Peterborough city council has voted to defer consideration of a winter shelter response plan until August, while unanimously voting in favour of a new initiative to keep Peterborough streets clean, traffic changes to Armour Road, and a pilot program to help seniors clean snow from the end of their driveways.

At its general committee meeting on Monday night (May 25), councillors considered a report from community services commissioner Sheldon Laidman recommending options for a planned seasonal winter shelter model for people experiencing homelessness in winter 2026-27, instead of the temporary temperature-based shelter response used this past winter.

The report presents two options for a planned overnight shelter model, both of which would provide at least 30 additional beds nightly using the former fire station on Carnegie Avenue, where the city operated an emergency temperature-based shelter response for up to 40 people per night over 10 days during the winter of 2025-26.

The first option would operate for three months from January through March and would cost about $303,000 annually, plus $20,000 in startup costs, while the second option would run for six months from November through April at an annual operating cost of about $576,600, plus $20,000 in startup costs.

Mayor suggests deferring the report until 2027 budget deliberations

Mayor Jeff Leal said he would be moving a deferral of the report, but first asked legislative services commissioner David Potts to comment on a recent decision by Ontario Superior Court Justice Michael R. Gibson preventing the Region of Waterloo from removing residents living at an encampment in downtown Kitchener and the impact it will have.

In his response, Potts spoke about how some legal decisions do not favour municipal jurisdictions when councils are attempting to balance competing interests, “including protecting open spaces, parks, and other spaces for public use.” He referred to past council decisions to proceed with enforcement through the removal of encampments when the municipality was able to meet the minimum standard for the number of available shelter beds.

The mayor then said the report should be deferred until 2027 budget deliberations as the city is still waiting for its allocation of almost $2 million from the provincial government’s Homelessness Prevention Program, which supports the 50 modular homes and support services on Wolfe Street.

“It is pretty difficult to deliberate on two options that would add another just shy under a million dollars to the budget in 2027,” Leal said, apparently adding the costs of the two mutually exclusive options together.

“Hopefully by the time the next council comes into place (and) they start their deliberation, we’d have clear direction from the province on our allocation for the Homeless (sic) Prevention Program.”

Councillor Dave Haacke spoke in support of the deferral, stating that his research shows that Peterborough provides 40 per cent more shelter per capita than Durham Region.

“I think that’s unfair,” Haacke said, referring to a lack of provincial funding. “I believe we are paying way too much towards that service for the number — sorry, not paying too much, the numbers are out of whack … We could pump 10 more million dollars into this program and be in the same boat.”

Councillors clash over urgency of making a decision

Councillor Keith Riel spoke against the deferral, referring to it as “groundhog day.”

“Last year, staff brought a report on a winter response. This is no different than the report that’s here in front of us, trying to get ahead of the curve. So what happened last year? This council voted not for a winter response. We lost two individuals to inclement weather last year. And here we were, when all of a sudden the weather dips to 30 and 40 below, we’re scrambling, trying to get a shelter up and running with social services staff.”

“You talk about $1 million to save some lives. This council, just a month ago, had no problem earmarking for the next council $57 million (for a multi-sport and event centre) — no problem at all. But for a million dollars to try and save some individuals around in the inclement weather, here we are tonight, saying oh, maybe we’ve spent too much money?”

In her remarks, councillor Joy Lachica thanked Laidman and city staff for the detail in the report, and spoke in support of the second option as it would accommodate unpredictable weather and would appeal to service providers for staffing purposes.

“A deferral is shocking to me,” she said. “Why would we put ourselves in a position where we are scrambling, as the previous speaker has said? I don’t think it’s responsible. I don’t think that we’re considering the human factor. I think we need to be prepared, and we don’t want to waste any more time.”

Councillor Matt Crowley said he would not support the deferral, noting “a little bit of conflation” between the staff report and earlier comments by Mayor Leal and Potts. He said he was unclear how provincial funding under the Homelessness Prevention Program or enforcement of the city’s parks by-law relates directly to the report.

“This report is specifically discussing a winter shelter emergency response plan, and I think it is incumbent that we make a decision on it,” he said, asking Laidman what some of the difficulties would be if the report was deferred to the next council. “Would we even be able to enact an emergency shelter response at the blink of an eye, if this weren’t to come back until November?”

Calling it a “key question,” Laidman said the rationale for bringing the report to council now was to provide “enough lead time to provide such a service in time for the winter.” He also added that, because the 2027 budget will be the first budget for a new term of council, budget deliberations will likely not take place until January or February.

“I think realistically the new council would be looking at the 2027(-2028) winter season for such a shelter to be put into place if that was their desire,” he said.

Concerns raised about cost and Carnegie Avenue location

After commenting that there is “some misinformation that’s getting out there that we aren’t doing anything and (are) voted against things,” councillor Lesley Parnell said council last year tried to find another operator instead of One City Peterborough “but we still ended up funding them at $2 million more,” stating “that was supposed to be our winter response.”

