Tiffany Arcari didn’t quite get a collective “amen” during the launch of United Way Peterborough & District’s 2026-27 campaign on Thursday (September 17), but she did receive the full blessing of all in attendance.

In her role as campaign chair, Arcari led what was akin to a religious revival at the Healthy Planet Arena, urging all to see the light of what neighbours helping neighbours can do in communities where far too many are struggling.

Later, Arcari joined United Way campaign cabinet members onstage for the reveal of the $1,585,000 goal — the “85” of that big number a nod to the local United Way’s 85th year of funding critical services provided by its partner agencies.

While the 2026-27 campaign goal is $15,000 less than the $1.6 million goal set in 2025-26, it’s still three per cent higher than last year’s actual campaign result of $1,560,075.

“The goal’s a doozy,” acknowledged Arcari, adding “But you know what? We will do it.”

“This isn’t my campaign. It’s not the United Way’s campaign. It’s the community’s campaign. If we really drive the message of coming together, and finding unique, low-hanging fruit to fundraise, we’re going to get it.”

In her address from the podium, Arcari spoke to the campaign theme of “Certified Neighbours” — neighbours helping neighbours — and, in the process, invited all to come along for the ride.

“We’re all carrying something, and sometimes a little kindness, a little support, or someone showing up, can make a world of difference,” she said.

“Our community is facing some very real social challenges right now. The United Way is already doing the work to help address those challenges. If we want to see change in our community, this (the campaign) is one of the most meaningful ways we can be part of it.”

“That’s what I want to see this year in our community, in our workplaces, and in our businesses — more people feeling connected to the campaign, more workplaces finding their own way to get involved, and all of us coming together to reach the goal. When we look out for each other, we don’t just raise money. We help build the kind of community we want to live in.”

Later, Arcari spoke to the need for the start-up of more workplace campaigns in local businesses.

“It’s a different way to show up for community outside of traditional sponsorship,” she said.

“Business owners just don’t have time to get into politics and advocacy and grassroots initiatives to change things for the better. The next step is supporting the United Way, because they’re the ones that are changing that at the grassroots level. If they really want change to happen in community, corporate giving and those workplace campaigns can make a huge difference.”

“When we look at United Ways across Canada, typically we see workplace giving is on the higher side rather than individual giving — Peterborough is the reverse of that,” Arcari pointed out. “I really think there’s an opportunity here. Our business owners care a lot and they want to be good neighbours. Workplace giving is an easy opportunity for them to do that.”

With about 170 people attending the launch, Arcari noted the energy of the crowd.

“All of the people in this room will leave here today talking about the important work that the United Way does and hopefully inspiring others to give back, whether that’s a donation, whether that’s a payroll donation, whether that’s (creating) a social media post, or just having conversations around tables that the United Way isn’t sitting at. All of those things are really impactful and help our mission.”

Also addressing the audience was United Way Peterborough & District chief executive officer Jason Seguya.

Having just stepped into the CEO role earlier this year upon the retirement of his predecessor Jim Russell, Seguya came away most impressed by the diversity of that audience.

“If you want to go fast, go by yourself — if you want to go far, go with community,” Seguya said.

“The goal that we set is ambitious to a certain degree, but it’s matched with the support that will be achieved. If we, as a collective, work toward the same goal, we will not only be successful, but we may raise the bar a bit.”

“There’s a variety of different ways of how we’re going to maintain this momentum,” Seguya said.

“First and foremost, it’s me holding myself accountable to get out there and introduce myself to individuals I have not yet met and demonstrate there are ways to get involved.”

“We’re also going to be reliant on a number of volunteers and supporters to spread the word. The work will be a collective. We’re ready for this and so excited to see what we’ll achieve together.”

Speaking directly to the campaign theme, Seguya said “Being a certified neighbour is not just about an address.”

“It’s about the ways we show up. It’s noticing when someone needs support and asking ‘How can I help?’ and choosing to follow through.”

“Each of us has something to contribute, and each of us belong to this work.”

While he’s only been in his role a few months, Seguya says he has already sensed “a different energy” in Peterborough.

“There’s a shared effort in wanting to see difference in a way that benefits Peterborough. That’s not to say that doesn’t exist in other communities, but it sure as hell does not exist the way it does here.”

“There’s a shared effort, and a shared care, in wanting to achieve support in our community, and that’s going to push us forward when it comes to the campaign.”

