City of Peterborough Celebrating International Women's Day This Saturday

The City of Peterborough is celebrating International Women’s Day this Saturday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

A rally organized by Kawartha World Issues Centre and Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre is taking place outside City Hall beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Mayor Jeff Leal will proclaim March 8 International Women’s Day in the City of Peterborough. Speakers and performances will include Janet McCue, Mshkiki Gitigaan Kwe, Ziysah and the Raging Grannies.

“On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible contributions of women and girls to the social, economic, cultural, and political fabric of our community,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.. “In Peterborough, women have been at the heart of our progress—leading businesses, driving innovation, advocating for change, and strengthening our city in countless ways. There is no doubt that more work needs to be done.”

“As a woman who has lived and volunteered in Peterborough since I was a child, I can tell you that initiatives that welcome women volunteers or are led by women tend to be successful, create community plus help develop important connections and friendships.” said Lesley Parnell, City Councillor. Today we celebrate our Women who contribute so much to our lives. And thank you to everyone who supports and encourages these women in many ways.”

The rally will be followed by a march to Peterborough Public Library for a community event from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Registration for the community event is strongly encouraged.

“One of the most powerful ways to move gender equality ahead is to support and elevate women-focused initiatives and support organizations and individuals who are making a difference in the lives of girls and women-because when we uplift women, we strengthen and uplift our entire community,” said Leal. “Today we not only recognize the achievements of women and girls in Peterborough, but we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can help break down barriers and create meaningful opportunities for women and girls everywhere.”

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Construction Nears Completion on Peterborough’s New Affordable Housing Building On Monaghan Road

Construction is approaching completion on the City of Peterborough’s new affordable housing building at 681 Monaghan Rd.

The project received $18.9 million in federal funding through the third round of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI3), $40,000 from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Seed Funding program, $1,684,286 through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI), with the City of Peterborough contributing $4 million. City Council decided in February 2023 to use a special one-time dividend from City of Peterborough Holdings Inc. to support its funding for this project. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The six-storey building comprises 53 units including 37 one-bedroom, 11 two-bedroom and five three-bedroom units. The ground floor features amenity space and utilities.

The dwelling prioritizes housing for vulnerable populations in Peterborough.

Residents are set to start moving into the building in April. This will be a staged process and the City is assisting with the relocation. Some residents are transitioning into Monaghan Road from transitional housing, thereby freeing up those units for other individuals in need of transitional housing.

“681 Monaghan Rd. is a significant step forward in addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in our community,” said Myor Jeff Leal. “This project not only provides safe and stable homes for vulnerable residents but also creates a positive ripple effect, freeing up much-needed emergency housing. We are grateful for the collaboration between all levels of government in making this a reality.”

“This building is about more than just bricks and mortar—it’s about dignity, stability, and opportunity for a wide spectrum of residents. With support from all levels of government, we’re taking meaningful steps to address affordable housing needs in Peterborough. This building will make a lasting difference in the lives of many,” said Councillor Alex Bierk and Councillor Lesley Parnell in a joint statement.

A grand opening celebration for the housing complex will occur this spring.

Construction on 681 Monaghan Rd. began in fall 2023.

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Peterborough County/City Paramedics to Implement New 9-1-1 System

Paramedic services throughout Southeastern Ontario, including Peterborough County/City Paramedics, are introducing a new system for 9-1-1 emergency calls that will take effect on March 26, announced on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

The new system is part of the Government of Ontario’s Your Health Plan. It will require 9-1-1 callers to answer more detailed questions regarding the patient's condition.

Patients with less urgent or non-life-threatening conditions may experience longer wait times during periods with higher call volumes. For less urgent cases, patients will remain under observation through ongoing communication with ambulance communication officers to ensure no change in the patient's condition.

According to Peterborough County, the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) will match paramedics with specialized skills and equipment to each case, ensuring that non-urgent demand in emergency departments is reduced.

The County says that the data from regions already using MPDS has shown notable improvements in key operational challenges, including reduced offload delays at hospitals, better management of meal claims for staff and decreased end-of-shift overtime.

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City of Peterborough Warns Forecasted Rain May Cause Localized Flooding

The City of Peterborough is preparing for above-freezing temperatures and rain in the forecast, starting on Tuesday afternoon and continuing through Wednesday.

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Monday’s forecast shows up to 30 mm of rain is expected over the two days. With the current snow accumulation, the City expects the rain to present a risk of localized flooding.

Crews continue to work to clear the more than 6,000 storm drains across the city. While crews work throughout the city to clear the storm drains, residents who live near a storm drain are asked to clear the drain of snow and ice if they can safely do so to help reduce the risk of localized flooding and pooling water.

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Half-Load Restrictions For Commercial Vehicles In Effect Starting Saturday

Commercial vehicles will be restricted to halfloads on the following streets in the City of Peterborough starting Saturday until April 30.

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The City says half-load restrictions help protect roadways from damage during the spring thaw.

