City Council overview package for September 21, 2026

• A presentation by the City's external auditors, Baker Tilly KDN LLP, on the Verbal Audit Findings Report and a recommendation to receive the report for information;
• A presentation by Ernst & Young LLP on the Effectiveness and Efficiency Review and a recommendation that the Effectiveness and Efficiency Review report be received for information;
• Receiving the Audit Report Letter for the Audit of the 2025 Consolidated Financial Statements of the City of Peterborough;
• Receiving the 2026 Audit Planning Report;
• Receiving the 2025 Consolidated Financial Report and associated recommendations;
• Receiving the June 30, 2026 Quarterly Financial Update Report (Unaudited) and associated recommendations;
• A recommendation by Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee to designate 51 London St. under the Ontario Heritage Act;
• A recommendation by Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee to designate 235 Aylmer St. N. under the Ontario Heritage Act;
• A recommendation by Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee to designate 1211 Monaghan Rd., the Prince of Wales Public School, under the Ontario Heritage Act;
• A recommendation by Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee to designate 85-87 Lock St. under the Ontario Heritage Act;
• A recommendation by Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee to designate 485-495 Aylmer St. N. under the Ontario Heritage Act;
• A recommendation by Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee to designate 725 Armour Rd., the Peterborough Rugby Club clubhouse, under the Ontario Heritage Act;
• Approving the concept plan for the Otonabee River Trail and Shoreline Improvement Project, and authorizing the City to complete detailed design and prepare tender-ready contract documents for the project;
• Notice of Motion moved by Councillor Joy Lachica for an Interim Control By-law to prohibit the use of land, buildings or structures for the use of new data centres and similar facilities;
• Notice of Motion moved by Councillor Alex Bierk to direct staff to report back to Council with options to further support and implement the Sidewalk Market Zone objectives within the City's Central Area Urban Design Guidelines, including options for a simplified permitting or approval process for low-impact cafe seating located immediately adjacent to a storefront; and
• Notice of Motion moved by Councillor Alex Bierk to direct staff to report back on appropriate opportunities for the City of Peterborough to recognize and honour the life, work, and legacy of Robert Winslow, founder of 4th Line Theatre, in consultation with his family, 4th Line Theatre, and members of the local arts and cultural community.

Effectiveness and Efficiency Review

Council will consider receiving for information an Effectiveness and Efficiency Review report.

Ernst & Young LLP (EY) reviewed City-provided data and documentation, assessed comparator municipalities, conducted consultations, assessed service demand and organizational structure, and identified efficiency opportunities as part of the process.

The Effectiveness and Efficiency Review identifies opportunities with a total estimated cumulative cost savings or cost avoidance ranging from $20.6M to $30.2M over a four-year period. Council decisions on the various identified opportunities would be needed to realize the estimated cost savings or cost avoidance. 

EY identified opportunities in various areas, such as Peterborough Regional Airport, the Art Gallery of Peterborough, Riverview Park and Zoo, Peterborough Fire Services false alarm responses, sidewalk snow clearing, and organizational structure and staffing.

It is anticipated that recommendations stemming from the Effectiveness and Efficiency Review that are related to service levels and financial considerations will be included in the Draft 2027 Budget for Council’s consideration.

Treasurer's Report

Council will consider receiving the 2025 Consolidated Financial Report and associated recommendations.

The Treasurer’s Report and Five-Year Review are supplementary to the financial statements. They are used to summarize, highlight, and evaluate the financial health of the City and confirm its ability to meet future obligations. Although there is no separate audit report attached to these reports, they are generated from the same information used to compile the year-end financial statements.

Documents included with the report:

• Treasurer's Report on the 2025 Financial Statements for the Corporation of the City of Peterborough
• City of Peterborough - Five-Year Review
• Draft Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025

Quarterly Financial Update

Council will consider receiving the June 30, 2026 Quarterly Financial Update Report (Unaudited) and associated recommendations.

A few highlights from the quarterly financial update include:

• The Tax Levy revenues at 99.6% of budget
• The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) has indicated that there will be two monthly supplementary assessment rolls issued from July through November.
• Transit fare revenues are forecast to be approximately $400,000 lower than budget for the year. Revenue was impacted by heavy snowfall, cold temperatures and ice in the period between January and March.
• Revenue from parking is projected to be approximately $286,000 higher than the budget of $1,930,932. The budget for 2026 was set at a more conservative level than in prior years driven by the continued trend of more people working remotely and a corresponding reduction in demand for on-street and facility parking in the downtown core.
• Landfill revenue is lower than expected. The main driver is reduced construction activity in the region, which results in less material being brought to the landfill. The landfill tipping revenue year-end estimate is $4.4 million, below the $4.8 million budget by approximately $400,000, of which $200,000 is expected to impact the City due to the 50% shared costs agreement with the County of Peterborough.
• In May 2025, the Province introduced O. Reg. 73/25, which amended O.Reg 282/98 to create Affordable Rental Housing Subclasses for multi-residential and new multi-residential properties. This regulation requires municipalities to adopt a By-Law by September 30, 2026, if the municipality wishes to make use of the new subclasses for the 2027 taxation year.
• Rezoning application fees are not expected to reach budgeted expectations. Fees have consistently been lower than budget and staff has made the decision to systematically lower the budget for subsequent years. Application volume has been below expectations.
• The 2026 budget for vehicle fuel was predicated on a weighted average cost per litre of $1.30. The actual weighted-average cost per litre to date in 2026 is $1.50, that variance is attributable to the on-going geo political factors in the middle east. Because of the higher than budgeted cost of fuel, it’s estimated fuel expenses will exceed budget by $411,000.

The Quarterly Financial Report includes the summary of net operating revenue and expenditures, departmental operating expenses schedule, and a report on capital works in progress.