She also listed a number of other examples of city funding during the current council term for transitional and supportive housing.

“Our budget for homeless … has gone from $458,000 a year in 2022 — municipal money — to $4.256 million a year, and that’s municipal taxpayer dollars, so we have significantly increased the budget on this and yet we just seem to have as many people homeless even though we have housed that many more people … it’s absolutely not fair to say we haven’t done anything.”

For his part, councillor Gary Baldwin said he was “torn on this one.”

“You can recall last year we, council, asked staff to go out and do an RFP for another operator,” Baldwin said.

He was referring to a June 2025 council decision against providing additional homelessness funding for One City Peterborough to expand its daytime and overnight drop-in programs at Trinity Centre in 2026, and to issue a request for proposals to see if another organization could operate a program in another location. Less than five months later, council voted to award a $1.12 million contract to One City so the non-profit organization could operate a low-barrier shelter.

“I said at the time there won’t be any other operators, and it’s going to cost us twice as much money. That’s exactly what happened. It went from a little less than $1 million to over $2 million dollars. My colleague is correct. We’re talking about human lives here. We’re looking at a plan to prepare for the inevitable. We’re going to have some inclement weather. So, you know, my head is saying it’s money but my heart is saying we have to look after all of the people we represent.”

After confirming with Laidman that the former fire station on Carnegie Avenue is where the winter shelter would be located, Baldwin raised concerns that the location was a long distance away from downtown, where unsheltered people receive services, and results in transportation costs.

He asked Laidman whether there were any other sites in the downtown where the shelter could be located, such as the library. Laidman said using the former fire station does not disrupt other city services or programming, and there are few buildings that the city owns that would be suitable for a shelter.

Councillor Riel commented that, if there was another potential service provider or shelter location, they would have responded to the city’s earlier RFP. He noted that the number of homeless people is increasing and that, if the city is going to be removing people from encampments, shelter beds need to be available for them.

Councillor Baldwin reiterated that the city should look at alternative options in the downtown area instead of the fire hall location.

In his remarks, councillor Kevin Duguay noted there were people in the gallery from the Carnegie Avenue area who are objecting to using the former fire station for an emergency shelter.

“I’m wondering, to the note of the deferral, if we were to establish a little tighter timeline where staff could report back to us and maybe there are alternatives in the central area that would eliminate the need for transportation services and other matters,” Duguay said, adding that he is “very concerned about the escalating costs.”

Duguay’s remarks were interrupted for a couple of minutes by Peterborough resident Margie Sumadh, who approached the council horseshoe while shouting at councillors as a security guard tried to convince her to sit back down.

Councillor Andrew Beamer, who is chair of general committee, repeatedly asked her to sit down and encouraged her to come to city council the following Monday to make a public delegation. The security guard eventually escorted her back to the gallery. Sumadh later told kawarthaNOW that she was irate with the way unhoused people are being treated.

“It’s very clear that this is a subject that’s important to a lot of people,” Duguay said, continuing his remarks about the costs to the city of providing homelessness programs before asking if city staff could come back to council with alternative locations.

Commissioner says it will be ‘extremely difficult’ to find another location by August

Councillor Beamer asked Laidman whether city staff could come back to council in August with recommendations for alternative locations.

“Realistically, I think that’s going to be a real challenge,” Laidman said. “I’ve been here for seven years. This is going to be probably the fourth or fifth time I’ve been asked to do this exercise by council of finding another location. It is extremely difficult.”

“We will certainly undertake it and go through that exercise but you just want to be pragmatic about it. One of the reasons to put Carnegie in front of council was it exists, it’s under the city’s control, we know that costs are, and we know how to service the site. Trying to evaluate other sites in the downtown — we will certainly do it; I just don’t want to over-commit to council that it would be successful.”

“I think honestly there would need to be some type of consultation process too, about if we’re going to put more services in the downtown,” Laidman added. “Councillors get calls every day about issues with services we have in the downtown, and I would question whether that’s something council wants to continue to advocate for.”

After councillor Beamer confirmed with Mayor Leal that he would be agreeable to having staff report back to council at a later date, the mayor suggested September.

Mayor Leal then spoke about what he called the “most concerning aspect” of the staff report, which is the increasing number of seniors with chronic illnesses who are experiencing homelessness, referring to the possibility of housing these seniors in long-term care beds that are in development.

Councillor Riel raised an issue with having staff report back to council in September, noting that August 21 is the end of the nomination period for the fall election, at which point it may be determined that council is in a “lame duck” period where it is restricted by the Municipal Act from making expenditure decisions over $50,000. Councillor Beamer then adjusted the timeline to August for staff to report back to council.

Councillor Lachica spoke again to the deferral, urging council to accept the advice of Laidman and city staff and make a decision now.