The following are the affected roads:

  • Airport Road from Sir Sanford Fleming Drive to the south city limits

  • Armour Road from Nassau Mills Road to Paddock Wood

  • Ashburnham Drive from McFarlane Street to Maria Street

  • Ashburnham Drive from Neal Drive to the south city limits

  • Bensfort Road from River Road South to the south city limits

  • Brealey Drive from Parkhill Road West to Lansdowne Street West

  • Carnegie Avenue

  • Crawford Drive from Sir Sanford Fleming Drive to 0.6 km east of The Parkway

  • Cumberland Avenue from Ungava Avenue to Carnegie Avenue

  • Dobbin Road

  • Guthrie Drive

  • Harper Road

  • Hetherington Drive from Richard Road to Woodland Drive

  • Johnston Drive

  • MacFarlane Avenue - from Trentview Road to Television Road

  • Maniece Avenue from Ashburnham Drive to Television Road

  • McNamara Road from Guthrie Drive to Driscoll Road

  • Nassau Mills Road

  • Old Norwood Road from Ashburnham Drive to Television Road

  • Otonabee Drive

  • Parkhill Road East from Armour Road to Trent Severn Waterway Swing Bridge

  • Pioneer Road

  • River Road South from Lansdowne Street to Bensfort Road

  • Sherbrooke Street from Glenforest Boulevard to the west city limits

  • Simons Avenue

  • Towerhill Road from Chemong Road to Fairbairn Street

  • University Road

  • Wallace Point Road from Bensfort Road to Driscoll Road

  • Whittington Drive

  • Woodland Drive

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City of Peterborough Seeking Consultation For 2026 Municipal Election Voting Methods

With the next municipal election in October 2026, the City of Peterborough is asking residents what voting methods they prefer to use when casting their ballots in a municipal election.

File Photo.

The survey is open until 4 p.m. on March 14. Paper copies of the survey at City Hall at 500 George St. N.

The City reminds citizens that the survey is for the 2026 Municipal Election voting methods – it is not associated with upcoming provincial and federal elections.

A summary of the information collected through the survey will be included in a report to City Council to inform its consideration of voting methods and technologies to use in the upcoming 2026 Municipal and School Board Elections on Oct. 26.

For the 2022 Municipal Election, the City of Peterborough offered in-person voting and online voting. When casting their ballots in the 2022 Municipal Election, 69.2 per cent of voters in the City of Peterborough used online voting.

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Peterborough Using New Logo To Celebrate 175th Anniversary of City's Incorporation

The City of Peterborough is using a new version of its logo in 2025 to reflect the 175th anniversary of its incorporation as the Town of Peterborough in 1850.

The Town of Peterborough was officially incorporated on Jan. 1, 1850, under the Baldwin Act, which allowed for the incorporation of townships, villages, towns and cities, each with its own democratically elected council. In 1850 Peterborough had a population of roughly 2,200 people. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City will be incorporating the recognition of its 175th anniversary into various events throughout the year.

“For 175 years, Peterborough has grown and evolved into a hub of culture, education and industry. This important milestone is a testament to those who have built, shaped and strengthened Peterborough for generations,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “As we celebrate our rich history we look forward to our exciting future, filled with opportunity, progress and Peterborough’s unwavering sense of community.”

Along with the temporary alternative logo, the City will use ‘Peterborough 175 | 1850-2025 | Celebrating the foundation of our future’ for the anniversary.

Peterborough was officially incorporated as a City on July 1, 1905

The following are relevant and notable occurrences during the City’s 175-year run:

  • Peterborough is home to the Peterborough Lift Lock, which is the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world and designated as a national historic site of Canada.

  • Peterborough is known as ‘The Electric City’ because in May 1884 it was one of the first cities in Canada to have electric streetlights.

  • Peterborough-based Fisher Gauge produced Hasbro’s Monopoly game pieces in the 1980s.

  • Quaker Oats, now PepsiCo, opened its plant here in 1902.

  • Fire destroyed the downtown on August 16, 1861, which led to a by-law that buildings must be made of brick.

  • Canada General Electric was established here in 1891

  • Canadian singing legend Stompin’ Tom Connors got his nickname Stompin’ Tom in Peterborough. Before he died in 2013, he chose Peterborough as the location for his public memorial because of his connection to the community.

  • Senator Iva Fallis, born in 1883, was the second woman ever appointed to the Senate.

  • Per-capita, Peterborough had the most enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy in the Second World War.

  • 2025 is also the 200th anniversary of the Peterborough Robinson Emigration of 1825 that brought nearly 2,000 Irish settlers to the Nogojiwanong-Peterborough area. Nine Ships 1825 Inc. is organizing events to recognize the Bicentennial.

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Submissions For Sites For Doors Open Peterborough Being Accepted

The City of Peterborough is highlighting its heritage buildings and cultural landmarks during Doors Open Peterborough 2025 which is set to take place on Sept. 13.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Private and public buildings of cultural and historical interest are open for free viewing.

The event is in partnership with the Ontario Heritage Trust and funded by the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee.

