City Council meeting overview package for November 3, 2025

November 02, 2025

Peterborough, ON - City Council will hold a Special General Committee meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 500 George St. N., starting at 2 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025 to consider a recommendation from the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee regarding a heritage designation.

The recommendation from Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee is:

  • That Council designate the property at 107 Park Street North as a Cultural Heritage Landscape under the Ontario Heritage Act including the buildings identified by Council's resolution on October 14, 2025 plus the building facades along Albert Street and Building 13.

The property is known as the General Electric property.

Council's direction from the November 3 Special General Committee meeting is expected to be considered for ratification by Council during a meeting on November 4, 2025.

Following the Special General Committee on November 3, Council will hold a General Committee meeting starting at 5:20 p.m. on November 3 to receive a presentation for information on the City's Draft 2026 Budget, which is expected to be reviewed and discussed by Council during meetings on November 17 and 18, before proceeding to a Council meeting on December 8, 2025, when it is anticipated to be adopted.

Council will hold a regular Council meeting starting at 6 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025 to consider recommendations from its October 20 and 27 General Committee meetings, including:

  • Receiving for information an update on the implementation of Peterborough Tourism services;
  • Approving a Real Property Management Policy and the City of Peterborough Housing Partnership Policy for Affordable Residential Development to foster partnerships to develop housing;
  • The 2026 meeting schedule for City Council;
  • Peterborough Housing Municipal Services Corporation Annual General Meeting;
  • Delegated authority to adjust user fees up to an approved maximum rate and delegated authority associated with the purchase of various entertainment, tourism, and event bid opportunities with an associated pre-commitment of less than $250,000;
  • A recommendation from the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee that 310-314 George St. N., known as The Barrie Building, be designated as a property of cultural heritage value or interest under the Ontario Heritage Act;
  • A recommendation from the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee that 450 George St. N., known as The Morrow Building Addition, be designated as a property of cultural heritage value or interest under the Ontario Heritage Act;
  • A recommendation from the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee that 384-388 George St. N. be designated as a property of cultural heritage value or interest under the Ontario Heritage Act;
  • A recommendation from the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee that 359 Hunter St. W. be designated as a property of cultural heritage value or interest under the Ontario Heritage Act;
  • A recommendation from the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee that 362-366 George St. N. be designated as a property of cultural heritage value or interest under the Ontario Heritage Act;
  • Report of closed session - That staff be directed to proceed as outlined in report of the Commissioner, Legislative Services respecting a proposed land acquisition;
  • Report of closed session - That staff be directed to proceed as outlined in report of the Commissioner, Legislative Services respecting a proposed land acquisition;
  • Report of closed session - That staff be directed to proceed as outlined in report of the Commissioner, Legislative Services respecting a proposed land acquisition;
  • Report of closed session - That Council appoint the following individuals for terms to November 2026:
    • Accessibility Advisory Committee - Kinjal Shukla Clement, Patrick Steeves and Melissa Wilson
    • Community Investment Grants Advisory Committee - Joleen Edmondson, Dustin Harford, Jessica Kuhlmorgen-Hille, Jean-Luc Plante, Bryce Porter, Pauline Sandys, Sonam Soni and Thomas Vaccaro
    • Peterborough Public Library - Hannah Buck and Cecile Popp
    • Planning Advisory Committee - Jenny Lanciault
    • Property Standards Committee - Kelly Winters, and
    • That the appointments of Elaine Anselmi, Sioux Lily, Laken MacFarlane, Barb Munro, Janette Loveys Smith, and Dylan Scott be rescinded;
  • Report of closed session - That the report for the Art Gallery of Peterborough Relocation Request be received for information and that staff be directed to continue conversations with the Art Gallery of Peterborough regarding relocation;
  • Report of closed session - That staff be directed to proceed as outlined in Option C of Closed Session Report of the Commissioner, Community Services;
  • A presentation by Alto high-speed rail representatives regarding the planned rail network for passenger service between Toronto and Quebec City, with a stop in the City of Peterborough;
  • A presentation by Lakelands Public Health to present the health unit's 2026 budget and report on the merger process for the health unit that now encompasses Haliburton, Kawartha, Northumberland and Peterborough areas; and
  • Motion that Council support the Elect Respect pledge; and
  • Amendments to the City's Official Plan to update the policies related to Strategic Growth Areas and enable the implementation of a city-wide Community Planning Permit System.

The meeting is livestreamed at peterborough.ca/WatchCouncil. Agendas and recordings of meetings are posted at peterborough.ca/agendas.