As the final speaker on the deferral, councillor Beamer — in whose ward the Carnegie fire station is located — said he could not support any recommendation to have the emergency shelter at that site, noting neighbourhood resident in the gallery who are strongly opposed to it. He said that both he and his fellow ward councillor Haacke have heard from hundreds of neighbourhood residents objecting to the location, and he has only heard from one resident in support.

Beamer said that residents are concerned that a temporary shelter will become permanent, noting that is what has happened with the Wolfe Street modular housing community and the Trinity Community Centre, both of which were supposed to be temporary. He said residents are also concerned about crime, garbage, and property values, and supported a deferral so another location could be found.

Council then voted on the deferral motion, which passed 6-4, with Mayor Leal and councillors Haacke, Beamer, Parnell, Duguay, and Baldwin voting in favour and councillors Don Vassiliadis, Lachica, Crowley, and Riel voting against. Councillor Alex Bierk was absent from the meeting.

In other matters before council, councillors voted unanimously 10-0 in favour of the “Clean Streets Peterborough” initative, a traffic operations review of Armour Road between Hunter Street and Parkhill Road, and a windrow removal subsidy pilot program.

Items endorsed by general committee will be considered by council for final approval next Monday (June 1), when registered delegations will be heard.

Council meetings are streamed live at www.peterborough.ca.

The Helping Others Participate Equally (HOPE) organization and the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) have announced that Clare Hutchinson of Peterborough is the 2026 recipient of the Steve Montador Bursary.

The bursary was established in honour of the late Steve Montador to support students transitioning from high school to college or university who are suffering the long-term effects of a sports-related concussion and require a reduced academic course load as result of injury.

Montador — a former Peterborough Pete, NHL defenceman, and HOPE board member and supporter — suffered concussions playing hockey that ultimately ended his career. Prior to his death in February 2015 at age 35, Montador was very vocal about his struggles and his depression, and he made a commitment to be an advocate for others.

An autopsy found Montador suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive and fatal brain disease associated with repeated traumatic brain injuries including concussions and repeated blows to the head.

Montador’s story is the subject of the 2017 book by the late Ken Dryden titled Game Change: The Life and Death of Steve Montador, and the Future of Hockey.

After Montador’s unexpected death, his friends, fellow HOPE board members, and GPHSF established the bursary initiative, with the first recipient selected in 2018.

Hutchinson, who will be attending Georgian College in the fall to become a paramedic, was selected as the 2026 recipient of the Steve Montador Bursary in recognition of the multiple concussions she has suffered over the past three years while playing several contact sports, including wrestling, hockey, and rugby.

While the concussions effectively ended her ability to play contact sport, the graduating Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School student continues to be physically active, playing several non-contact sports. She also coaches rugby, a sport she loves. As part of the bursary application, Hutchinson’s teacher and coach Kristine McCracken notes her competitive drive, spirit, and determination.

“Through it all, she has demonstrated a strong work ethic, resiliency and leadership, both on and off the field,” McCracken states. “She is resilient and adaptable; if she couldn’t be on the field, she would support in another way … That’s Clare, a true leader that supports her team in whatever capacity she can.”

With files from Natalie Hamilton.

Over the past 20 years, 67-year-old Peterborough resident Dr. Peggy Shaughnessy has seen the landscape of mental health and addictions care change rapidly. Despite this, she has remained consistent in her approach and says she will continue on the path of healing one person and then the next.

“I will stay on the ground, in the ditches — I’ll help them out one at a time,” said Shaughnessy in a recent interview with kawarthaNOW.

Shaughnessy is the creator of the RedPath Approach, founder and director of care for the RedPath Wellness Centre, and president of Whitepath Consulting.

Building the RedPath approach through Indigenous-informed healing

Shaughnessy began developing what would become known as the RedPath approach while she was working in Kingston Penitentiary as a nurse. At the nearby Millhaven Maximum Institution in Bath, there had been 53 stabbings in 51 days.

“They sent me in there to interview guys that had been stabbed, or who had stabbed someone else,” said Shaughnessy. “What came out of that needs assessment was that these men really needed Indigenous-based programming.”

As she developed the RedPath approach, Shaughnessy worked with Indigenous Elders across Canada, as well as the Trent University psychology department — in particular, under the direction of Dr. James Parker through his Emotion and Health Research Laboratory.

In 2002, Shaughnessy established Whitepath Consulting to provide training and education to treatment providers, First Nation communities, and social service organizations to facilitate RedPath programs themselves.

VIDEO: History of the RedPath Program

“We’ve been walking this path with integrity since 2002,” said Liz Shaughnessy-Rowe, manager of programs at RedPath and Shaughnessy’s daughter. “Nothing has changed — our language has stayed the same since 2002.”

Having spent many years travelling to train others on the RedPath approach, Shaughnessy decided to bring treatment options to her hometown of Peterborough. In 2017, Shaughnessy and Shaughnessy-Rowe established the charitable organization, Right To Heal, in response to the opioid crisis.

“We were fortunate to have the Ontario government come forth with some funding in order to be able to do what we did across the country here in Peterborough,” said Shaughnessy.

