Peterborough police are increasing their presence at Beth Israel Synagogue on Monday (September 21) following a shooting outside a Belleville synagogue that left a police officer and a 29-year-old man in hospital.

In a statement issued Monday, Peterborough police chief Stuart Betts said he has spoken with the president of Beth Israel Synagogue about the situation and its local impacts, as well as with Belleville’s police chief to offer support.

“As a service we are being vigilant and there will be heightened police presence at the synagogue here in Peterborough throughout the day,” Betts said.

Betts’ statement comes the morning after an exchange of gunfire near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville on Sunday evening, as members of the Jewish community gathered for the beginning of Yom Kippur, which is one of the most sacred days of the Jewish calendar.

In its statement, the Peterborough Police Service acknowledged the impact the incident could have on local residents’ sense of security, calling the known details of the incident “difficult to hear, process and quite frankly, angering.”

“While the details of the incident have not been widely made available, we want our community to know that we are aware that these events can be concerning and cut at our sense of safety.”

Chief Betts also expressed support for the injured Belleville officer.

“I have had a conversation with the Chief in Belleville to offer our support and of course relay our best wishes to their injured officer,” he said.

“Our thoughts are with the officer who was shot during this incident while ensuring the safety of others in their community,” the Peterborough Police Service statement said. “We wish them a full and speed recovery surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues.”

Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal also issued a statement on Monday about the Belleville shooting.

“My thoughts are with the Jewish community in Belleville, here in Peterborough, and across Canada,” Mayor Leal said.

“It is especially disturbing that this violence occurred at a synagogue as members of the Jewish community gathered to observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Everyone deserves to gather, to worship, and to practice their faith in safety and without fear. Antisemitism, hate, and violence have no place in our communities.”

The mayor added that the “what happened in nearby Belleville will be deeply felt by Jewish members of our own Peterborough community. At this difficult time, I encourage everyone to show friendship, empathy and kindness to our Jewish friends, family members, and neighbours.”

“My thoughts are also with the Belleville Police Service officer who was injured in the shooting, as well as the officer’s family and loved ones. We are grateful to the police officers and first responders who acted to protect the community during this frightening incident.”

“Peterborough stands with the Jewish community in Belleville and here at home,” Leal said.

Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating the Belleville shooting.

According to the agency’s preliminary information, a Belleville police officer was near the synagogue, in the area of Victoria and Bleecker avenues, at approximately 7 p.m. when an exchange of gunfire occurred involving a man armed with a shotgun.

The man and the officer suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital. In its Monday release, the agency described the officer’s condition as critical but stable and the man’s injuries as life-threatening. Four investigators and two forensic investigators have been assigned to the case.

Sons of Jacob Synagogue president Norman Weddum told CBC News he was ushering people into the sanctuary to begin services when he heard gunshots. He said the officer had been stationed outside the building in an unmarked car.

After going to the lobby and realizing someone was shooting, Weddum said he ran back into the auditorium, where those gathered took cover.

“So that’s when we ran back into the auditorium of the synagogue, closed the doors behind us so as to not leave a visible target and we hit the floor,” he told CBC.

“Literally everyone went down,” he said. “I yelled for everyone to get on to the floor and the shots continued for a few more seconds, and then it was basically over.”

Police had not said what led to the shooting or whether the synagogue or Jewish community was targeted. Belleville police said there was no risk to public safety and asked people to avoid the area while officers investigated.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford were among the public figures who issued statements following the shooting.

“Jewish people must be able to worship safely. To live free, open, proud Jewish lives,” Carney wrote on social media.

Ford expressed gratitude to the wounded officer and other first responders.

“We owe an immense debt of gratitude to this brave officer and to all the first responders who acted so quickly to keep the community safe,” he said.

Weddum told CBC the congregation could not return to the synagogue on Monday to complete its Yom Kippur services because the building remained closed for the investigation.

“Once the building is released we’ll get back to having services,” he said. “We will carry on.”

This story was updated with the identities of the suspect and officer released by the Belleville Police Service on Monday.

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.