Seguya also spoke to the renewed emphasis on facilitating more workplace campaigns.

“When community sees workplaces getting involved, it means something to them. We’ve had incredible conversations with a number of our workplaces currently involved. Contributing to issues that really speak to them personally has added to their employees’ experience.”

Others who spoke from the podium were Murray Miskin, whose law firm Miskin Law was the event’s presenting sponsor; New Canadians Centre executive director Jenniraj “JJ” Thevasagayam, who spoke to the United Way-funded services that his agency provides; United Way campaign associate Adeline Murphy, who highlighted Miskin Law’s support as well as that of community sponsors Siika Foods and the Peterborough County OPP Detachment Board; United Way community impact specialist Elisha Rubacha; and United Way board chair Karen Wilson.

Meanwhile, in conjunction with the launch of the new campaign, the United Way has introduced its Certified Neighbour clothing collection.

It’s available for viewing and purchase at united-way-ptbo.ricartondemand.com.

For more information about United Way Peterborough & District and to donate, visit www.uwpeterborough.ca.

Shifting the responsibility for residential sidewalk snow clearing to property owners, ending municipal garbage collection for larger apartment and condominium buildings, and introducing parking and non-resident admission fees at Riverview Park and Zoo are among the options identified in a sweeping review of City of Peterborough services.

The long-awaited review will be presented to Peterborough city council at its general committee meeting on Monday evening (September 21).

Prepared by Ernst & Young LLP, the 234-page Effectiveness and Efficiency Review identifies 20 opportunities for cost savings and revenue, ranging from changes that would affect residents directly to internal improvements in city purchasing, staffing, and financial management.

Review estimates up to $30.2 million in savings and avoided costs over four years

In a memo to general committee, city CAO Jasbir Raina cites the review’s estimated cumulative savings or avoided costs of $20.6 million to $30.2 million over four years. The review’s financial projections also include new revenue, with actual benefits depending on which options proceed, implementation costs, and further analysis.

Raina notes general committee is only being asked to receive the review for information. No specific service cuts or fee changes are being recommended for approval at the meeting.

One of the largest potential financial changes involves Peterborough Regional Airport, which the city owns and funds despite its location outside municipal boundaries.

The review recommends first pursuing municipal boundary restructuring so the city can secure control over the airport and surrounding employment lands and receive a proportionate benefit from development.

If that cannot be achieved, or retaining the airport cannot be justified financially, options include a transfer, long-term lease, regional partnership, airport authority, or sale. The review models $6.6 million in savings over four years under a transfer scenario.

Modernizing procurement could produce another $2 million to $6.65 million over four years through improved purchasing strategies, stronger contract oversight, and streamlined approvals for routine purchases.

Changes to sidewalk snow clearing, apartment garbage collection, and zoo admission among options

Among the most consequential service changes for city residents, the review proposes ending routine municipal snow clearing on most residential sidewalks and making adjacent property owners responsible, which is the practice in municipalities like the City of Toronto.

Municipal clearing would continue along designated priority routes serving transit, schools, hospital areas, and other important pedestrian connections, with targeted assistance for eligible residents. Estimated savings and avoided costs range from $530,000 to $670,000 annually.

The review also proposes discontinuing municipal garbage collection for apartment and condominium properties with seven or more units, requiring owners to arrange private collection. About 37 per cent of these units currently receive city collection, while the remainder already use private services. Ending collection could save approximately $665,000 annually before transition costs. An alternative would offer optional municipal collection at full cost to participating properties.

At Riverview Park and Zoo, introducing parking fees and admission charges for visitors from outside Peterborough County could generate a net benefit of $1.6 million to $4.2 million over four years. Admission would remain free for local residents.

Arts funding, housing development, and staffing also identified for potential changes

One of the options in the review is moving the Art Gallery of Peterborough toward independent staffing and operations, supported by a declining municipal grant and greater fundraising. The review estimates a $2 million four-year benefit, while warning programming could suffer if replacement revenues fall short. It also recommends considering shared or integrated space instead of assuming a new standalone gallery building.

Other proposals include ending the city’s approximately $108,000 annual operating grant to The Canadian Canoe Museum after its funding agreement concludes in 2028, charging for repeated false fire alarms, and transferring responsibility for new housing development from Peterborough Housing Corporation to a city-directed function while retaining the corporation as the housing operator.