In October 2022, the organization began providing mental health and addictions treatment using the RedPath approach from their headquarters in the former St. Andrew’s Church (now Celestial Church of Christ) at 441 Rubidge Street in Peterborough.

However, thanks to an introduction from a loyal supporter of Right to Heal, the organization was given the opportunity to relocate to 271 Brock Street, just steps away from their original location.

Creating a focused, community-centred space for recovery at 271 Brock Street

“We were given the opportunity to move into this space which really has a home feeling,” said Shaughnessy. “It also allowed us to downsize — the church was quite big and we were using it beyond our mandate.”

For Shaughnessy and her daughter, the move to 271 Brock Street has allowed them to refocus on the intention and core values of their mission rather than becoming “distracted” trying to provide all services to all people.

“What this space gifted us was a tunnel vision on our mission,” said Shaughnessy-Rowe. “We used to be distracted by the noise.”

Programs at RedPath are offered at no-cost to participants and allow people so self-refer to all services. The Peterborough-based Wellness Centre is the organization’s outpatient clinic, where individuals can partake in the addiction treatment or living without violence programs.

“It’s a safe place to change your life and the only reason you’re here is because you’re willing to do that,” Shaughnessy-Rowe explained.

Based on research and pilot programs, Shaughnessy and Shaughnessy-Rowe identified that many people struggling with mental health and addictions issues were disconnected from their community.

“One of the biggest things for those that are suffering or the vulnerable population is the lack of community and the lack of a space to come to,” said Shaughnessy.

“If the cause of addiction is disconnection, then the medicine for addiction is connection,” added Shaughnessy-Rowe.

Program participants are invited to spend time at 271 Brock Street and build community with others in treatment. The Wellness Centre offers activities such as drumming, beading, gardening and nature walks, and a wide variety of events hosted by participants, staff, and placement students.

“You’re not going to a place where people are drinking or on drugs,” one participant told kawarthaNOW. “You’re meeting another person and making a true connection. What more can you ask for?”

Transitional housing project aims to support long-term sobriety

For Shaughnessy and Shaughnessy-Rowe, their programs and the RedPath Wellness Centre provide a vital space where people can seek sobriety-based treatment and be held accountable by their community.

“We don’t do harm reduction here — there are enough places that do it,” said Shaughnessy. “People need to have a space if they don’t want those things.”

As participation in these programs is voluntary, Shaughnessy and Shaughnessy-Rowe explained that participants must be self-motivated and committed to remain involved. Both women are ready to “call out” those who are not following the promises they make to themselves upon entry into the program.

“Let’s just say, you get chats from Big Momma and you decide you better take a good lesson,” said another participant, referring to Shaughnessy’s nickname.

Shaughnessy-Rowe said that, while holding participants accountable is part of establishing a relationship built on honesty and trust, they recognize that making significant change takes time and repetition.

“We know he’s going to use cocaine on the first of the month — we don’t guilt him for that, he feels guilt enough,” she explained. “But we do say ‘This has happened every single month, when are you going to make a new choice?'”

One challenge that Shaughnessy and Shaughnessy-Rowe identified when working with RedPath participants is that individuals are often living in environments that are detrimental to recovery such as unsafe shared housing, living without family or friends nearby, or being unhoused.

“Nobody wants to live that way,” said Shaughnessy-Rowe. “Nobody wakes up and says ‘I’m gonna be a drug addict’ — but there’s no safe spaces for them to undo the harm.”

As such, RedPath intends to build 14 transitional housing units on the property at 271 Brock Street that would each include a bedroom, bathroom, and a small kitchenette.

In February 2026, the RedPath Wellness Centre received $150,000 in seed funding from the City of Peterborough following a motion introduced by Monaghan Ward councillor Matt Crowley to support the transitional housing project, which was approved by city council.

“We don’t want this to be a shelter,” said Shaughnessy-Rowe. “We want this to be a place where people learn how to live again — a safe place where they can close the door and learn how to exist.”

Shaughnessy said this project would cost approximately $7 million to build, including a $1 million environmental assessment to ensure that construction on the property would be safe.

The RedPath transitional housing program would operate as a sober-living residence, implementing strict rules to ensure abstinence and commitment to the RedPath program.

“It would be very strict that it has to stay a sacred space,” said Shaughnessy.

Shaughnessy-Rowe said that, from her perspective, residence in this program would be “very appealing” for those going through the courts and justice system.

Committed to the RedPath approach amid a changing mental health and addictions healthcare landscape

Despite changes both nationally and locally to the mental health and addictions healthcare landscape, such as the opening and subsequent closure of Peterborough’s Consumption and Treatment Site (CTS) and new provincial funding for Homelessness and Treatment Recovery (HART) Hubs, Shaughnessy and her daughter remain confident in the RedPath approach.

“As the systems are crumbling and we continue to be in crisis, we are still walking forward outside of that crumbling system doing what we’re here to do,” Shaughnessy-Rowe said.

