Key Sectors

The City of Peterborough’s economy is diverse and growing, driven by sectors such as defence, nuclear, advanced manufacturing, cleantech, education, and healthcare.

Home to Trent University and Fleming College, the city benefits from a skilled and innovative workforce, supported by strong community partnerships that foster entrepreneurship and research.

The City of Peterborough's strategic location—just 90 minutes northeast of Toronto—offers easy access to major markets while maintaining a lower cost of living and high quality of life.

aerial view of the exterior of the Peterborough Regional Airport including the runways

Aerospace

The City's aerospace sector is anchored by the Peterborough Regional Airport (YPQ) and includes over 20 aviation and aerospace‐related businesses, employing more than 500 people.

Aerial view of landscape in Peterborough and Trent University

Cleantech

The City’s cleantech sector is emerging as a key pillar. One initiative that the City is working on, in partnership with Trent University is the Cleantech Commons research & innovation park. 

person working with machinery

Advanced Manufacturing

The advanced manufacturing sector in Peterborough is built on a strong heritage of manufacturing, but increasingly oriented toward high-value, technology-driven, precision production rather than purely assembly-line work.

An airplane getting ready to take off down the runway

Defence

Peterborough plays a meaningful role in Canada’s defence-industrial ecosystem by virtue of its advanced manufacturing capacity, aerospace/avionics strengths and supply-chain linkages that align with national defence priorities. Key businesses include Rolls Royce, Woodward and ACF Associates.

Two workers discuss a machine in a high tech factory

Nuclear

Peterborough’s nuclear sector is well-established, with key businesses such as BWXT and Westinghouse, focused on manufacturing and supplying key components for Canada’s CANDU reactor fleet, AP1000 reactors in the United States, representing a strategic asset within the provincial and national nuclear ecosystem. Peterborough is also a key part of Canada's Nuclear Isotope supply chain and is a proud member of the Central Eastern Ontario Isotope Alliance.

Large boat sailing down the river with the Peterborough Liftlocks in the background

Tourism

Cultural life thrives in Peterborough, where residents and visitors enjoy a rich mix of festivals, music, and arts throughout the year. From the Peterborough Musicfest on the shores of Little Lake to the vibrant arts scene in the city’s downtown, there’s always something happening.

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