Heritage designation: 51 London St.

Council will consider a recommendation by Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee to designate 51 London St., the London Street Generating Station, under the Ontario Heritage Act.

51 London Street has cultural heritage value as a representative early twentieth century example of a hydroelectric generating station. The station combines Victorian and Edwardian architectural features with an innovative use of concrete and housed what were then state of the art turbine generator and electrical technology. The station was originally built to meet the production needs of the American Cereal Company (later the Quaker Oats Company). The station reflects the work of noted civil engineer Charles Keefer and respected contractor John O’Toole. Contextually, it is one of a number of early twentieth century landmark generating stations along the Otonabee River, contributing to Peterborough’s reputation as ‘the Electric City’.

Heritage designation: 235 Aylmer St. N.

Council will consider a recommendation by Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee to designate 235 Aylmer St. N. under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Constructed in 1923, 235 Aylmer Street North has cultural heritage value as a landmark and a representative example of industrial design with Neoclassical influences. It is directly associated with Peterborough’s electrical expansion and contributes to the city’s reputation as the “Electric City” through its connection to Homer O. Fisk. Fisk held several key positions in the electrical field, including manager of the Peterborough Light and Power Company and the first Managing Director of Electricity for the Peterborough Utilities Commission.

Heritage designation: 1211 Monaghan Rd.

Council will consider a recommendation by Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee to designate 1211 Monaghan Rd., the Prince of Wales Public School, under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Prince of Wales Public School at 1211 Monaghan Road had strong cultural heritage value as an excellent example of a Beaux-Arts civic building reflecting City Beautiful ideals through its formal design, landscaped setting, and refined architectural detailing. Completed in 1919 as a modern facility, it represents advances in early twentieth century school design. The school has served the surrounding community continuously since its opening and is associated with notable figures such as first principal Keith Wightman, later a superintendent of schools, and Kate Morris, the first woman elected to the local board of education and its first female chair. It also reflects the work of prominent local architect Walter R. L. Blackwell of Blackwell & Blackwell and builder R. Sheehy and Sons, a respected regional firm. Contextually, the school is a key landmark in Peterborough’s south-west end, helping define the character of the surrounding residential neighbourhood, maintaining strong historical and visual ties to nearby institutions such as Queen Mary Public School, and standing prominently along Monaghan Road as one of the city’s early twentieth century ‘royal’ schools.

Heritage designation: 85-87 Lock St.

Council will consider a recommendation by Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee to designate 85-87 Lock St. under the Ontario Heritage Act.

The LePlante House at 85-87 Lock St. is a property of cultural heritage value for its design, historical, and contextual significance. The property is a rare surviving example of a nineteenth-century Georgian-style residence in Peterborough, characterized by its balanced proportions, restrained ornamentation, and symmetrical design. It is directly associated with Noé (Noah/Louis) LaPlante, a prominent businessman, alderman, and influential member of Peterborough’s French-Canadian community, who entertained Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier at the house in 1904. The property also has the potential to contribute to an understanding of the history and development of Peterborough’s French-Canadian population. Contextually, the house supports and maintains the historic character of the Little Lake area, historically known as “French Town,” and is linked to the surrounding neighbourhood through its longstanding residential use and associations with prominent local families. Situated on a prominent corner lot, the property is also recognized as a local landmark due to its distinctive architectural character, historical associations, and enduring presence within the community.

Heritage designation: 485-495 Aylmer St. N.

Council will consider a recommendation by Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee to designate 485-495 Aylmer St. N. under the Ontario Heritage Act.

485-495 Aylmer St. N. is a property of cultural heritage value for its design, historical, and contextual significance. It is a rare example of a Second Empire-style row house, exhibiting characteristic features such as a mansard roof, dormers, and bay windows. The property is associated with Asa Huycke, a prominent local singer and composer who made significant contributions to Peterborough’s musical heritage. It also contributes to the historic residential character of the Aylmer Street North neighbourhood and remains historically and functionally linked to its surroundings through its longstanding residential use.

Heritage designation: 725 Armour Rd.

Council will consider a recommendation by Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee to designate 725 Armour Rd., the Peterborough Rugby Club clubhouse, under the Ontario Heritage Act.

The Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club/Peterborough Rugby Club is an excellent example of Arts and Crafts style recreational architecture in Peterborough. Constructed in 1929-30, the clubhouse has significant historical and associative value as it yields significant information on the history of sport and recreation in Peterborough. It has strong associations with the history and legacy of two prominent sporting institutions, the Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club and the Peterborough Union Rugby Club. Built in Peterborough’s west end and later moved to Nicholls Oval, its construction using the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement allow it to blend in seamlessly with the park landscape and other rustic built features. Though not built to function as the rugby clubhouse, it now stands on the historical home of rugby in Peterborough.

Otonabee River Trail and Shoreline Improvement Project

Council will consider approving the concept plan for the Otonabee River Trail and Shoreline Improvement Project, and authorizing the City to complete detailed design and prepare tender-ready contract documents for the project.

The proposed project will reconstruct the Crescent Street corridor into a multimodal waterfront destination and complete an important link in the Little Lake Loop.

The new cross-section will include a south and eastbound one-way lane from Lake Street to Haggart Street, a two-way cycle-track, new sidewalks, dedicated parking zones, an area for gathering at the T-Warf, and enhance public space and shoreline features.

The Project is currently estimated at $7 million. This is a preliminary figure that will be refined through detailed design. Staff have pursued grant funding through and Active Transportation Fund as part of Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy that could contribute up to 60% of eligible Active Transportation construction costs for these works. The 2025 Budget pre-committed in 2026 $2.66 million towards this project can be used as the City’s 40% contribution of the project.

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