Targeted staffing and management changes could avoid $2.3 million to $3.4 million over four years. Ernst & Young explicitly cautions these estimates are not an immediate savings forecast or a workforce-reduction target, recommending reductions through vacancies, succession, and other transitions.

Service-level decisions would fall to the next council during 2027 budget deliberations

The presentation of the review comes five weeks before the October 26 municipal election that will see a new council elected.

That council will be responsible for deciding whether to pursue any of the options in the review as part of next year’s budget deliberations.

“It is anticipated that recommendations stemming from the Effectiveness and Efficiency Review that are related to service levels and financial considerations will be included in the draft 2027 budget for council’s consideration,” CAO Raina writes in his memo.

Heritage designations and $7-million waterfront concept plan also on the agenda

Other items on Monday night’s agenda include several financial reports and the proposed heritage designation of six properties: the London Street Generating Station, the Sherbrooke Street Substation, Prince of Wales Public School, The LePlante House, 485-495 Aylmer Street North, and the Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club/Peterborough Rugby Club.

General committee will also be asked to endorse a proposed concept plan for the Otonabee River Trail and Shoreline Improvement Project, which would reconstruct the Crescent Street corridor into a multi-modal waterfront destination.

With a preliminary estimated cost of $7 million, the project would include a south and eastbound one-way lane from Lake Street to Haggart Street, a two-way cycle-track, new sidewalks, dedicated parking zones, an area for gathering at the T-Warf, and enhance public space and shoreline features.

If council endorses the plan, it would proceed to detailed design and tender, with construction expected to begin in 2027.

Business case proposes phased upgrades to airport beginning with runway widening

Despite some of the contrary options presented in the Effectiveness and Efficiency Review for the future of Peterborough Regional Airport, council will be asked to consider a business case report proposing a phased approach to upgrading the airport.

The first phase would include planning and design work to widen the airport’s main runway and to implement instrument non-procession level of service (an aircraft approach procedure that provides left/right steering guidance to align with the runway but does not provide up/down electronic altitude guidance).

According to the report, core airfield improvements would support existing airport tenants and continued aviation and aerospace growth, while positioning the airport for possible scheduled commercial passenger service in the future.

The study estimates approximately $75.3 million in new capital spending across the proposed development phases including $33.5 million for runway widening, taxiway realignment, and related airfield improvements, $17.6 million for passenger-service infrastructure, including terminal expansion, parking, and road changes, and $24.1 million for later improvements, including further taxiway construction, approach and landing systems, and aircraft rescue and firefighting facilities and equipment.

Council is being asked to endorse the phased approach in principle and to direct staff to move forward with the first phase of the plan, including runway widening.

Councillor motions address data centres, storefront cafe seating, and recognition of the late Robert Winslow

Three notices of motion will also be presented at Monday night’s meeting.

Councillor Joy Lachica is proposing the city establish an interim control by-law to prohibit the use of land, buildings, or structures for the purpose of new data centres and similar facilities.

Councillor Alex Bierk is presenting two motions.

The first proposes that staff report back to council with options to support storefront cafe seating, with simplified permitting or approval processes so that low-impact cafe seating is not subject to the same permitting process as large outdoor patios.

The second motion asks that staff report back on ways the city can recognize and honour the life, work, and legacy of Robert Winslow, the founder of 4th Line Theatre who passed away unexpectedly on September 12.

Items endorsed by general committee will be considered by council for final approval at its regular meeting on Monday, September 28.

Farms at Work, a non-profit organization that has been strengthening farm resilience and supporting community food security for 16 years, will be receiving a $10,000-plus donation from 100 Women Peterborough.

The collective philanthropy group held its third meeting of 2026 on Tuesday (September 15) at Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre. At each of the group’s quarterly meetings, members hears presentations from three non-profit organizations randomly drawn from a larger list of organizations nominated by the group’s members. Each member commits to donating $100, and the organization that gets the most member votes receives the collective donations.

The three organizations that presented to 100 Women Peterborough at September’s meeting were Peterborough Folk Festival, Youth Unlimited Lakefield, and Farms at Work, with the latter chosen by majority vote to receive member donations.

The donation from 100 Women Peterborough will support the development of the new Peterborough Community Farm on Matchett Line, a collaborative model for agriculture and food production where new and establishing farm businesses, community members, and local organizations can learn, work, and grow together.

The farm will provide access to growing space, shared infrastructure, mentorship, and business learning, helping farmers build viable enterprises while strengthening the region’s local food system.