Council meeting agenda

To speak as a registered delegation at a Council meeting, individuals must register no later than 11 a.m. on the day of the meeting. To register, complete the online application at peterborough.ca/delegation, or phone 705-742-7777 ext. 1820.

Before the public portion of the General Committee meeting, Council will hold a closed session meeting starting at 4 p.m. to consider six items as permitted under the Municipal Act, 2001, including:

  • Section 239(2)(d) Labour relations or employee negotiations - Bargaining
  • Section 239(2)(k) A position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board - Agreement
  • Section 239(3)(b) An ongoing investigation respecting the municipality, a local board or a municipally-controlled corporation by the Ombudsman appointed under the Ombudsman Act, an Ombudsman referred to in subsection 233.13 (1) of this Act - Ombudsman
  • Section 239(2)(f) Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose - Advice
  • Section 239(2)(f) Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose - Appeal
  • Section 239(2)(k) A position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board - Negotiation

Peterborough Tourism implementation update

Council will consider an information report providing an update on the implementation of Peterborough Tourism services.

The City of Peterborough engaged a third-party organization for the delivery of tourism services until January 1, 2025, when it transitioned to directly deliver those services on behalf of the city.

The City has activated tourism services through destination marketing, sports tourism, cultural tourism, and visitor experience initiatives while at the same time beginning the development of the City’s first City-specific Tourism Strategy that, once approved by City Council, will shape the future direction of tourism objectives and strategies. A draft Tourism Strategy is expected to be considered by Council in spring 2026.

Tourism services are funded through Municipal Accommodation Tax revenue, as well as leveraging other divisional resources as needed. By integrating tourism services with the City’s Recreation, Parks and Cultural Services Division and Communications, tourism activities benefit from existing event, recreation, cultural services, and communications resources.

The primary Visitor Centre is located at 151 Lansdowne Street at the Peterborough Memorial Centre; this location established an in-person access point while leveraging existing staff within the operations of the box office. At this location visitors can contact the centre directly via phone at 705-743-3561 or via email at hello@peterborough.ca. Visitors have access to destination guides, maps, brochures, and event information highlighting things to see and do in Peterborough and surrounding areas.

Digital access is through the new Tourism Website at www.ptbotourism.ca. This website provides comprehensive details about attractions, recreation and cultural services available in Peterborough.

Peterborough Tourism has supported a wide range of concerts, festivals, and sporting events while strengthening partnerships and preparing for a significant 2026 season. The focus has been on enhancing visitor experience, generating community and economic benefits, and positioning Peterborough as a host city of choice.

The City’s Peterborough Tourism staff actively identify, develop and submit bids for the community to host events that align with priorities to attract visitors, generate economic impact, and strengthen community partnerships.

Examples of events that have been either supported or directly coordinated include:

  • Major concerts and performances – Harlem Globetrotters, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Beach Boys, Sarah McLachlan, The Tea Party, Murmuration: Le Patin Libre, Bryan Adams
  • Festivals and community events – Kawartha Craft Beer Festival, Tacos and Beer Festival, Canada Day, Sledarama, Ribfest, Peterborough Folk Festival, Peterborough Musicfest, Snofest, Lock and Paddle event at the Peterborough Lift Lock
  • Sporting Events – CANCAST Fishing and Tackle Show, Ontario Ball Hockey Association tournament, Lock & Paddle, Women’s Major Series Lacrosse tournament, Intercollegiate Flag Provincial Championship and Adult Flag Circuit Championship, Ontario Baseball Association 8-AAA championship, along with planning for Hockey Canada’s 2026 TELUS Cup national U18 hockey club championship
  • Institutional Events – Fleming College and local high school graduations
  • Ongoing Games – Regular support for Peterborough Petes and Lakers home games

As part of its review of the Council report on October 20, Council tentatively added the following direction:

  • That staff undertake a comprehensive review of city bylaws, policies, and insurance requirements, in coordination with community partners, event organizers, and the DBIA to identify potential amendments or alternative approaches that would make it easier to host and support tourism-related events across the city and that staff report back to Council with recommended changes or improvements as part of the ongoing tourism implementation work.

Property management and partnership policies

Council will consider approving a Real Property Management Policy and the City of Peterborough Housing Partnership Policy for Affordable Residential Development to foster partnerships to develop housing.

Council added direction that the Mayor, together with the Co-Chairs of the Homelessness portfolio, be directed to meet with Reality Services staff on a quarterly basis to review the City's Real Property Inventory and identify idle or underused properties that may be suitable for affordable, supportive, or attainable housing partnerships.

Documents associated with the Council report include:

The Real Property Management Policy establishes a land management system, a transparent process for declaring land surplus, a disposition framework, and clear procedures and safeguards (valuations, covenants, reversion rights, security instruments) for transfers and direct land partnerships to accelerate affordable and accessible housing development. 