For Shaughnessy, changes in government funding and priorities have a significant impact on the services being offered within the local area, often at the expense of those struggling with addiction.

“They’re being used as pawns to get more money,” she said.

It is seeing the changes in service provider values, language, and treatment options over the past 20 years while recognizing the ongoing crisis that has led to Shaughnessy’s consistent and certain methodology.

“What’s gotten crystal clear to us is that we’re not here to change the system — we’re actually here to help one person, one day at a time,” said Shaughnessy-Rowe.

For more information about RedPath Wellness Centre, visit www.redpathwellnesscentre.ca.

The City of Peterborough is conducting a public survey of what downtown parking is like for residents and visitors.

“Public feedback is needed to better understand user experience and identify opportunities to improve convenience and accessibility for everyone who parks downtown,” reads a May 22 media release from the city.

The online survey, which is available at www.connectptbo.ca/parkingsurvey until June 26, comes three months after a decision at city council to suspend parking violations for vehicles parked at non-functioning parking meters.

“The general experience of people trying to park downtown is not a good experience,” said councillor Alex Bierk at the March 23 general committee meeting, speaking in support of the motion brought forward by his fellow Town Ward councillor Joy Lachica.

Both Bierk and Lachica said they were spending a lot of time responding to messages from people who were unable to pay for parking, citing non-functioning metres, with some subsequently receiving tickets.

Various other concerns with downtown parking were raised during the meeting, including that people are not aware of who to contact at the city when a parking metre is not working. Both Town Ward councillors noted that parking issues may dissuade people from coming downtown and could affect downtown businesses.

“The City of Peterborough is reviewing the downtown parking experience, including parking meters, payment options, the HotSpot app, signage, enforcement, customer service, communication, and overall ease of use,” the city’s website states. “This survey is intended to help us better understand what is working, what is frustrating, and what improvements would make downtown parking better for residents, customers, and visitors.”

The 37-question survey takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and includes questions about downtown parking frequency, challenges with parking, issues with parking meters, payment options for parking meters including the option of no longer accepting coins, the fairness of downtown parking enforcement, and more.

The city collects about $480,000 annually in revenue from downtown parking, with parking meters and the HotSpot parking app accounting for the majority of that revenue at about $30,000 per month.

Canada’s nuclear regulator, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), is holding a two-day public meeting on Wednesday and Thursday (May 27 and 28) at the Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront to conduct a mid-term review of BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada’s operations at its Peterborough and Toronto nuclear fuel facilities.

BWXT, which has been involved with the Canada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) industry from its earliest years, employs 40 people at its Toronto facility to make ceramic pellets from natural uranium dioxide powder received from Cameco Corporation in Port Hope.

The manufactured pellets are then sent to the company’s facility in the former GE factory complex in downtown Peterborough where, using zirconium tubes manufactured at BWXT’s Arnprior facility, the pellets are assembled into fuel bundles for CANDU nuclear power stations in Ontario.

Of BWXT’s 400 employees in Peterborough, around 20 per cent are involved in the manufacturing process for nuclear fuel bundles, which are used to produce around 25 per cent of Ontario’s electricity.

In 2020, BWXT participated in a public hearing with CNSC to renew the company’s Class IB Nuclear Fuel Facility Operating Licence for a period of 10 years. The commission renewed BWXT’s licences as two facility-specific licences — one for Peterborough and one for Toronto — both of which expire on December 31, 2030. The mid-term update will cover the first five years of the 10-year licensing period for both facilities.

The mid-term review process comes amid ongoing public scrutiny of BWXT’s Peterborough operations, including past concerns raised by residents and advocacy groups about environmental contamination, emissions, and community safety.

VIDEO: BWXT’s Peterborough Fuel Bundle Fabrication Facility (2021)

According to published documents by CNSC, compliance activities between 2021 and 2025 included inspections, desktop reviews, and technical assessments, with 22 CNSC inspections conducted during this period resulting in 35 notices of non-compliance, all of which were ranked as having low safety significance.

CNSC also reports there were 43 safeguards inspections conducted independently at BWXT facilities by the International Atomic Energy Agency to verify nuclear material inventories and ensure the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities. No non-compliances were issued from these inspections.

In 2022, CNSC staff conducted extended air sampling for beryllium, a highly toxic metal used at the BWXT facility in Peterborough during the nuclear fuel bundle manufacturing process, and found levels of beryllium observed in air samples consistently below available guidelines that are protective of human health and the environment.

“CNSC staff are satisfied that the BWXT NEC facilities have been operating safely and in accordance with their licence conditions since 2021,” the CNSC states. “No major enforcement actions have been issued to BWXT NEC during this period.”

The public meeting at the Holiday Inn, which will be livestreamed at www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca, begins at 9 a.m. on both Wednesday and Thursday. Those who were interested in submitting an intervention at the meeting had to apply to the CNSC by April 17.

