Two upcoming debates in Peterborough in advance of the February 27th provincial election will focus on two important issues in the community: housing and homelessness and the economy.
The United Way of Peterborough & District, One City Peterborough, the Research for Social Change Lab at Trent University, and All Saints’ Anglican Church have partnered to host an all-candidates debate on homelessness from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday (February 12) at All Saints’ Anglican Church at 235 Rubidge Street in Peterborough.
According to a media release from the United Way, all registered candidates in the Peterborough-Kawartha electoral district have been invited to participate.
“The issue of homelessness and the ravages it has on those experiencing it, cries out for — indeed demands — leadership, in particular political leadership,” says United Way CEO Jim Russell in the release. “We are keen to hear how these candidates will lead our community in ensuring safe affordable, supportive housing for all. It is critical that all candidates of each respective political party speak directly to this crisis.”
So far, the candidates for the Peterborough-Kawartha riding who have registered with Elections Ontario are Jen Deck of the Ontario NDP, Lucas Graham of the Green Party of Ontario, Adam Hopkins of the Ontario Liberal Party, and incumbent Dave Smith of the PC Party of Ontario. Other candidates may still be announced, as nominations are open until 2 p.m. on Thursday (February 13).
The February 12th debate will also be livestreamed on the All Saints’ YouTube channel. Questions will be sent in advance to all of the participating candidates, and there will also be an an opportunity for community members to ask questions, both in-person and virtually, during the debate.
As for the economy, the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Peterborough and the Kawarthas Home Builders Association, Central Lakes Association of Realtors, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, Peterborough and District Construction Association, and YourTV to host an all-candidates debate on business issues from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre at 140 Charlotte Street in Peterborough.
“Businesses in our community are facing significant economic challenges, making it essential for our elected leaders to understand both the repercussions and the opportunities that come with them,” says the chamber’s interim president and CEO Gail Moorhouse in a media release.
Everyone is welcome to attend the debate, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Questions can be submitted in advance by emailing Joel Wiebe at the chamber at joel@pkchamber.ca. Written question submissions will also be available at the event, which will be recorded and aired on YourTV.
Prior to the February 18th debate, the chamber and its partners (except for YourTV) are also hosting a “Coffee with the Candidates” event from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursday (February 13) at Lakefield Community Centre at 20 Concession Street in Lakefield. Everyone is welcome to attend. Editor’s note: This event has been rescheduled due to inclement weather. It now takes place on Thursday, February 20 at the same location and time.
Election day is Thursday, February 27. Elections Ontario will release voting location information after Friday (February 14).
In August 2024, Premier Doug Ford said Ontario would not be adopting the federal electoral boundary changes for the next provincial election, so the existing riding boundaries will remain the same, including for Peterborough-Kawartha. However, the new riding boundaries will be in effect for the next federal election, expected this spring.