The City of Peterborough Housing Partnership Policy for Affordable Residential Development aims to leverage surplus and underused public land for housing redevelopment, establish a municipal land inventory and management policy for promoting the best and highest use or disposition of municipally owned land, prioritizing the development of affordable housing.

The initiative will also establish a framework to undertake partnerships with developers to facilitate development. This initiative will enable residential development projects which would otherwise not proceed without the benefit of municipal lands and/or partnership, prioritizing affordable housing.

The adoption of these Policies align with the City’s commitments as part of the Housing Accelerator Fund 2 (HAF2) funding under Initiative 5 - Make City-owned land available and foster partnerships to develop housing.

Peterborough Housing Municipal Services Corporation Annual General Meeting

Council will convene its initial Annual General Meeting of the Peterborough Housing Municipal Services Corporation to review and approve the composition of the corporation's board of directors and Council's Shareholder Direction to the corporation.

The Peterborough Housing Municipal Services Corporation (PHMSC) has recently been incorporated and the Annual General Meeting is the initial Annual General Meeting (AGM).

At each subsequent AGM, in compliance with the Business Corporations Act (the “Act”) and Shareholder Direction, City Council will review the PHMSC’s annual report and audited financial statements, ensuring transparency in the PHMSC’s financial health and operations.

The PHMSC will operate as a separate corporation from City, but the City is the sole shareholder. Per the Shareholder Direction and the Act, an AGM of the shareholder is required to conduct specific business.

The PHMSC will operate to allow the City to continue to develop affordable housing to serve low-income populations while reducing the impact on the City’s tax base.

Council endorsed providing direction related to appointing an auditor and other legal and administrative aspects for the new corporation. 

The expected next steps towards the usage of this corporation will be the movement of wholly owned City housing properties to this corporation in order for this new corporation to start gaining a solid credit rating so it can be used for future housing construction projects and its associated debt. The first two properties expected to be transferred would be the recently constructed 53-unit 681 Monaghan Rd. project and 323-333 Sherbrooke Street which is a 6-unit townhouse block currently owned by the City. Once credit worthiness has been established for this new corporation it is expected that as other debt-laden Peterborough Housing Corporation projects have their mortgage come up for renewal that they would be moved to this new corporation to reduce the City’s overall debt burden related to its affordable housing projects

Documents associated with the Council report include:

Through Report CLSOCS22-001 in 2022, Council directed that the Peterborough Housing Municipal Services Corporation (PHMSC) board of directors will be composed of the City's Mayor, the City's Deputy Mayor, the Housing Chair, Housing Co-Chair, and Finance Chair. Based on that direction, the board's composition is recommended to be Mayor Jeff Leal, Deputy Mayor Gary Baldwin, Councillor Lesley Parnell as Community Services (except Homelessness) Council Portfolio co-chair that includes housing, Councillor Alex Bierk as Community Services (except Homelessness) Council Portfolio co-chair that includes housing, and Councillor Andrew Beamer as Finance and Corporate Support Services Council Portfolio co-chair.

Council will consider changing the composition of the PHMSC board to include:

  • Mayor
  • First Deputy Mayor
  • Co-Chairs of Community Services (except homelessness)
  • Co-Chairs of Finance and Corporate Support Services
  • Chair of Peterborough Housing Corporation

Authority to adjust user fees and bid on events

Council will consider providing delegated authority to adjust user fees up to an approved maximum rate and delegated authority associated with the purchase of various entertainment, tourism, and event bid opportunities with an associated pre-commitment of less than $250,000.

The delegated authority to adjust user fees will create a more efficient, flexible and competitive facility booking and entertainment purchasing process. The City of Peterborough receives booking inquiries from major entertainment agencies like Live Nation and AEG, as well as for sport and cultural tourism events often requiring flexible terms on fees and services.

Existing delegated authority provides staff ability to commit up to $50,000 for entertainment bookings, which is a limit that no longer meets the scale of current opportunities.

Factors affecting the associated costs of rentals such as event hours, food service, attendance, and risk management significantly impact the actual expense of hosting an event, and are not currently reflected in existing user fees or staff delegated authority.

Staff do not currently have the delegated authority to adjust user fees to remain competitive within the industry market. This means that for smaller events such as a not-for-profit and support groups facility rental fees are often too high for groups to justify the expense and as a result potential revenue is lost as there is no delegated authority to adjust fees. For larger more complex events, such as weddings and banquets rental fees are too low to properly recover operational costs, such as additional staffing or security to host events. 

