Peterborough County is hoping to increase citizen engagement and participation in county government issues with the launch of a new online platform.
“Engage Peterborough County” is designed to be a tool to make it easier for Peterborough County residents to provide feedback, share ideas, and help shape decisions that impact the county.
“Our biggest hope is that Engage Peterborough County becomes a trusted space where residents feel heard, informed, and connected to the decision-making process,” Tracie Bertrand, Peterborough County’s general manager of tourism and communications, told kawarthaNOW.
Unlike traditional municipal websites or social media channels, Engage Peterborough County is “a central hub for two-way engagement,” the county noted in a media release.
It offers a suite of interactive tools, such as surveys, idea boards, maps, discussion forums, and more, so residents can take part in conversations about local projects, policies, and plans “in a more meaningful and accessible way.”
“We want this tool to break down barriers to participation, making it easier for people to share their ideas, ask questions, and provide feedback — no matter their schedule or location,” Bertrand said.
“By gathering more diverse perspectives, we can make better-informed decisions that truly reflect the needs and priorities of our communities,” Bertrand said. “Ultimately, this is about strengthening the relationship between residents and local government through ongoing, two-way dialogue.”
Several other municipalities in the Kawarthas region have had similar online platforms in place for years, including “Connect Peterborough” in the City of Peterborough, “Jump In Kawartha Lakes” in the City of Kawarthas Lakes, and “Join In Northumberland” in Northumberland County.
While Peterborough County’s main website remains the place for news and services, Engage Peterborough County is built specifically for public engagement. It provides project-specific spaces where community members can explore proposals, ask questions, and give feedback directly to the teams involved.
The county’s media release also noted that, while social media platforms are a tool for raising awareness, “they aren’t designed for deep, organized conversations.”
“Engage Peterborough County creates a respectful, inclusive, and transparent space for discussion — without the noise or distractions of social media.”
The platform is user-friendly and available 24/7. Registration is required to participate.
“Engage Peterborough County offers another tool for residents to offer their feedback to their county government,” said Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark in a statement.
“It is now easier than ever for the public to stay informed, share their ideas, and actively participate in shaping the future of our county. By activating this site, Peterborough County is demonstrating our commitment to transparency, accountability, customer service, and satisfaction. I encourage everyone in Peterborough County to visit the site and make your voice heard.”
To explore the Engage Peterborough County platform, visit engage.ptbocounty.ca.