“We are incredibly grateful to receive this support today,” said Farms at Work community farm planner Andrea Hicks. “These funds will help make essential infrastructure possible, including a reliable well and irrigation system, so growers can cultivate food and build their businesses, even in challenging growing conditions.”

Farms at Work will be hosting a launch event Peterborough Community Farm on Saturday, October 3, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Community members are invited to learn more about the farm, the opportunities it will create, and how they can support its development.

As for 100 Women Peterborough, the group recently established a new leadership team after the original founders decided to step back after eight years of leading the group.

“Our collective continues to support incredible organizations that are doing meaningful work right here in our community,” said Natalie Raponi, a new member of the leadership team. “Nothing makes us prouder than seeing women come together to lift up our community through their donations. As our collective grows, so does the impact we can make, and tonight is a wonderful example of that.”

Since its formation in 2018, 100 Women Peterborough has collectively donated over $270,000 to 31 local organizations.

Organizations that have received member donations include:

• YWCA Peterborough Haliburton
• Vinnies Peterborough
• Hospice Peterborough
• Peterborough Youth Unlimited
• One Roof Warming Room
• New Canadians Centre
• Cameron House
• Five Counties Children’s Centre
• Casa De Angelae
• Lakefield Animal Welfare Society
• Community Care Peterborough
• Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre
• Community Counselling and Resource Centre
• Peterborough Pregnancy Support Services
• Heads Up for Inclusion
• Kawartha Youth Orchestra
• Peterborough GreenUP
• Bridges Peterborough
• YMCA Strong Communities
• Homeward Bound Peterborough
• Good Neighbours Care Centre and Food Bank
• PARN – Your Community AIDS Resource Network
• Camp Kawartha
• Teachers For Kids Foundation
• Hearts 4 Joy
• Camp Northern Lights
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough
• Jude’s Joy
• Peterborough Child and Family Centres
• Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region
• Farms at Work

100 Women Peterborough is part of a growing collective philanthropy movement that began in the United States in November 2006, when Karen Dunigan of Michigan formed the “100 Women Who Care” group. After their first meeting, those women raised over $10,000 for the purchase of 300 new baby cribs for a local organization.

The movement has grown over the past two decades years to include groups of men, women, youth, and children around the world, with hundreds of chapters in Canada alone.

100 Women Peterborough’s final meeting of 2026 is scheduled for Tuesday, December 8. For more information and to join the group, visit www.100womenptbo.ca.

Peterborough will soon have a new mayor and voters are keen to know how they will address key election issues and what type of leader they intend to be.

With incumbent mayor Jeff Leal not running for re-election, the seven certified mayoral candidates are Michael Eamon, Rob Hailman, Brian Lumsden, Jacob Méthot, Neil Morton, incumbent Ashburnham Ward councillor Keith Riel, and Rebecca Schillemat.

Municipal elections across Ontario will take place on Monday, October 26. As residents of a single-tier municipality, Peterborough voters will elect a mayor, two city councillors in each of the city’s five wards, and school board trustees.

Having conducted in-depth interviews with six of the seven mayoral candidates to introduce their campaigns (with Brian Lumsden to be interviewed soon), kawarthaNOW is now asking candidates to go on the record about the most pressing election issues.

The multi-part series will cover four main issues: economic development and downtown Peterborough; housing and homelessness; property taxes, the budget and city services; and leadership and governance.

The questions posed to candidates in each category are listed below.

Economic development and downtown Peterborough

• What should Peterborough’s two highest economic-development priorities be, and what would you do during your first two years to support job creation and local business growth?
• What two actions should the next council take to strengthen downtown Peterborough’s economy, public safety and quality of life?

Housing and homelessness

• Where and how should Peterborough add housing, including in established neighbourhoods, and what can the city realistically do to improve affordability?
• What should the city do first to reduce homelessness, and what provincial or federal support is needed to address the related mental health and addictions crises?

Property taxes, the budget, and city services

• What annual property-tax increase would you aim for, and what specific spending change, efficiency, new revenue or service reduction would help you meet that target?
• Which city service should receive more funding, and which service would you reduce, redesign, or defer? Explain the trade-off.
• What should be Peterborough’s top transportation or infrastructure priority, and how would you pay for it?

Leadership and governance

• What are the two most important actions you would take during your first 100 days as mayor?
• What one change would you make to improve transparency, accountability and public confidence at City Hall?
• Under what circumstances, if any, would you use strong mayor powers? Please provide one example.