Heritage designation: 310-314 George St. N.

Council will consider a recommendation from the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee that 310-314 George St. N., known as The Barrie Building, be designated as a property of cultural heritage value or interest under the Ontario Heritage Act.

310-314 George Street North has cultural heritage value or interest as a commercial office building and store in Peterborough’s downtown core constructed for Barrie’s Furriers, an important Peterborough business throughout much of the twentieth century. Completed in 1915, the building is an early and rare example of architecture in the Art Deco style in Peterborough. It is an important heritage resource in the overall landscape of Peterborough’s commercial downtown.

Heritage designation: 450 George St. N.

Council will consider a recommendation from the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee that 450 George St. N., known as The Morrow Building Addition, be designated as a property of cultural heritage value or interest under the Ontario Heritage Act.

450 George Street North has cultural heritage value as a Second Empire property in the downtown core that is associated with three prominent citizens of Peterborough: businessmen George A. Cox and James Stevenson and architect John E. Belcher. It has design and physical value as a well-executed extension of the Morrow Building’s ornate brickwork and finishes in the Second Empire style.

Heritage designation: 384-388 George St. N.

Council will consider a recommendation from the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee that 384-388 George St. N. be designated as a property of cultural heritage value or interest under the Ontario Heritage Act.

384-388 George Street North’s cultural heritage value lies in its importance place as continuation of the historic commercial row. It shares similar Italianate-style design features with other buildings of a similar era, creating a cohesive landscape.

Heritage designation: 359 Hunter St. W.

Council will consider a recommendation from the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee that 359 Hunter St. W. be designated as a property of cultural heritage value or interest under the Ontario Heritage Act.

359 Hunter Street West is of cultural heritage value as a landmark building on the cusp of the Old West End residential neighbourhood in Peterborough. It is a rare intact example of the Second Empire style, popular for prominent residences in the Victorian era but with few surviving examples in Peterborough. The coach house is a unique blend of the Ontario Cottage and mid-century modern architectural styles.

Heritage designation: 362-366 Hunter St. W.

Council will consider a recommendation from the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee that 362-366 George St. N. be designated as a property of cultural heritage value or interest under the Ontario Heritage Act.

362-366 George Street has strong cultural heritage value as a historic commercial building in Peterborough’s downtown core. It was built by George A. Cox circa 1865 and has been continuously occupied since 1868. Built in the Italianate style, 362-366 George Street has physical value as a corner commercial building that displays several key characteristics of its style, including rounded windows and a symmetrical façade. 362-366 George Street North is an important corner anchor building on George Street in the downtown area. It is the only Victorian anchor building left at the intersection of George and Simcoe Streets.

Lakelands Public Health presentation

Council will consider receiving for information a presentation by Lakelands Public Health on the health unit's 2026 budget and on the merger process for the health unit that now encompasses Haliburton, Kawartha, Northumberland and Peterborough areas.

On January 1, 2025, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and the Peterborough County-City Health Unit (operating as Peterborough Public Health) merged as the Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit (operating as Lakelands Public Health).

The newly formed health unit (Lakelands Public Health) needed to establish a funding formula for the municipalities and the First Nations communities which achieves local levy harmonization (an equalization of the per capital amount paid by each funder). For the funders of the former Peterborough Public Health (including the City of Peterborough), this will require additional contributions each year until the equalization of contributions has been achieved.

In 2026, the increase in funding to the health unit will be mitigated by a one-time payment to the City from the province, equal to the additional 15.75% levy, that may be used to offset the increased levy or
put into reserves to support future levy harmonization costs. The mitigation funding is available as part of the provincial merger funding approved for 2026, and is anticipated, but not approved yet, for 2027.

The anticipated provincial funding increase of 1% for the 2026 budget will not address inflationary cost increases. The 2026 Lakelands Public Health budget is increasing by 3.7% compared to 2025. This represents an increase of $3.46 per resident, $2.97 of which is coming from local funders with the remainder coming from the province.

