Ontario Government Provides One-Time Funding Increase of $2.5 Million For Homeless Prevention in Peterborough and the County

Peterborough and the County just got an extra $2,492,700 for homelessness prevention now totalling $7,657,000 for the city’s budget, announced by MPP Dave Smith at City Hall on Wednesday morning.

In 2022, the government introduced the More Homes Built Faster Act to address the housing crisis by building 1.5 million homes by 2031. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The money is part of the Ontario government’s investment of an additional $202 million for the province’s annually in the province’s Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supporting Housing Program, bringing Ontario’s total yearly investment in these programs to close to $700 million.

The funding is meant to support the most vulnerable by providing supportive housing and homelessness prevention services.

“Peterborough, like so many cities across Ontario, is experiencing a homelessness crisis,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “This funding from the Province of Ontario will help support our most vulnerable with critical homelessness prevention and supportive housing services.”

The additional funding has come as a surprise to some City staff and Council members as the budget was finalized in January according to Smith. The money will be added to the original budget the City had intended for homelessness.

“This gives them an opportunity then to make some plans on what they're going to do with it,” he said.

City Council has until April 1 next year to spend the money as they see fit in a ‘use it or lose it’ situation and cannot be banked for next year’s funding.

Smith also added that partially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were more people who were unhoused and this increase in funding is in recognition of that increasing number.

“When we were developing the budget this year, we were able to find some additional funding that flowed into it,” he explained.

When asked about how many people it will aid, Smith says it’s hard to gauge as it could be premature to issue a number. He continued saying it could be as low as the high 90s but can reach the 300s.

“I think the most important thing we should be looking at is taking that snapshot in time, where are we sitting right now, how many individuals do we have that need that additional support and what plans can we put in place to address that,’ he explained.

Smith recognized during provincial budget talks that Peterborough was a city in significant need of reducing homelessness issues.

“We need to make sure we’re proactive so we don’t find ourselves in a position in July or August of this year that a number of individuals see themselves where their only recourse is to set up a tent at Victoria Park,” said Smith.

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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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City of Peterborough Honours Two Petes For World Juniors Gold Medal Performance

Peterborough Petes’ Owen Beck and Brennan Othmann were honoured by Council at City Hall for their gold-medal performances during the World Juniors Championships at the beginning of Monday’s General Committee meeting.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Mayor Jeff Leal made a presentation on behalf of City Council recognizing their efforts for the Petes and Peterborough.

Othmann was obtained from the Flint Firebirds on Nov. 12, several months prior to the deadline. The Petes dealt Artem Guryev, two second-round and one third-round pick for Othmann. He was drafted 16th overall by the New York Rangers in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Beck was acquired from the Mississauga Steelheads in exchange for Jack Van Volsen, Justin DeZoete, Peterborough’s second and third-round picks in 2025, Erie’s second-round pick in 2025 and Peterborough’s fourth-round pick in 2026 on Jan. 7.

He was a late call-up to Team Canada for the World Juniors on New Year’s Day after an injury to Colton Dach. He had 17 goals and 23 assists in 30 games with the Steelheads this season prior to being traded to the Petes on Jan. 7.

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Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith Has Grand Opening of New Constituency Office

Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith’s new Action Centre constituency office had its grand opening at the Asta Spirit Plaza on Wednesday.

Staff and friends applud the grand opening of MPP Smith’s new constituency office that is roughly 2,300 sq. ft. , an upgrade of approximately 1,400 sq. ft.Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The office is in Unit E of the plaza, located at 864 Chemong Rd. It replaces the prior location on 1123 Water St. Smith moved the office since the property was to be demolished to construct new housing units.

The new space has been operable since December but renovations had recently finished prior to the grand opening.

The location created greater accessibility for not just Peterborough but for the Kawarthas as well according to Smith.

“Almost 50 per cent of the population of this riding lives to the north and east of The City of Peterborough,” he explained. “I need to make sure that wherever we went was going to be a spot that was easily accessible for someone coming down from Kinmount or coming from Havelock or North Kawartha.”

He also emphasized that the new 2,300-square-foot location created a barrier-free space, something he was adamant about ensuring when he chose the new location. Full wheelchair accessibility, an automatic door opener, widened doorways and room upgrades were improvements made to the Chemong Road building.

“This is all wheelchair accessible, it's barrier-free and that was one of the main things for me, If someone wanted to come see their MPP, they have an opportunity to come here regardless of what disability they may or may not have.”

The expanded space added a new feature for the public as the Action Centre has in-person private constituent rooms for anyone wishing to speak to Smith or his staff.

