents, including council members and city staff, to share their ideas and questions about the 2025 Budget with the City’s Budget team.

The drop-in meetings are in addition to the regular, official Council meetings through the budget process that include opportunities for individuals to present as formal delegations to Council.

A 2025 Budget survey is available online. Hard copies can be picked up at City Hall, 500 George St. N. The survey is open until 11:55 p.m. on April 26.

The City consults with the community throughout the budget process—at the beginning before the priorities and direction are set for the budget's drafting, when the draft budget is released, and before the adoption of the final 2025 Budget is considered by Council.

Council is expected to consider the direction for the Draft 2025 Budget on June 11. The Draft 2025 Budget is scheduled to be posted for public review in November ahead of Council’s budget deliberations. The Mayor is expected to present the 2025 Budget for adoption on Dec. 9.

Information on the City budget is available online.

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United Way Peterborough & District's 2023 Community Campaign Hits $1.4 Million

United Way Peterborough & District honoured donors, volunteers and workplaces for their dedication to the 2023 Community Campaign that raised $1.4 million at The Venue in Peterborough.

UNITED WAY ANNOUNCED IT’S 2023 CAMPAIGN IN DECEMBER OF A GOAL OF $1.45 MILLION. IT FUNDS 20 PARTNER AGENCIES SERVING ABOUT 46,000 RESIDENTS IN 2022. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

Over 100 community leaders gathered at the event to mark the occasion. United Way presented Spirit Awards to 23 workplaces and individuals who exemplified an extraordinary commitment to supporting their community through the United Way Campaign last year

“Our success isn't just measured in dollars, but in the lives touched and futures transformed,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “With $1.4 million raised, surpassing last year by eight per cent, we prove that when a community unites, the impact knows no bounds. Here's to reaching greater heights together.”

“Gratitude fuels our journey towards a brighter future. It has been a privilege to act as United Way Peterborough & District’s 2023 Campaign Chair and I extend heartfelt thanks to our community for their unwavering support,” said Jim Hendry, United Way campaign cabinet chair. “Together, we are creating a foundation of hope, compassion, and empowerment."

“We invest in community and in people. With our donors’ support, we invest money into the community in a few different ways,” said Betsy Farrar, United Way manager of community impact. “In addition to providing funding to 20 partner agencies, advocacy is a critical aspect of our work. Ultimately, our grand vision for Peterborough is that we get to a place where the United Way exists solely as a community builder as the crises we currently face have been resolved.”

“In our community, every contribution to the United Way campaign, whether it's a donation or volunteer effort, is invaluable for funding essential social programs and initiatives,” Anne Ondercin, United Way director of philanthropy. “The Spirit Awards celebrate those who went above and beyond in 2023, highlighting their dedication and inspiring us all with their commitment to making a difference.”

The following are the United Way’s 2023 Community Campaign Spirit Award winners:

SPIRIT OF THE COMMUNITY    

• Cogeco

• IG Wealth Management

• Royal Bank of Canada

• Dr. Stephan Ragaz

OUTSTANDING WORKPLACE CAMPAIGN AWARD (LARGE)    

• GM Financial

• Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board

• Trent University

OUTSTANDING WORKPLACE CAMPAIGN AWARD (SMALL)    

• Irwin, Sargent & Lowes

• Lucky Strike Bait Works

• Enterprise Holdings

CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE AWARD    

• GM Financial - Tim Parmiter and Kirsten Valencia

• Trent University - MK Millard and Alison Sholl

• Peterborough Performs - Paul Rellinger

INSPIRING LOCAL LOVE AWARD      

• Andritz Hydro

• Ontario Public Service

• Costco Peterborough

LABOUR COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AWARD     

• Peterborough & District Labour Council

OUTSTANDING PARTNER AGENCY                  

• Community Living Trent Highlands

• Elizabeth Fry Society

• Peterborough Child and Family Centres

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United Way Peterborough Unveil Findings On Living Wage History, Release Report of 34-Year History of Income Inadequacy

The United Way Peterborough & District has released a report that focuses on a 34-year history of income inadequacy and its impact on public health, released on Tuesday.

