City of Peterborough Recognizes National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia

In recognition of the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia, Mayor Jeff Leal has issued a statement regarding the incident on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Leal has made the following statement:

I encourage everyone to take a moment to pause, reflect and remember the tragic events of January 29, 2017, when six lives were taken and many more were forever changed in the senseless attack on the Quebec City Islamic Cultural Centre. This act of hate and violence shook our nation and underscored the ongoing need to confront Islamophobia and all forms of racism and discrimination in our communities.

Our thoughts are with Muslim communities here in Peterborough and across Canada as we honour the memory of those lost and stand in solidarity with those who continue to face prejudice and hatred.

As a City, we are committed to fostering inclusion, respect, and understanding. Diversity strengthens our community and we all share a responsibility to reject hate and create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

Let us use this day not only to remember but to take meaningful action against Islamophobia. Together we can build a society where everyone feels valued and protected, regardless of their faith or background. Hate has no place in Peterborough.

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Mayor Jeff Leal Issues Statement Regarding Increased Homelessness Throughout Peterborough and the Country

Mayor Jeff Leal has issued a statement regarding increased homelessness and the humanitarian crisis surrounding it on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

The following is the full statement released by Leal:

Communities across Canada and throughout Ontario are experiencing a humanitarian crisis from a substantial increase in homelessness. Peterborough is no exception. A recent report from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) shows that homelessness across the province has increased by 25 per cent since 2022.

I have stated publicly many times, and AMO’s report makes clear, that municipalities are not equipped to address homelessness and its related health care, mental health, addiction, and housing issues. Our ability as municipalities to fund these services out of property tax revenue, which is based on property assessment rather than ability to pay, is limited. Municipalities are collectively appealing to the province and the federal government to put a greater focus on this crisis that is affecting individuals, families and communities.

But the City of Peterborough, and this Council, have taken significant action to help some of the most vulnerable in our community. The need is truly great.

Between 2024 and 2025, in one year alone, we are more than doubling the City’s funding toward homelessness prevention programs to increase support to our emergency shelters, expand drop-in space hours of operation, and enhance services.

The overall cost of the City’s Homeless Prevention Program will increase to about $8.4 million in 2025 from almost $6.9 million in 2024, with the City’s share of those costs more than doubling from $1.2 million in 2024 to more than $2.6 million in 2025. The Province’s contribution to shelters and drop-in spaces for homelessness services is increasing to $5.6 million from $5.4 million, which doesn’t include its substantial funding for the 50-unit Modular Bridge Housing Community.

In terms of shelter spaces, our community supports 127 shelter and drop-in centre beds provided in partnership with community agencies. That is among the highest per-capita provision of shelter beds in the Province.

Even with that investment in emergency shelters, the beds are often full, especially in the winter. And when we do have spaces available, there is tenting in our parks as people may choose to not access shelter, or they may not be able to access shelter for a variety of reasons, such as addictions or mental health. There are still people in our community who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

Beyond shelter services, the City financially supports more than 2,000 affordable and social housing units as well as various other homeless and housing support services in the community.

I express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Councillor Alex Bierk and Councillor Keith Riel who serve as homelessness portfolio co-chairs on Council.

Their call to declare a homelessness emergency and to use Strong Mayor Powers as a way to immediately create 60 additional shelter spaces is, however, a misguided approach.

The City of Peterborough is already under a declared homelessness emergency and has been since October 2022 when it was issued by former Mayor Diane Therrien. The declaration was officially filed with the Province and remains in place. Declaring an emergency does not necessarily provide additional support from the province or federal government.

My understanding as Mayor is that Strong Mayor Powers provided by the Province are to be utilized specifically for the building of housing – the powers do not encompass the provision of temporary shelter.

Councillor Bierk and Councillor Riel stated they have been pushing for an action plan since late summer, yet they did not put forward a motion at the Council table to add additional shelter space to the Winter Response Program, which they championed in its creation and this Council approved in May 2023.

That Winter Response Plan led to the opening of the One City daytime and overnight drop-in program and the building of the 50-unit Modular Bridge Housing Community. In November 2024, Council supported a motion from Councillor Riel, by a 9 to 1 vote, to increase funding to expand the hours for the One City drop-in space program.

I agree that we should do whatever we can to provide shelter space for individuals experiencing homelessness, but that needs to be decided on by a majority of the members of Council.

City Council decides how much to invest in homelessness services as it considers the various needs in our community. This Council is now, this year, more than doubling the City’s investment in the City’s Homeless Prevention Program for shelter services and drop-in centre spaces.

This Council has shown compassion and political will. There is no question more needs to be done. We are doing more. We will do more beyond that, I have no doubt.

Yours sincerely,

Jeff Leal
Mayor
City of Peterborough

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Public Invited to Attend Mayor’s New Year’s Levee On Jan. 12

The public is invited to join Mayor Jeff Leal and City Councillors on Jan 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Canadian Canoe Museum, 2077 Ashburnham Dr., for the Mayor’s New Year’s Levee.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“2025 will be an important year for the City of Peterborough as we move projects forward, renew infrastructure, and deliver critical services,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Please join me and members of City Council for a cup of coffee, tea or juice, light snacks, and some discussion about our community and the exciting plans shaping Peterborough’s future.”

