Storm Response

The severe windstorm that ripped through Peterborough and much of southern Ontario on May 21, 2022 caused extreme pressure on City of Peterborough public works, forestry, and waste collection services.

City crews prioritized requests for service related to downed trees along streets and sidewalks, before turning there attention to trees in parks, trails and public spaces. The City supported clean-up on residential properties through a special green-waste collection and no-charge green waste drop-offs at the landfill, as well as a special temporary location. These special initiatives are now complete.

“The recovery efforts following the May 21 wind storm have been remarkable,” said Mayor Diane Therrien. “We would like to thank City Public Works staff, Urban Forestry staff, and all who were involved for their efforts on tree removals, brush collection and storm damage clean up.”

Mayor Therrien also recognized the incredible support from the City of Kingston and the City of Hamilton, which sent crews to work on high-priority tree removals and hanging limbs that were impacting roads, sidewalks, and trails. Additional thanks go to private contractors who worked with the City to reopen parks as quickly and safely as possible including H&M Landscaping, CBL Tree Service, Elemental Tree Care, Ontario Line Clearing, Arborcor Tree Care, Tim McConnell Tree Services, Palmer Tree Service, Treescape Certified Arborists and Ethic Tree Creations.

The emergency declaration was lifted on Wednesday, July 20, 2022.

Contact phone numbers:

General inquiries - 705-742-7777
Public Works - 705-745-1386
Social Services - 705-748-8830

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Parks and Trails

All City parks have been reopened. Everyone visiting parks should remain cautious when near trees or in wooded areas for hanging limbs, or trees that may have sustained damage that is not visible. Despite parks and trails being open, there will be some ongoing tree work conducted in various parks and trails throughout the City.

Green waste collection

A special curbside green waste collection to collect debris from the May 21, 2022 wind storm is now complete and all City parks and trails have reopened.

The special green waste collection took place over several weeks, with City Public Works crews completing two rounds of pick-ups of tree debris that was too large for the regular green waste collection. Now that the special collection is complete, residents should bundle or bag green waste within the regular guidelines to allow crews to handle the material:

There is no limit on the quantity of green waste that can be placed at the curb through the City's regular green waste collection service
Green waste must be in reusable containers that are labelled, bushel baskets or paper yard waste bags. Plastic bags are not permitted
Each bag and container must weigh less than 22 kilograms (50 pounds) and be shorter than 1 metre (3 feet)
All brush and branches must be tied in bundles up to one metre (three feet) in length and 30 centimetres (12 inches) in diameter, weighing no more than 23 kilograms (50 pounds). Larger size items cannot be loaded into the collection vehicle.
Stumps, soil and stones are not accepted through the green waste collection.

Green waste that does not meet regular curbside collection guidelines may be taken to the Peterborough Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. The regular fee for green waste drop off at the landfill is $7 for 100 kilograms or less of material or for $95 per tonne.

Hydro One - reporting power outages and power outage updates

To report a downed power line call Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235 or report it online at https://www.hydroone.com/. It is critical to stay at least 10 metres back from a fallen power line, even if it does not appear to be live.

Hydro One customers can report their outage by texting 92887 (WATTS), online, through the company’s outage map and app, or by calling 1-800-434-1235. An estimated time of restoration will be assigned to each outage as damage is assessed. Customers can view the current status of their outage here.