The future of arts and culture in Peterborough will take centre stage at the city’s first mayoral debate ahead of the October 26 municipal election.
Presented by the Electric City Culture Council (EC3), Peterborough’s municipal arts council, “ArtsVote Peterborough 2026” takes place on Wednesday, September 23 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre at 144 Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough.
All seven mayoral candidates — Michael Eamon, Rob Hailman, Brian Lumsden, Jacob Méthot, Neil Morton, Keith Riel, and Rebecca Schillemat — have accepted EC3’s invitation to participate in the debate.
Doors open at 7 p.m., when candidates will be available for a meet and greet, with the discussion beginning at 7:30 p.m.
During the debate, the candidates will answer questions from a panel of arts professionals and supporters, with each candidate also delivering opening and closing statements. Audience members will also be invited to ask questions, and the proceedings will be recorded.
The debate comes as EC3 raises concerns about the financial pressures facing Peterborough’s arts sector and seeks commitments from prospective municipal leaders on how they would address them over the next four years.
“Municipal support for the arts sector has been frozen or declined steadily in Peterborough over the past four years,” EC3 states in a media release announcing ArtsVote Peterborough.
The organization notes escalating costs have eroded the purchasing power of local arts organizations and a longstanding reliance on volunteer-driven management is unsustainable. It also points to external studies demonstrating the arts’ contribution to community well-being, downtown vitality, tourism, and attracting professionals and new businesses.
EC3 was incorporated in 2012 after the City of Peterborough approved its first Municipal Cultural Plan (MCP). The city’s new MCP, currently in development, will be among the issues up for discussion. EC3 will be seeking the candidates’ views on how to implement the plan and translate it into results.
“Other cities are making important investments in the arts and we need to know where our civic leadership stands and how they plan to enhance and develop the arts sector during their term,” EC3 states. “Do the arts matter to them? How will they find funding for critical investments?”
Other proposed topics include support for individual artists and marginalized artists and art forms, peer assessment and support for EC3, the economic impact of the arts, and building long-term stability in professional arts organizations.
Access to arts infrastructure will also be on the agenda, including venues, rehearsal spaces, and smaller presentation and performance spaces.
EC3 is also seeking discussion about making arts activities more accessible throughout the city and ensuring stable and knowledgeable staffing for the arts at city hall, which has been an issue over the past four years.
ArtsVote Peterborough 2026 is the fourth arts-focused municipal election event organized since 2012 by EC3, which has also held related events during federal and provincial elections.
According to EC3, four of this year’s mayoral candidates approached its team directly in advance to discuss issues, opportunities, and challenges facing the sector — a first for the organization.
“It is clear that the arts matter to local politicians,” EC3 states. “Let’s find out what they plan to do.”
Members of the public can submit written questions in advance by emailing ec3admin@gmail.com. Questions may be included in the moderated debate and/or in a survey of city council ward candidates.
Tables will also be available at the event for candidates’ literature and materials from local arts organizations.