“If somebody comes in and wants to talk to one of the constituent assistants or myself about something that's a little sensitive, we have an area we can go to now that's a little more private,” explained Smith. “They don't have to be sharing that information with others if they're coming in.”

The grand opening also had a ribbon-cutting ceremony that signified the end of renovations and that the office was running at 100 per cent.

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City of Peterborough Accepting Applications For Citizen Appointments to City Council Advisory Committees

The City of Peterborough is taking applications for its advisory committees to provide input and feedback on the provision of municipal services for the Peterborough community with the deadline on Jan. 13 at 4:30 p.m.

“Citizen participation is essential for a healthy democracy. We are better when we work together,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.  “Citizens who participate on advisory committees provide valuable input into City initiatives. If you have a keen interest in one of the current vacancies, I encourage you to apply.”

Citizen appointments are volunteer opportunities with all applicants required to be Peterborough residents as interviews may be required.

Applications are reviewed by City Council’s Citizen Appointment Selection Committee. The Committee will make recommendations to Council for its consideration.

The following are vacancies on the following committees:

• Accessibility Advisory Committee – three vacancies (Four-year term)

• Age-Friendly Peterborough Advisory Committee – One vacancy (Two-year term)

• Airport Strategic Initiatives Committee – Two vacancies (Two-year term)

• Arts and Culture Advisory Committee – Five vacancies (Four-year term)

• Arenas, Parks and Recreation Committee – One vacancy (Four-year term)

• Citizens’ War Memorial Advisory Committee – One vacancy (Four-year term)

• Committee of Adjustment – Five vacancies (Four-year term)

• Community Investment Grants Advisory Committee – Eight vacancies (Three-year term)

• Museum and Archives Advisory Committee – One vacancy (Four-year term)

• Peterborough Public Library – Six vacancies (Four-year term)

• Planning Advisory Committee – Four vacancies (Four-year term)

• Police Services Board - One vacancy (Four-year term)

• Property Standards Committee – Five vacancies (Four-year term)

• Tree and Woodlands Appeals Committee – Three vacancies (Four-year term)

Applications are available online and hard copies are available at the Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 500 George St. N., Peterborough. Completed applications may be submitted online, dropped off or mailed to City Hall no later than Jan. 13 at 4:30 p.m.

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Sherry Senis Sworn In as Peterborough County Deputy Warden

Sherry Senis, mayor of Selwyn was sworn in as the Peterborough County Deputy Warden on Wendesday.

Senis takes over the role of Deputy Warden after J. MUrray Jones. The latter served for 11 years as warden. Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

Senis assumed the role after being selected by Warden Clark on Dec. 2.

The new Deputy Warden has served in municipal government since 2006, first as a member of Selwyn township council representing Smith Ward. She became Deputy Mayor in 2014 and was acclaimed Mayor of Selwyn during the October municipal elections. Mayor Senis’ selection represents the first time that Peterborough County Council has had both leadership positions held by women.

“I am honoured and pleased that Warden Clark has asked me to take on the role of Deputy Warden, I am passionate about my Township as well as Peterborough County,” said Senis. “There is much we can do and I am looking forward to dealing with any opportunities and challenges as they arise and working together, we can achieve this. I look forward to working alongside Warden Clark, my fellow Councillors, the greater community and staff.”

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MPP Dave Smith Relocating Constituency Office to Chemong Road Plaza

Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith is on the move as his is relocating his Action Centre to 864 Chemong Rd. announced on Wednesday.

DAVE SMITH was re-elected as MPP on June 2, EARNing BACK-TO-BACK TERMS FOR THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY FOR THE PETERBOROUGH-KAWARTHA RIDING since GARY STEWART FROM 1995-2003. PHOTO BY David Tuan Bui.

The new location is in the Asta Spirit Plaza across from Brookdale Plaza. The signage has already been installed as of Wednesday. The current location at 1123 Water St. will be demolished to construct new housing units such as townhouses and two-bedroom apartments by Cherney Properties.

Over the last few months, the new location has undergone interior renovations to make it fully accessible for seniors and anyone with disabilities. The renovations include a wheelchair ramp, an automatic door opener, bathroom upgrades, widen doorways and the creation of open, barrier-free space for those with visual impairments according to a press release.

“After four years at our Water Street location, we’ve come to the decision that it’s time for us to move. We desperately need more housing in Peterborough,” said Smith. “We aren’t going far though. I’ve always said that it is important that people from across the riding, not just the city, can easily access the Action Centre. This location maintains the ample parking and access by the townships surrounding the City of Peterborough that our existing office has.”