Jim Russell, United Way CEO (left); Elisha Rubacha, United Way’s community impact officer (middle) and Betsy Farrar, United Way manager of community impact (right) The report was released around World Health Day which is on Sunday, Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

The report, called ‘The Gap: Income (In)Adequacy Report 2024,’ uses the 2023 living wage rate for comparison. The Gap shows how Ontario’s minimum wage rate and social safety net have changed.

“There is an unspoken covenant between various levels of government and their citizens and that is to serve people, to preserve communities and to ensure opportunity for all to experience the fullness of life and their potential,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “Built into this notion is the belief that there should be a minimum standard of living for all people. When the cost of living outpaces income available through a minimum wage or social assistance programs, this minimum standard is not upheld as people are not able to afford basic necessities. Through this report, we are calling on readers to reflect, refresh, rethink, and renew how we understand adequate income as not something that is earned, but something that everyone in our community deserves access to.”

“United Way Peterborough & District has previously reported on our local region’s Living Wage rate, as we believe in the value that adequate income brings to our entire community,” said Betsy Farrar, United Way manager of community impact. “This year’s report uses a living wage as a measure of cost of living to highlight the shortfalls of other income types against the cost of living. Our research is highlighting how income rates such as minimum wage and social assistance are increasingly insufficient as the gap between these amounts and the cost of living widens year over year.”

Elisha Rubacha, United Way’s community impact officer, noted that The Gap frequently discusses food insecurity because it’s such a sensitive measure of poverty, resulting in many preventable illnesses that could be avoided if incomes were higher.

“Maintaining poverty is expensive,” she said. “For instance, adults in severely food insecure households in Ontario will generate healthcare costs that are 121 per cent higher than those in food secure households. Within the 34-year period examined in the report, Ontario’s minimum wage was frozen half of the time.”

In Canada, over 60 per cent of food insecure households rely on wages, salaries or self-employment as their primary source of income, indicating that too many of today’s jobs offer insufficient wages according to the report.

“When even working people can no longer afford to eat properly, that illustrates a serious problem,” said Rubacha. “Our social safety net similarly offers little protection from food insecurity, and in fact, has never been fully adequate to meet basic needs.”

The report illustrates the positive impact of existing tax benefits (the Canada Child Benefit and the Guaranteed Income Supplement) that function as basic income guarantees. It presents some results from past Canadian basic income projects (Mincome and the Ontario Basic Income Pilot).

“United Way Peterborough & District believes in moving people from Poverty to Possibility. Improving incomes is necessary, whether that’s through a basic income guarantee, a higher minimum wage, more certified living wage employers, or all of the above. The suffering that results from poverty is preventable. We can choose to prevent it,” according to a United Way press release.

The United Way plans to release this report to all local dignitaries and politicians to address the issue.

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Peterborough Chamber to Host Warden's Breakfast For County Updates

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Warden’s Breakfast to hear updates from Warden Bonnie Clark at Lang Pioneer Village Museum on April 23 from 8 to 10 a.m.

Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

The Warden will discuss recent endeavours and future aspirations for Peterborough County. Updates on the County's progress and exciting prospects are also being revealed at the breakfast.

Warden Clark will be preceded by guest speaker Meredith Staveley-Watson, Manager of Government Relations and Policy at the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus. She will discuss the ‘7 in 7+’ regional housing plan.

The ‘Countynental’ breakfast features food showcasing baked goods and savoury samples from establishments such as The Nutty Bean, Elmhirst's Resort, Stuff'd Lakefield, Three Roads Farms, The Cheesy Fromage, Jesse's Tap and Grill, Millbrook Mercantile, Cross Winds Farm and Fairlife.

Tickets can be found online.