On Wednesday, there will be morning presentations from BWXT staff as well as from CNSC staff. Following lunch, the commission will hear presentations from organizations and individuals including the Canadian Environmental Law Association for Citizens Against Radioactive Neighbourhoods, Unifor Locals 252, 524 and 599-O, the Canadian Nuclear Workers’ Council, Erica Martin, Pete Woolidge, Peter Harris, William G. Templeman, Port Hope Community Health Concerns Committee, Deirdre McGahern, James Wilkes, Janice Keil, Jane Scott, and Angel Hamilton.

On Thursday, CNSC will hear presentations from Hiawatha First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, and Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, which will be followed by a final round of questions from CNSC members.

In addition to the oral presentations made at the meeting, organizations and individuals also provided written submissions to the CNSC, whose members will have the opportunity to ask questions of CNSC staff and BWXT staff about the written submissions during the final round of questions.

Written submissions were provided by Prince of Wales Public School, Roger Desrochers, Rotary Club of Peterborough, Kelly McDowell, Stephanie Benn, Jonathan Campbell, Lora Vassiliadis, Caroline Tennent, Zahir Topan, Emily Straka, Jessica Rowland, Roy Brady, Oasis Dufferin Community Centre, Conexus Nuclear Inc., Jake Wadland, Catherine Vakil, M.D., Corina McCoy, Creative Fire LP | Des Nedhe Group, Unifor Local 599-O, Ken Brown, Barbara Chisholm, Janet Harris, Radiation Safety Institute of Canada, Canadian Nuclear Association, Rebecca Schillemat, Wendy Trusler, Timothy Wilson, Mark Achbar, and Lakelands Public Health.

The three First Nations, along with the Radiation Safety Institute of Canada and the Canadian Environmental Law Association, collectively received up to $61,578.81 in funding from CNSC to cover eligible costs to participate in the review process, such as professional services, travel, and administrative costs.

More information about the mid-term review public meeting is available on the CNSC website.

BWXT also has a dedicated page about the mid-term review public meeting on the BWXT website.

With the closure of Peterborough’s Consumption and Treatment Site (CTS) soon approaching, public health and harm reduction experts are raising concerns about the potential for increased medical need, further stigmatization of service users, and fewer opportunities for inter-agency collaboration.

“I think the closure and this loss is tremendous — I don’t understand it,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, medical officer of health and CEO of Lakelands Public Health, in a recent interview with kawarthaNOW.

A response to the opioid crisis, the Peterborough CTS opened in June 2022 inside the renovated former bus terminal at 220 Simcoe Street in downtown Peterborough to provide a safe and medically supported space for people to consume pre-obtained illicit substances under the supervision of trained health professionals.

Medical officer of health: ‘These sites work … they do keep people alive’

Lakelands Public Health has been a leading clinical and advocacy partner in the operation of Peterborough’s CTS, in part through holding the medical directive that permits on-site staff to provide life-saving medical care such as the administration of Naloxone and oxygen.

“Most sites across Ontario have some kind of a medical director,” explained Dr. Piggott. “Because there was no budget for this (a medical director at Peterborough’s CTS), we voluntarily provided my support and services in-kind to the site.”

Dr. Piggott said that public health organizations across North America and Europe have been involved in harm reduction efforts such as safe consumption, needle exchange programs, and safer supply for 30 to 40 years.

Drug strategy collectives across Canada, including both Peterborough Drug Strategy and Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland (HKLN) Drug Strategy, identify harm reduction as part of their multifaceted four-pillars approach.

“We have three to four decades of knowledge that these sites work and that they do keep people alive and help to support their access to potential healthcare support,” Dr. Piggott said.

Another member of the Peterborough and HKLN Drug Strategy collectives, the Peterborough AIDS Resource Network (PARN) has also said the long history of harm reduction work has shown proven results in reducing fatalities and medical emergencies associated with substance use.

“The risk of fatal drug poisonings decrease a lot — the data tells you that,” Dane Record, executive director for PARN, told kawarthaNOW.

In December 2025, Peterborough Public Health (now merged with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit as Lakelands Public Health) reported that drug poisoning deaths were 41 over 11 months, down from reported figures of 60 in 2024 and 78 in 2023.

PARN receives funding from the Ministry of Health to provide single-use supplies such as injection and inhalation equipment to promote and enable safe use of personal illicit substances.

“There are so many benefits to having a sanctioned consumption and treatment site in that it makes the work of PARN, along with other agency partners, a little bit easier,” said Record.

EMS calls and ER visits for opioid-related overdoses increased after first nine CTS sites closed

For Dr. Piggott, the closure of the CTS will have “widespread” impacts on the healthcare system at large due to the numerous services available at the CTS beyond supervised consumption and needle exchanges.

People using the CTS are provided with information on safer consumption practices, drug checking, basic medical services, and referrals to addiction treatment services, housing, and other social services.