The Mayor’s New Year’s Levee takes place in the Event Room, located on the second floor of the Canadian Canoe Museum.

There is limited parking available at the museum. Free parking is available across the road at Eastgate Memorial Park, 2150 Ashburnham Dr. and at Beavermead Park, 2011 Ashburnham Dr.

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Mayor Jeff Leal Makes Proclamation In Honour of International Women's Day

In honour of recognizing International Women’s Day, Mayor Jeff Leal issued a proclamation on Wednesday morning.

File Photo.

The statement is as follows:

Whereas, in 1977, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling on member states to proclaim a day for women’s rights and international peace;

Whereas, each year International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 to mark the economic, political, cultural and social achievements of women;

Whereas, the Global theme for the 2023 International Women’s Day campaign is “Embrace Equity”, calling on each of us to help create a gender-equal world; 

Whereas, the City of Peterborough proudly recognizes the values that guide the International Women’s Day movement; Justice; Dignity; Hope; Equality; Collaboration; Tenacity; Appreciation; Respect; Empathy; and Forgiveness;

Therefore, be it resolved that I, Jeff Leal, Mayor of the City of Peterborough do hereby proclaim Wednesday, March 8, 2023 to be International Women’s Day in the City of Peterborough.  I encourage all citizens to celebrate all the women and girls who inspire us by demonstrating leadership in the choices they make in their day to day lives to contribute to the social, economic, cultural and political spheres. 

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City of Peterborough Honours Passing of Former Mayor Jack Doris

Peterborough’s former mayor and councillor Jack Doris’s memory is being honoured after his passing at the age of 91 on Sunday, announced by the City of Peterborough’s Twitter.

File Photo.

Doris spent the past 45 years on council that included 14 terms as a city councillor and two mayoral terms. In 1967, he was first elected to city council and was an alderman until 1991 when he became mayor. He worked at General Electric prior to his mayor tenure.

The former mayor received a key to the city in September 2014 during his retirement ceremony when he was 83 years old.

City Hall and the Peterborough Police Station have put their flags at half-mast to honour Doris’s life and accomplishments for the city.

Doris worked as a board member of the Peterborough Police service from 1987-97. He also was also a member of the building committee for their headquarters in the late 1960s.

City Hall had their flags at half-mast in honour of Doris on Monday. Photo by David Tuan bui.

Mayor Jeff Leal issued a statement regarding Doris’s passing:

"I offer my deepest condolences to the family of Jack Doris, including his wife, Sheila, his six daughters, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren. Jack was a remarkable person and public servant who served the community on City Council for 45 years as a councillor and mayor. Through his years of public service and his work in the community, Jack was completely devoted to making Peterborough a better place. Jack touched the lives of so many. He will be greatly missed.”

City councillors Lesley Parnell, Alex Bierk and MP Michelle Ferreri sent their regards on Doyle’s passing over Twitter.

“Our very sincere condolences on the passing of former Mayor Jack Doris,” said Parnell.

“Jack Doris was a legend and a Peterborough icon. RIP. Thinking of his family and my buddy Ferg, his grandson. Lots of love,” said Bierk.

“Rest in peace, Jack Doris. You were a true gentleman, you served Peterborough well. You had a great way to deliver: ‘All in favour? Carrrry’ Always a gentle voice and a caring heart. Thank you for your service, Mr. Doris. Peterborough was lucky to have you,” said Ferreri.

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Mayoral Candidate Interview: Jeff Leal

Felicia Massey speaks with mayoral candidate and former MPP Jeff Leal for the upcoming municipal election this Monday. Massey and Leal discuss what Leal has been doing since four years after his MPP term ended, his return to politics and what he plans to tackle if elected.

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School Board Chairperson Braden Leal Not Seeking Re-Election

Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board Chairperson Braden Leal has announced he will not be seeking re-election in the upcoming municipal election.

Photo courtesy of PVNC.

“With the municipal election fast approaching, I have been reflecting upon the next phase of my journey. I have decided that I will not be running for a trustee position in October. Instead, I will be looking at new opportunities,” said Leal.

Leal has served as PVNC chairperson since Dec. 1 last year. He was elected as a first-time trustee for the City of Peterborough in the 2018 municipal election. He served as vice-chairperson from October to December 2021 before being elected as chairperson.

“It has been an honour to serve in this leadership role, to have the opportunity to represent the school board in which I was educated,” Leal said. “I am grateful for the learning, the leadership experiences, and the relationships that we have built over my tenure.”

“Braden took on the top leadership position in the most challenging of times,” Joan Carragher, PVNC director of education. “As a proud PVNC graduate, he has been a steadfast champion for our schools and Catholic Education in our region.”

Election Day in Ontario municipalities is Oct. 24 The deadline to file a nomination to be a school trustee candidate is Aug. 19 at 2 p.m.

Braden is the son of former MPP and mayoral candidate Jeff Leal.