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City of Peterborough Hosting Drop-in Meetings and Community Survey For 2025 Budget

The City of Peterborough is inviting citizens to participate in an upcoming drop-in meeting to speak with City Council members and City staff or through a community survey for the 2025 Budget.

pHOTO BY Keegan Beekers.

The survey is available online or in paper copies at City Hall, 500 George St. N. It is open until 11:59 p.m. on April 26.

The drop-in meetings provide an informal opportunity for residents to share their ideas and questions about the 2025 Budget with the City’s Budget team, including Council members and City staff. They are in addition to the regular, official Council meetings through the budget process, which include opportunities for individuals to present as formal delegations to Council.

Two drop-in meetings will be held at the beginning of the budget process before the Draft 2025 Budget is put together and two drop-in style meetings later in the process after the Draft 2025 Budget is released to the public to encourage more conversations about the details in the draft budget.

The City consults with the community throughout the budget process—at the beginning before the priorities and direction are set for the budget drafting, when the draft budget is released, and before Council considers adopting the final 2025 Budget.

Council is expected to consider the direction for the Draft 2025 Budget on June 11. The Draft 2025 Budget is scheduled to be posted for public review in November ahead of Council’s budget deliberations. The Mayor is expected to present the 2025 Budget for adoption on Dec. 9.

2025 Budget consultation key dates

• Community budget consultation meeting (brief presentation, conversations with Budget team), April 18, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., McDonnel Street Community Centre, 577 McDonnel St.

• Budget consultation drop-in meeting (informal drop-in for conversations with Budget team), April 22, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., main foyer, City Hall, 500 George St. N.

• City Council meeting on 2025 Budget, June 11, City Hall, 500 George St. N.

• Draft 2025 Budget presented to City Council, Nov. 4, City Hall, 500 George St. N.

• Budget consultation meeting (brief presentation, conversations with Budget team), Nov. 7

• Budget consultation drop-in meeting (informal drop-in for conversations with Budget team), Nov. 12, main foyer, City Hall, 500 George St. N. 

• Public meeting for City Council to hear from delegations about the 2025 Budget, Nov. 12

• City Council reviews and discusses the Draft 2025 Budget during General Committee meeting, Nov. 18 and Nov. 19

• Mayor will present the 2025 Budget for adoption, Dec. 9

“Municipal services are essential for the daily life of our community, from roads, sidewalks and trails, to parks and recreation, to our library and cultural facilities, to storm and sanitary sewers, to garbage collection and our new Green Bin program, to social housing and social services, for fire services and policing – all of these services and more are reflected through the annual City budget,” said Councillor Andrew Beamer.

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City of Peterborough to Host Instagram Live of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the City of Peterborough is hosting an Instagram Live conversation between the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisor Reem Ali; the New Canadians Centre’s (NCC) Bhisham Ramoutar, Manager of Community Development and Mauricio Interiano, Community Engagement Officer on Friday at 10 a.m.

pHOTO BY Keegan Beekers.

The discussion will be hosted on the City of Peterborough’s Instagram account @cityptbo. Anyone interested in tuning in is welcome. Following the live event, a conversation recording will be available on the City’s Instagram account.

Last fall, the City supported the NCC with funding from Canadian Heritage to develop a series of short videos highlighting some of the challenges experienced by newcomers. Six individuals were invited to share their experiences of discrimination, micro-aggressions and systemic barriers in their settlement journey and to reflect on how they have navigated these challenges. 

The NCC staff behind the video series ‘Our Neighbourhood’ will speak that launched on Feb. 2 and learn more about the experiences of a series participant Samantha Banton, a Jamaican poet and local entrepreneur.

“Racialized individuals who live and work in this city as well as many other communities across Canada, know all too well the inequities that exist across all sectors,” said Ali. “They experience varying levels of racism, oppression, and discrimination on a regular basis and are often expected to be resilient in the face of harmful experiences that affect them for life as a mechanism to help them survive.”