One direct impact Dr. Piggott noted was the loss of the CTS as an alternative drop-off location for emergency medical services when someone is experiencing a drug-related medical emergency.

“Now with the closure, they’ll be presenting in more of an emergency state at the (Peterborough Regional Health Centre) emergency department,” said Dr. Piggott.

Following the Ontario government’s closure of the first nine CTS sites in the province, the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition tracked calls made to emergency services and visits to the emergency department for opioid-related overdoses.

A release from the coalition says “Ontario-wide data shows a sharp increase in EMS calls (+69.5%) and emergency department use (+67%).”

Dr. Piggott cited this research when speaking about the likelihood of the CTS closure directly impacting emergency medical services, saying “it’s not a hypothetical — this will happen.”

In addition, Dr. Piggott said that many service users receive all of their healthcare through the CTS, as they do not have other access to primary care. As such, he explained, primary care shortages and access challenges in the wider community may be exacerbated by the closure by forcing more people onto waitlists.

Local healthcare leader Ashley Safar, executive director of the Peterborough Community Health Centre, also expressed concerns that the impending closure will impact the work of other healthcare organizations within the community.

“I am concerned about what the impact will look like on the larger healthcare system,” Safar told kawarthaNOW recently.

CTS closure will push unsafe consumption into public spaces

Further to this, both Dr. Piggott and Record identified the significant intersection between people who use substances and historically marginalized populations such as Indigenous people, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and people of colour experiencing barriers to accessing healthcare.

“Some people that are using the CTS have huge distrust with healthcare services,” Dr. Piggott said. “They don’t feel safe going to another family doctor or to the emergency department for care.”

When the initial CTS closures were announced by the Ontario government in August 2024 as part of their “safer communities” policy shift, one reason given for this decision was increased safety concerns in public spaces.

However, harm reduction advocates say that the closure of supervised consumption sites does not decrease the level of substance use, but rather it forces people to use in unsafe spaces — often public spaces.

“There’s always going to be a way and a means and an opportunity if somebody wants to get high,” said Record.

Dr. Piggott said that the elimination of harm reduction services “pushes consumption to other areas, but it doesn’t address the root causes.”

Both Record and Dr. Piggott spoke about the connection between public safety concerns, cuts to harm reduction services funding, and the stigmatization of substance use and addictions.

“That gets to the stigma there is against street drug use,” said Dr. Piggot. “We wouldn’t ever turn people away at the hospital if they had a health impact from alcohol or cigarettes.”

For his part, Record spoke to the safety concerns for CTS service users and identified the potential for increased surveillance of individuals using substances in public spaces.

“It’s a potential return to being surveyed — being over-surveyed,” said Record.

He said that a major concern is a rise in vigilantism, with local residents attempting to displace people using or suspected of using substances in public. Record noted instances where tents and belongings of unhoused people being damaged or removed to dissuade them from staying at a location.

“It’s vigilantism and it’s violent,” he added.

Harm reduction work will continue after CTS closes

Looking ahead, both Lakelands Public Health and PARN will continue their work in harm reduction, health education, and community engagement in the absence of the CTS.

At the same time it closed CTS sites across Ontario, the Ontario government invested $500 million in 28 Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs, including one in Peterborough, that are focused on treatment, recovery, and housing. However, the hubs do not offer supervised consumption or harm reduction services like needle exchange.

Record explained that, as an HIV-prevention organization, PARN is funded by the government to provide needle exchange and clean equipment programming and therefore will continue to do so following the closure.

“Not having 220 Simcoe Street available is going to be a hindrance, but there is no disruption of needle exchange or inhalation exchange programming or resources,” he said.

Dr. Piggott and Record both said that ultimately the decision to close CTS sites is political, and as such harm reduction experts will continue to advocate for policies based on frontline evidence and past successes.

“It’s certainly not lost on me that it’s an election season,” Record said. “This is going to be a hot button topic.”

“I think we’re at a moment, a political moment, where there is a lot of upset and anger,” said Dr. Piggott, referring to the perception of issues with supervised consumption sites. “I think that is because we are attributing problems to a solution, instead of attributing problems to the root causes.”

Of behalf of the City of Peterborough,, city council honoured more than two dozen residents and organizations at the Civic Awards ceremony on Thursday evening (May 21) at the McDonnel Street Community Centre.

Presented annually, the Civic Awards recognize those who have made a difference in the community through arts, culture, sports, and volunteering, with awards in 12 categories.

After a public call for nominations from members of the community is completed, a Citizen Appointment Selection Committee reviews the nominations and provides a list of candidates to city council, which decides on the recipients in a closed session meeting to keep the results confidential before the awards are presented.

“The Civic Awards recognize the outstanding individuals and groups whose contributions and achievements have made a meaningful difference in our community,” said Mayor Jeff Leal in a media release.

“Through their volunteer efforts, dedication, and commitment to others, this year’s recipients have helped enrich the lives of residents across Peterborough. On behalf of city council and the community, I extend congratulations and appreciation to all of the 2025 Civic Award recipients for the positive impact they have made.”