Notice of Motion re: Elect Respect pledge

Council will consider a notice of Motion from Councillor Lesley Parnell that Council support the Elect Respect pledge, with amendments:

Whereas democracy is healthy when everyone is able to participate fully and safely and contribute to the well-being of their community; and

Whereas we are witnessing the dissolution of democratic discourse and respectful debate across all levels of government and in neighbouring jurisdictions; and

Whereas Ontario’s municipally elected officials and municipal staff are dealing with increasingly hostile, unsafe work environments facing threats and harassment; and

Whereas social media platforms have exacerbated disrespectful dialogue, negative commentary, and toxic engagement which disincentivizes individuals, especially women and candidates from diverse backgrounds from running for office; and

Whereas better decisions are made when democracy is respectful and constructive and the voices of diverse genders, identities, ethnicities, races, sexual orientation, ages and abilities are heard and represented around municipal council tables; and

Whereas the Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s Healthy Democracy Project has identified concerning trends with fewer people voting in local elections and running for municipal office; and

Whereas in 2024, female elected representatives from across Halton formed a group called H.E.R. (Halton Elected Representatives) which pledged to speak out against harassment and negativity in politics and called on elected officials to uphold the highest standards of conduct; and

Whereas H.E.R. Halton has launched a campaign called Elect Respect to promote the importance of healthy democracy and safe, inclusive, respectful work environments for all elected officials and municipal staff that encourages individuals to participate in the political process.

Now Therefore Be It Resolved That the Council of the City of Peterborough supports the Elect Respect pledge and commits to:

  • Treat others with respect in all spaces—public, private, and online
  • Reject and call out harassment, abuse, and personal attacks,
  • Focus debate on ideas and policies, not personal attacks,
  • Help build a supportive culture where people of all backgrounds feel safe to run for and hold office,
  • Call on relevant authorities to ensure the protection of elected officials who face abuse or threats, and
  • Model integrity and respect by holding one another to the highest standards of conduct; and

Be It Further Resolved That the City of Peterborough calls on elected officials, organizations and community members to support the Elect Respect campaign and sign the online pledge at www.electrespect.ca; and

Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this resolution be sent to the:

Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, MP Emma Harrison, MPP Dave Smith, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing of Ontario Rob Flack, the Peterborough Police Chief, Peterborough Fire Chief, Peterborough EMS Chief, Medical Officer of Health, all local school board chairs, and all Ontario Municipalities.

And be it further resolved that the City's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisor be engaged in the implementation and communication of this initiative, and that staff explore opportunities to better integrate their expertise into Council's ongoing efforts to promote a safe, inclusive, and respectful civic environment.

Official Plan amendments

Council will consider amendments to the City's Official Plan to update the policies related to Strategic Growth Areas and enable the implementation of a city-wide Community Planning Permit System.

The Community Planning Permit System is a key initiative under the City’s Housing Action Plan for the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. The Planning Act requires enabling policy language to be contained in the Official Plan to enact a Community Planning Permit System.

The enabling policies set out the parameters for the Community Planning Permit By-law while updated Strategic Growth Areas policies provide direction for the next phase of the Community Planning Permit By-law creation process.

Council endorsed Official Plan Amendments that are intended to update the development objectives and parking measures for the Strategic Growth Areas; implement statutory requirements for the Community Planning Permit System; and implement Council’s direction of April 2025 to remove building height and angular plane requirements from the Strategic Growth Areas policies in the Official Plan.

The CPP By-law is currently being drafted and is expected to be complete for Council consideration in spring 2026.

Creation of a Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) is one of seven initiatives identified under the City’s Housing Action Plan for the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. The CPPS is a land use planning tool that streamlines the development approvals process by combining zoning by-law amendments, site plan approvals and minor variances into a single application and approval process.

A CPPS is implemented through a Community Planning Permit (CPP) By-law, which implements the City’s Official Plan and replaces the zoning by-law to regulate land uses, identify discretionary uses and establish development standards such as lot size requirements, minimum and maximum building heights, setbacks, parking requirements, and amenity space requirements.

Council endorsed several amendments to the recommendations, including:

To adopt and revise paragraph b) in Report IPGPL25-044 to read:

b) That the City's Official Plan be amended in accordance with the draft Outline Plan Amendment attached as Appendix A to Report IPGPL25-044 to update policies for the Strategic Growth Areas and enable the implementation of a city-wide Community Planning Permit System, as revised as follows:

i) in paragraphs 4.4.2 g and m iv, references to "Sherbrooke Street and Clonsilla Avenue" are retained and references to "Sherbrooke Street and Medical Drive" are deleted; [see also pdf p.3, s.4.4.2 b re: n iv] and,

ii) in paragraph 7.20 c, add to the CPPS's guiding principles with "foster environmental protection, sustainability and good design."

That the motion be amended as follows:

(d) "That staff, in preparing the forthcoming Community Planning Permit By-law, be directed to investigate the following options:

  1. to require, for any Class 3 permits, a mandatory mixed-use component for any development where appropriate;
  2. identify affordable (non-market) housing as the preferred Facility Service or Matter in the list of options for Council consideration;
  3. Public notice and on-site signage requirements for major permit applications;
  4. Creation of an online public registry of active and approved CPP permits"

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Peterborough, ON
K9H 3R9

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