Mayor Leal’s statement on letter from the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks

Mayor Jeff Leal has issued the following statement on receiving a response from the Honourable Todd McCarthy, the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, regarding GE Vernova’s proposed demolition at 107 Park St. N.:

I am very pleased that the Minister has responded so comprehensively, and in a manner that reflects the urgency and sensitivity of this issue for our community. The content of the letter addresses the items that I would have expected to be raised during a meeting. As such, and respecting the Minister’s time, I am satisfied with the direction and clarity that the letter provides to the community of Peterborough and am no longer requesting a meeting of the elected representatives at this time.

The City will continue to communicate with the Ministry of the Environment on the environmental risk mitigation and management aspects of this matter, meeting as needed through the process to share information between the relevant agencies with their respective jurisdictions on behalf of the community.

Letter from Minister of the Environment

Letter from the Honourable Todd McCarthy, the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, regarding GE Vernova’s proposed demolition at 107 Park St. N., received by Mayor Jeff Leal on Friday, October 24, 2025.

Dear Mayor Leal:

Thank you for your email regarding GE Vernova’s proposed demolition at 107 Park Street North in the City of Peterborough, and for sharing the community’s concerns about potential public and environmental impacts.

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks recognizes the importance of this matter to Peterborough City Council, local residents and others who have a strong interest in protecting community health and the environment.

The ministry has not yet received a detailed demolition plan from GE Vernova. Once received, staff will carefully review the proposed plans and provide technical comments and recommendations to ensure the demolition process meets provincial regulatory requirements and protects public health and the environment. The ministry will continue to offer its participation in technical discussions and remains open to collaboration with the City of Peterborough, community members and agencies. Transparency and public confidence are key priorities throughout this process.

Given the technical complexity, historical sensitivities and local knowledge surrounding this site, I encourage you, council members or city staff to contact David Bradley, Peterborough District Manager, with any questions or to arrange a meeting.

Thank you again for writing.

Note: The Ministry of the Environment District Manager’s personal contact details were removed from the Minister of the Environment’s letter for the purposes of this news release.