Budget - Community Services Administration (incl. community grants)

The Community Services Department coordinates numerous facilities and programs through four divisions: Library Services, Fire Services, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Services, and Social Services. The Community Services Department also houses the Community Development Program (CDP) and administers the Community Grants Portfolio as well as coordinating a number of Special Events and Projects. For the 2026 budget the Arts and Culture portfolio has been included in the Recreation, Parks and Cultural Services budget while the Library has been reconstituted as a standalone Division. 

Highlights

The Community Development Program (CDP) continues to improve the well-being of residents in the City and County through building capacity, developing policy, and delivering projects and programs for improved information, training, referrals, and supports to enhance social development and fill service gaps. The CDP also builds capacity among local groups and organizations through the Community Grants program.

The Community Safety and Well-being Plan is due to be renewed by July 1, 2026. Work on this City/County/Township plan started in 2025 with all expenses being covered within the approved CDP budget.  

The Community Grants program support activities in the areas of social services and health, arts, culture, heritage, recreation, and the environment. These activities can range from small special events to operations for larger organizations. The 2026 budget for this program remains the same as 2025 with a 0% increase.  

Age-friendly Peterborough (AFP) continues to expand programs through creative partnerships to local organizations to improve access to services and educational opportunities for older adults.

The Homemakers program continues to provide light housekeeping services to seniors and people with disabilities to help them stay in their home. 

Recommendations

That any surplus funds at the end of 2026 for Market Hall be transferred to the Market Hall Capital Reserve for unanticipated maintenance expenses or small capital improvements.

That any unused Community Development Program net budget at the end of 2026 be transferred to the Social Services Community Social Plan Joint Reserve for future program development, subject to the overall year end position and that, if actual 2026 Community Development costs exceed the 2026 Budget, funds may be drawn from the Reserve.