The responses of candidates to kawarthaNOW’s questions will from a series of stories to be published over the coming weeks.

In advance of the series, here’s a brief introduction to each of the seven mayoral candidates.

Michael Eamon

Eamon has been the principal of Trent University’s Catharine Parr Traill College for the past 12 years and was previously a federal civil servant, first with Parks Canada and then with Library and Archives Canada.

Having long considered running for public office, Eamon told kawarthaNOW that recent encouragement from community members and the desire to “do more” for the public spurred him into the 2026 race.

“From the sidelines, I see the city floundering,” said Eamon. “I see a dysfunctionality where councillors are not getting along with city staff and city staff are not getting along with council. Instead of taking bold steps forward, council and city staff are looking inwards.”

Rob Hailman

Hailman works as the director of operations for Trent Radio, a musician and broadcaster, and the business manager for Trent University’s student newspaper Arthur.

A longtime community-based advocate, Hailman will be familiar to anyone who has watched city council meetings. He has been a regular delegate over the years, as well as a frequent harsh critic of the existing council.

“Win or lose, whoever becomes the next mayor of Peterborough, there are going to be debates and I’m going to be at them,” said Hailman. “There is going to be news coverage of the election and my voice is going to be in it.”

Brian Lumsden

Lumsden previously ran for mayor in 2022, coming in fourth with 2.78 per cent of the total vote. His campaign included harsh criticism of the city and councils response to the opioid crisis.

On his Facebook page Lumsden said his 2026 campaign will focus on freezing property taxes and controlling spending more closely. He also states that he “remains committed to the truth.”

“Do I think I’m going to win? I’m not delusional,” writes Lumsden.

Stay tuned for kawarthaNOW’s in-depth interview with Lumsden.

Jacob Méthot

Méthot is the youngest candidate in the election, and the only one to run while being a full-time student. He is currently in his fourth year at Trent University studying English literature.

As part of Méthot’s commitment to transparency and accountability, he is running a “no cost, no spend” campaign. He explained that this means he is neither accepting donations nor is he spending on campaign-related expenses.

“Peterborough’s voice needs to be listened to, rather than their pocketbooks,” he said.

Neil Morton

Morton is best known locally as the co-founder of the Ptbocanada.com website and the digital marketing agency StudioPTBO, later selling his ownership in both companies. He is the co-founder and former vice president of marketing of 3D-printing construction company Cormor Inc., and is currently a business development consultant for former Peterborough MP Maryam Monsef’s company Onward.

According to Morton, the trajectory of his life has led him to a “perfect moment” where he believes he has the leadership, strategic vision, and commitment and passion to help Peterborough reach its full potential.

“For me, a big role I will play, being the chief ambassador not just the mayor — that’s why I look at myself — is attracting business here, attracting tourists here, attracting families here, attracting doctors here, building prosperity for this community.”

Keith Riel

The only mayoral candidate who has held public office, Riel has represented Ashburnham Ward 4 since 2010 following a long career at General Electric where he was also deeply involved in the union, working his way up from shop steward to union local president.

Riel also served two terms as presidents of the Peterborough and District Labour Council.

Riel noted in an interview with kawarthaNOW that he would “probably be re-elected” if he ran again for one of the two Ashburnham Ward seats on council, “but I would be the most unhappy person sitting there for another four years collecting a paycheque and not doing what I feel should be done.”

“So I’m going to run for mayor — win, lose, or draw.”

Rebecca Schillemat

Schillemat is the former executive officer of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Home Builders’ Association (PKHBA) and is currently a principal consultant with Hardpoint Consulting Services, an IT, risk management, and security solutions business founded by her and her husband Patrick in 2022.

Schillemat noted the continued lack of affordable housing, increasing homelessness, aging city infrastructure, and the loss of local jobs as businesses such as Siemens and Lufthansa InTouch as contributing factors to her bid for mayor.

“I want to make this a city that has a future for my children and for future generations. The mayor has an outlook on the whole city and long-term planning. I think that’s something that has been missing,” Schillemat told kawarthaNOW.

Peterborough residents concerned about the proposed demolition of contaminated buildings at the former General Electric (GE) factory complex will have an opportunity to discuss community concerns and demands for transparency at a forum on Sunday, October 18.