“The videos in ‘Our Neighbourhood’ delve into the unique stories and journeys of newcomers, shedding light on their varied experiences,” said Interiano. “At the heart of them all is the search for belonging and the success that can be achieved through community – and a good neighbourly welcome. But the series goes beyond just celebrating the successes. We’re also addressing the challenges and barriers that exist in our society. We are diving deeper, confronting and shedding light on discrimination and racism. We can’t ignore these issues. We have to work together to make our neighbourhood a better place for all.”

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid ‘pass laws’ in 1960.

City Hall will be lit in blue on Thursday to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The City encourages residents to reflect and re-commit our efforts to combat all forms of racism, racial discrimination and hate. 

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The City of Peterborough Opens Applications For Advisory Committee

The City of Peterborough is now accepting applications on three advisory committees.

pHOTO BY Keegan Beekers.

There are vacancies on the following committees:

• Airport Strategic Initiatives Committee (two vacancies; term to December 2026)

• Community Investment Grant Advisory Committee (one vacancy; term to December 2025)

• Transit Liaison Committee (one vacancy; term to December 2026)

The advisory committees provide input and guidance on providing municipal services and programs for the Peterborough community. Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on April 5.

Citizen appointments are volunteer opportunities. Applicants must be residents of the City of Peterborough.

The Citizen Appointment Selection Committee will review applications. An interview may be required. The Committee will then make recommendations to Council for their consideration.

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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 County Declares Intimate Partner Violence An Epidemic

Peterborough County Council has formally approved a resolution to declare Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) an epidemic, announced on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough County is now one of over 30 Municipalities in Ontario to declare IPV an epidemic.

The Council resolution reads:

Therefore Be It Resolved That the Council of the County of Peterborough declare intimate partner violence an epidemic; and That the recommendations from the Renfrew County Coroner’s Inquest be referred to staff for consideration and, where appropriate, integrated within the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan; and That a copy of this motion be sent to The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, The Honourable Sylvia Jones, M.P.P, Minister of Health, Dave Smith, MPP, Peterborough-Kawartha, David Piccini, MPP, Northumberland-Peterborough South and Laurie Scott, MPP, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock.

“Peterborough County recognizes the urgent need for action on Intimate Partner Violence in our area and across Ontario. With this declaration, we acknowledge the immediate threat this crisis poses to the safety and well-being of vulnerable residents and commit to supporting measures to address this issue,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “Through solidarity, effective policies focused on survivors, and collective action at all levels of government and society, we can create a safer community for all.”

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Several Organizations Applaud City of Peterborough's Declaration of Gender-Based Violence Considered An Epidemic

The Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, YWCA and Peterborough Domestic Abuse Network have supported the City of Peterborough’s decision to become the 74th municipality in Ontario to declare gender-based violence an epidemic.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The declaration was made during City Council meeting on Nov. 27. The decision had fulfilled the first recommendation from the Renfrew Inquest for the formal declaration.

“This declaration is crucial in continuing to provide awareness around the impacts of violence against women,” said Brittany McMillan, Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre executive director. “Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre and our partner agencies work tirelessly to support survivors after they have experienced violence.  This motion helps support all survivors and also shifts the narrative to focus on the importance of preventing future violence.”

“This is a big step in the right direction for our community, in solidarity with dozens of other municipalities across Ontario,” says Kim Dolan, executive director, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. “On behalf of all our partner agencies, and the women, children, and gender-diverse people we serve through the YWCA, I want to thank Peterborough’s City Councillors for making this historic declaration. We look forward to working together with our fellow social service agencies as well as with the City to effect change and make a difference in the lives of all those individuals experiencing or at risk of gender-based violence.”

“PDAN members have been working toward this as a first step toward local implementation of recommendations from the Renfrew Inquest, Mass Casualty Commission and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls final reports,” said Sarah Bass, Peterborough Domestic Abuse Network manager. “These reports identify actionable items that, if implemented, will help to prevent further violence against women and girls in our community.  Our members look forward to continuing to implement further recommendations at a local level and build on these efforts.”

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