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Former MPP Jeff Leal Enters Peterborough Mayoral Race After Four-Year Absence

After a four-year hiatus from politics, former Liberal MPP Jeff Leal is running to be the next mayor of Peterborough in a campaign launch at the Peterborough Lions Club on Thursday night.

Leal (right) greeting supporters at the door to a room of over 100 people in his campaign launch at the Lions Club. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Over 100 supporters came out to cheer on Leal as short speeches were made by several dignitaries, highlighting the former MPP’s accomplishments.

Laurie Carr, Hiawatha Chief; Adrian Foster, Clarington Mayor; Durham Coun. Granville Anderson; Lou Rinaldi, former Northumberland MPP and Ashburnham Ward Councillor Gary Baldwin were some notable figures present at the event. Carr and Baldwin spoke at Leal’s campaign while J. Murray Jones, Douro-Dummer mayor, sent a video endorsement but was not present at the event.

Leal served four consecutive terms as the MPP for the Peterborough - Kawartha riding from 2003 to 2018 until current Conservative MPP Dave Smith won the seat. The former MPP says he’s spent his time off politics volunteering in the community.

"I'm currently the chair of the board of Employment Planning and Counselling Peterborough, I'm vice-chair of the board of St. Joseph's at Fleming long-term care home, I'm on the strategic planning committee, I have a passion for golf at the Kawartha Golf & Country Club and I've also been doing consulting work in the field of agriculture,” said Leal.

The new mayoral candidate said had no intention of returning to politics, let alone running for mayor until he received overwhelming encouragement from peers and citizens.

"After 2018, I didn't aspire to run for political office again but certainly over the last four years, I've been an observer of things in the City of Peterborough and it's the unprecedented encouragement that I got,” explained Leal. “People coming up to me and said, 'We really think with the skills that you demonstrated in the past would be helpful to build a better Peterborough down the road.’”

Leal served under former Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne. He worked in several ministries as an MPP such as the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Environment and the Minister of Agriculture and Food and Rural Affairs. He says that experience will help in accomplishing his top priority if elected as mayor.

“One of the things that I'm going to identify is '100 Days of Action,' and part of that will be over the next six months to enter into positive, respectful, sensitive negotiations with Cavan-Monaghan to annex the City of Peterborough by 4,000 acres so we actually have the platform we need to encourage growth for future prosperity both for the City of Peterborough and the county of Peterborough,” explained Leal.

Leal joins councillors Stephen Wright and Henry Clarke for the mayoral race. Mayor Diane Therrien stated that she will not seek re-election in the fall last year. Voting day is Oct. 24 beginning at 10 a.m. with polls closing at 8 p.m.

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Backroom Briefing Q: What Is The Working Relationship Between The City & MPP Jeff Leal's Office Like?

Note: This is the 4th column of David Goyette's "Backroom Briefing" for PTBOCanada. For more info on it, click here.

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Q: David, Jeff and I would be interested in having your take on the working relationship between our offices. —Pat Melanson, Executive Assistant to Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal.

Goyette: For many decades, provincial governments have been enamoured with a description of municipal governments as “creatures of the provinces.” This phrase is technically accurate, in that cities like Peterborough are created by the Province of Ontario and are its constitutional responsibility: as a rule, the City’s functions, finance and governance all depend on provincial authorization.

However, the “creatures” reference has occasionally taken on an imperial and even paternalistic aren’t you a cute and fuzzy little creature tone, as if to offer to municipalities the constitutional caution that we the province brought you into this world and we the province can take you out.   

Jeff Leal and his staff are different. MPP Leal had 18 years of experience as a Peterborough City Councillor. He’s seen both sides of the intergovernmental divide and his consistently respectful and collegial approach to City Hall is a terrific local asset. In other places, including a number where I have worked, some heavy duty barriers to the provincial-municipal relationship can easily get in the way: political partisanship; assumptions of superiority; competition for media; and exclusivity in scheduling. This is one aspect of life where competition does not produce superior results.  

Here’s how the Office of the Mayor and the Office of the MPP typically work together:

*We are in contact with each other weekly.

*We share notice and details on emerging provincial and municipal issues.

*We share information on prospective investment/job creation opportunities.

*We receive assistance in terms of gaining access to and promoting causes with provincial Ministers.

*We receive notice and briefing on provincial funding announcements.

*We undertake high level event management such as the visit of the Prime Minister and the Premier for last fall’s airport opening.

*We direct and refer constituents to each other’s offices for assistance.

*We make arrangements for joint announcements, including those that take place in the Council Chamber.

Because we are relatively few in number and we share in the experience of life in a fishbowl, there is a camaraderie that binds all politicians and political staff. Without doubt, we have the most fascinating conversations with each other, encompassing not only public policy, but political personality, political strategy, and the risk and reward of decision making.

To be certain, the MPP does the business of the Province and the Mayor and Council do the business of the City. The fact that there are more factors that bring the two together than drive them apart is a testimony to a shared desire for the best in public service. 

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David Goyette is the Executive Assistant to Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett. For more on his Backroom Briefing column, click here. Email your burning questions for David about City Hall to feedback@ptbocanada.com.

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Here's What Jeff Leal Had To Say After Being Re-Elected For 3rd Straight Term

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