“Good Neighbours Deserve Answers” takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Peterborough Public Library at 345 Aylmer Street, with admission at 12:30 p.m. The free event comes just over a week before voters head to the polls for the October 26 municipal election.

According to the event’s registration page, the forum will include a screening of the 2019 documentary Town of Widows, followed by a panel discussion to develop questions for GE Vernova and Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, along with strategies for obtaining answers.

Announced panellists include the film’s director and producer Natasha Luckhardt, GE retiree and occupational disease advocate Sue James, and Canadian Environmental Law Association staff lawyer Jacqueline Wilson.

“What’s to ensure that GE’s demolition won’t just add to our problems?” organizers ask in the event description.

Town of Widows, made by Luckhardt and Peterborough filmmaker Rob Viscardis, documents the fight for justice by former GE workers and their widows who believe workplace exposure to toxic substances caused illnesses and cancer deaths.

Both Luckhardt and James were among the public delegations who addressed city council last October about the proposed demolition and its potential consequences for the community.

VIDEO: “Town of Widows” trailer

The factory complex at 107 Park Street North began operating in 1891 as the Canadian Works of the Thomas Edison Company and later continued under General Electric. Manufacturing ended in 2018, leaving much of the complex vacant.

Property owner GEPR Energy Canada Inc., a subsidiary of GE Vernova, subsequently proposed removing most of the unused buildings while retaining several occupied buildings and others with heritage value. A heritage impact assessment commissioned by the company estimated that refurbishing the vacant centre-block buildings could cost up to $150 million.

The proposal prompted community concerns about the potential release of contaminants during demolition, the handling and disposal of demolition waste, and the long-term future of the property.

During council’s initial debate on October 7, 2025, Town Ward councillor Alex Bierk referenced a 2017 Unifor report documenting historical worker exposure to more than 3,000 toxic chemicals, including at least 40 known or suspected human carcinogens. City planning staff also advised councillors that GE Vernova had no redevelopment plan for the land being cleared and was not proposing a change in land use that would trigger additional municipal requirements for remediation.

At its meeting the following week, council voted 6-5 to limit its pursuit of heritage designation to eight buildings identified for retention, clearing a heritage-related obstacle to demolition of the remaining structures. Council also directed staff to return with an outline for a health and safety plan addressing the site and its broader impacts.

Concerns extended beyond city council, with Peterborough county council requesting information about the volume, contamination status, and destination of demolition waste, citing potential implications for the jointly owned city-county landfill on Bensfort Road.

In an October 24, 2025 letter to Mayor Jeff Leal, Ontario environment minister Todd McCarthy said ministry staff would review GE Vernova’s detailed demolition plans once received and provide technical comments and recommendations to ensure compliance with provincial requirements and protection of public health and the environment.

The following month, the Lakelands Public Health board voted to request a draft demolition plan addressing historic contamination, demolition and disposal hazards, and information about previous complaints and testing. Wilson addressed that meeting, describing the community’s concerns and advocating for public health involvement in assessing the proposed work.

The issue returned to city council in February 2026, when staff presented guidelines proposing a joint oversight table involving the municipality, provincial environment ministry, health unit, GE Vernova, demolition contractor, and an independent environmental monitor hired by the city and funded by the company.

The guidelines also outlined possible public communication measures, including plain-language technical summaries, live data dashboards, public meetings, and a hotline. These were only proposed measures, with staff noting that the city could not compel GE Vernova to adopt the health and safety plan.

At its February 23 meeting, council rejected Town Ward councillor Joy Lachica’s motion seeking disclosure of the company’s demolition plan through the chief building official by a vote of 3-8. Council also rejected by 4-7 councillor Bierk’s request for staff to report on available contamination information and seek additional information from GE Vernova.

The debate centred on the municipality’s authority, the independence of the chief building official, and potential legal liability. Supporters of the motions argued the city needed to take a more active role in obtaining information for residents. At that meeting, city CAO Jasbir Raina said GE Vernova had not yet applied for a demolition permit.

As for the October 18 community forum, it will seek answers to questions from the community such as “Will school children nearby be breathing in asbestos?” and “Will more dangerous chemicals be released into our water?”

“Good neighbours deserve answers,” organizers state in the event description. “With help from attendees, our expert panel will sharpen questions for GE and the Ministry and will develop strategies to get answers.”

To register for the October 18 community forum, visit pretix.eu/ptbo-gemolition/tix/. Space is limited.