The Doors Open Peterborough Steering Committee is inviting the community to contribute in two ways:

  • Submit a Site: Owners of heritage buildings and cultural landmarks not typically open to the public are encouraged to submit their properties for consideration in this year’s program. The submission deadline is April 30

  • Join the Committee: The Doors Open Peterborough Steering Committee is looking for new members to join its team. The committee is responsible for organizing and executing the event. Applications for committee membership are due by Feb. 28

Applications to submit a site or join the committee can be found online.

For a hard copy of either application or more information, email heritage@peterborough.ca or call 705-742-7777 ext. 1488.

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City of Peterborough Launches New Interactive StoryMap and Survey for Strategic Growth Areas

The City of Peterborough is launching a new interactive StoryMap detailing its plans for its Strategic Growth Areas, released on Wednesday.

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The StoryMap features maps and 3D concepts to help visualize key areas of future growth according to the City of Peterborough.

The City is streamlining the development approvals process in areas identified as Strategic Growth Areas in the City’s Official Plan through the Secondary Plan and Community Planning Permit By-law.

These areas include: 

  • The Central Area (Downtown and East City)

  • Water Street North Corridor

  • Chemong Road Corridor

  • Clonsilla Avenue and Charlotte Street Corridor

  • Lansdowne Street Corridor

  • Armour Road (North) Corridor

The City says that users can provide feedback on the draft Secondary Plan concept for land use, proposed building heights, parks and open space and priorities for development through StoryMap. Participants can also share comments on how growth and development decisions are made through an online survey and mapping poll.

Information in the StoryMap was shared during a public information session on the City’s Strategic Growth Areas held on Feb. 6, at the Healthy Planet Arena.

More information about this project, including a presentation during the February 6 meeting and the online survey, can be found at connectptbo.ca/planning-for-the-future.

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List of City Services During Family Day

Many City services will offer modified hours and some City facilities will be closed for Family Day on Monday.

File Photo.

Snofest events will occur from Friday to Monday. With a full list of events at peterborough.ca/Snofes.

Public Works can be reached at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24/7. The City offers various online services at peterborough.ca that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

City Hall

City Hall, including the Tax Office, Clerk’s Office and Building Services, will be closed. Online services are available at peterborough.ca.

Waste collection and landfill

There will be no changes to the curbside Green Bin and garbage collection on Monday.

The City/County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. and the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed on Monday.

Airport

The Peterborough Airport is open regular hours, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Monday. Visit peterborough.ca/airport for more information.

Art Gallery of Peterborough

The Art Gallery of Peterborough, located at 250 Crescent St., will be closed. For information about gallery exhibitions and programs, please visit agp.on.ca.

Downtown Youth Space

The drop-in youth program is closed on Monday, February 17. Downtown Youth Space programming is located at the McDonnel Street Community Centre, 577 McDonnel St., Monday to Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Find more information at peterborough.ca/DYS.

Peterborough Public Library

The Peterborough Public Library at 345 Aylmer St. N. will be closed on Monday. Information and digital resources are available online at ptbolibrary.ca.

Peterborough Museum and Archives

Peterborough Museum and Archives at 300 Hunter St. E. will be open from noon to 5 p.m. on Family Day. Information about current exhibitions is available online at peterborough.ca/museum.

Arenas

The Kinsmen Civic Centre and Healthy Planet Arena, including the Recreation Facility Booking office, will be closed except to scheduled user groups.

Miskin Law Community Complex

A free Snofest Family Day public skate, sponsored by Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty, will occur from noon to 1:50 p.m. The walking track at Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St., is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Peterborough Memorial Centre

The Petes annual Family Day hockey game will occur at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Monday at 2:05 p.m., with the Peterborough Petes hosting the Kitchener Rangers. Tickets are available online at memorialcentre.ca or by calling the Grant Thornton Box Office at 705-743-3561. The box office will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, February 17.

Quaker Foods City Square outdoor rink

The outdoor rink at Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte St., will be open for skating from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting.

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre at 775 Brealey Dr. will open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Snofest Drop-in Sports, featuring pickleball, badminton and basketball, will take place from 6:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Learn more at peterborough.ca/Snofest.

Parking Services

Parking in City-operated parking garages, surface lots and on-street parking spaces is free on weekends and holidays. The Parking Services office located in the King Street Parkade will be closed on Family Day.

Visit peterborough.ca/parking to find more information, including locations.

Provincial Offences Act office

Provincial Offences Act office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed on February 17. Fine payments can be made online at peterborough.ca/POA.

Transit

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on Monday. The Customer Service desk will be open from 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visit peterborough.ca/transit for details or call Transit Customer Service at 705-745-0525.

Social Services

Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed. Extended office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, resume on Tuesday, February 18. For information on Social Services, please visit peterborough.ca/SocialServices.

Child care centres

City-operated childcare centres will be closed on Family Day.

Emergency shelter services

Emergency shelter services remain open: to access emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours or on holidays, please call After Hours service at 705-926-0096.

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