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Quaker Foods City Square Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Cancelled Due To Impending Protest; Activities To Proceed

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Quaker Foods City Square this Saturday has been put on hold due to an impending protest however, family activities will proceed as normal announced on Wednesday.

THE PARK WAS OPEN TEMPORARILY ON CANADA DAY FOR A RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY OF A NEW UN PEACEKEEPERS MONUMENT. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The protest arranged by Michelle McQuaid is known as the ‘Concrete Priorities Protest’ to protest the City’s celebration and spending on the park , especially the heated concrete while Peterborough is undergoing a homelessness crisis.

The $6.4-million project was supported by a non-repayable contribution of $750,000 from the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) as part of the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, to support the construction of the rink, as well as landscaping and water features.

The City also used $677,909 from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation from its share of gaming revenues provided as a host community for a casino, and $50,000 from the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area to support the project. PepsiCo Foods, through its Quaker brand, is providing approximately $240,000 over 15 years for the naming rights to the public square.

Former Mayor Diane Therrien declared a state of emergency on homelessness in Peterborough after calling a special city council meeting on Oct. 13. This occurred a few weeks prior to the municipal election when Therrien said she would not run for another mayoral term.

McQuaid stated the following on the social media event on the City’s alleged inaction on the homelessness issue:

“I know tents are not ideal, but they would be alot more comfortable on HEATED PAVEMENT! We have community members sleeping outside, in cars, tents... Whatever shelter they can make... ...and The City of Peterborough decides to celebrate? I'd like to know exactly what they are celebrating and acknowledge what they are choosing to ignore.”

The protest is still scheduled to occur despite the City withdrawing certain activities and the ribbon-cutting ceremony according to the Facebook event.

The City has stated that speeches will be rescheduled to thank the partners and sponsors that contributed to the park’s construction but has yet to release a date.

The family activities are still scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 3 p..m. There is outdoor skating, face painting and a DJ to play music during the event. Hot chocolate, sweet treats, stilt walkers and performance artists were scheduled for the event but have been withdrawn due to the protest.

The square is located at the former Louis Street Parking Lot off the corner of Aylmer Street and Charlotte Street. It is a year-round space for community events and activities. The space includes a refrigerated outdoor skating rink during winter and a water play feature for the summer.

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City of Peterborough's Chief Administrative Officer Announces Retirement

The City of Peterborough’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Sandra Clancy is retiring after a 38-year tenure, effective on April 28, announced Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Clancy became the City’s most senior manager in May 2018 when City Council appointed her as the CAO. She has held various roles with the municipality since joining the organization in 1985 including Chief Accountant, Finance Manager, Treasurer, and Corporate Services Director.

“I am extremely thankful to have had to opportunity to work for the community where I was born and raised. It has been a privilege to work with many colleagues, community members, and Councils for almost 40 years,” said Clancy. Thank you to Mayor Jeff Leal and City Council for your support and leadership. And thank you especially to all my coworkers throughout all the service areas at the City of Peterborough who have demonstrated such resilience and dedication to their jobs. I know our community will continue to be well served going forward.”

Clancy informed City Council of her retirement on Monday.

“I have had a long, very rewarding career working for the City of Peterborough,” she said. “I’m looking forward to retiring and this next stage in my life where I will have more time to spend with family and other personal activities.”

Mayor Jeff Leal released a statement regarding Clancy’s retirement:

“On behalf of City Council, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Sandra for her leadership and service throughout her 38-year career with the City of Peterborough. Sandra played key roles at the municipality through significant periods, including the 2004 flood recovery and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic. We thank Sandra for her commitment to Peterborough and its residents. We wish her well in her retirement but we know this isn’t goodbye on a personal level as we are looking forward to hearing about her retirement and grandchildren. City Council will lead the recruitment process to fill this critical leadership role as we move forward to ensure effective service delivery on behalf of City of Peterborough residents.”

City Council is planning the next steps for recruiting the next CAO.

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City Council Sworn In During Inaugural Meeting

The inaugural Council meeting for the swearing-in of the 2022 - 2026 City Council was held at the Austin Doran Hall in the Mount Community Centre on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The ceremony’s venue was changed from Council Chambers at City Hall to allow for additional seating. To comply with room capacity limits, reserved seating was available for residents and family and friends of the newly elected Council members. 

The meeting was live-streamed on the City’s website and the recording of the session is also available online. 

This was the only agenda item forr the meeting. Council next meeting, sitting as Finance Committee and General Committee on Monday.