The City of Peterborough has announced that Darryl Julott has been hired as the city’s new director of economic development effective February 10.
Julott will lead the city’s new economic development division, which was created after the city decided in 2024 not to renew its funding agreement with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED), which had previously provided economic development and tourism services on behalf of the city and the County of Peterborough for 25 years.
“Economic development activities, engagement, and promotion are critical to the success of our community and the quality of life for residents,” said Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal in a media release issued on Thursday (January 30). “We need to position Peterborough to foster sustainable development. By growing business activity, we can reduce the burden on the residential property tax base, which is essential for the financial health of our community.”
Leal said he was “extremely excited” to welcome Julott to the new position.
“I’d also like to thank Jasbir Raina, Blair Nelson, Sarah McDougall Perrin, and Brad Appleby for their economic development work while we recruited our new director,” he added.
“Julott brings significant experience in economic development, partnerships, business investment, and innovation that will contribute alongside TeamPTBO in making Peterborough being a destination of choice,” reads the city’s release.
From outside Peterborough, Julott spent 12 years as a manager and senior manager with Toronto-based Digital Main Street. A program and service that helps main street businesses achieve digital transformation, Digital Main Street receives funding from both the federal and provincial governments and has assisted more than 100,000 businesses across the country.
Most recently, Julott was hired as an economic development officer with the Municipality of Clarington in November. He has a bachelor of science in kinesiology and exercise from WIlfred Laurier University and a post-graduate certificate in sports and fitness administration and management from Durham College.
“I am looking forward to diving right in and immediately connecting and working with businesses in the City of Peterborough to contribute to fostering sustainable development and prosperity,” Julott said.
“Peterborough is poised for real, exciting growth. It’s an ideal location for businesses of all sizes. I am eager to meet with businesses to discuss how we can best support their investments in Peterborough and to collaborate on new ideas and approaches.”