The recipients of the 2025 Civic Awards are listed below by category, with descriptions of each recipient provided by the City of Peterborough (edited for consistency).

Community Betterment

Community Care

In 2025, the Community Care Peterborough Visiting and Social Safety Volunteers supported many clients with a dedicated group of 34 volunteers. The volunteer work does not go unnoticed as they provide companionship and regular check-in visits to older adults and individuals over the age of 18 living with physical disabilities.

Many of these interactions are the only opportunity the individuals have to connect with a friendly and caring voice. The volunteers assist in monitoring the health of the clients, and their overall well-being. These interactions help build meaningful relationships that are grounded in trust, empathy and shared interests.

Jan Williams-Stephen

Jan is being recognized for her extraordinary volunteer work supporting the homeless and disenfranchised members of the community. Jan’s passion for supporting the most vulnerable has not gone unnoticed. Through her volunteer work, Jan has been known to start her mornings at 4 a.m. to prepare food for those that are in need.

In addition to providing meals, Jan spends countless hours ensuring that those experiencing homelessness also have access to clothing and the necessities of life. Jan is a fierce advocate for the unhoused and makes it her mission to ensure that everyone she interacts with feels seen and valued.

In the words of her nominator, “It’s not often we meet someone as kind, thoughtful and action oriented as Jan.”

Alan Cavell

Alan came to Peterborough after completing his Master’s degree in adult education to take on a supervisor position at the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. While he was in this role for 17 years, he spearheaded the development and funding of many supportive housing programs, community-based respite care, and programs for seniors. In this role, he supervised long-term care facilities ensuring that the utmost care was delivered to those residents.

Eventually, Alan left the ministry to become the executive director of VON Peterborough, where he remained for 14 years. Alan was a major part of the development of the Neighbours Helping Neighbours program, a service to assist seniors remain as independent as possible in a community setting. Alan was also responsible for developing an innovative compensation system as well as quality improvements at VON. Once he felt fulfilled in this role, he left to become the eecutive director of a long-term care facility in Peterborough.

In his 44 years of volunteer service in Peterborough, Alan was known by all as a kind and generous person that was a staunch supporter of improving the lives of those in need. Unfortunately, Alan passed away last month. We know his legacy and impact will live on in Peterborough.

Dr. Cam Crawford

Having grown up in Peterborough, Dr. Cam Crawford understands all too well about coming together to help his community. Dr. Crawford has spent countless hours providing free dental care treatment to hundreds of individuals who would otherwise not have access to care.

Volunteering over 250 hours throughout 2025, Dr. Crawford understands that by restoring smiles, treating emergencies, and educating patients, he has tangibly improved both health outcomes and quality of life across the Peterborough community.

Notably, during the Sandy Lake evacuation, Dr. Crawford led the development and deployment of a mobile dental trailer at Trent University and provided compassionate care in a moment of crisis.

In the words of his nominator, “Through service, innovation, and compassion, Dr. Crawford is helping build a healthier, more equitable Peterborough, one smile and one life at a time.”

Tiffany Arcari

Through the Tiffany Show, Tiffany is a community builder. Tiffany tells inclusive storytelling that amplifies local voices, celebrates community leaders, and creates platforms that foster connection, understanding, and pride in Peterborough.

Along with the show, Tiffany supports many local causes, including serving as a United Way Burger Ambassador, promotes fundraising and awareness for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation, and the Peterborough Humane Society.

These efforts were done voluntarily, without obligation and helped extend the reach of important community campaigns.

Tiffany was also instrumental in organizing the International Women’s Day celebration that brings hundreds of women together to celebrate local women, share stories, and provide accessible experiences focused on connection, empowerment, and well-being.

In the words of Tiffany’s nominator, “Tiffany leads through action, create space for others to feel seen and supported, and quietly make things better wherever they are.”

Phillip Jolicoeur

Phillip Jolicoeur is an active and engaged leader who generously gives his time to support numerous local initiatives and organizations, including serving on several community boards such as the Children’s Aid Society, where he provides thoughtful leadership and oversight.

Beyond his leadership roles, Phillip is deeply committed to raising awareness and support for mental health and suicide prevention initiatives, while consistently advocating for positive change that uplifts vulnerable individuals and families in our community.

Through both his professional and volunteer efforts, he has helped foster connection, belonging, and meaningful community impact across the city.

In the words of his nominator, “What sets Phillip apart is not only his involvement, but his consistency, integrity, and compassion he brings to every role he undertakes.”

Makaya Dafoe

Makaya has been a dedicated volunteer with the East Peterborough Lions Club, whose commitment to community service and supporting local causes has made a meaningful and lasting impact across Peterborough.

From helping organize and support events such as the Diabetes Walk for Peterborough and the Walk for Leader Dogs for the Blind to volunteering her time at numerous other community initiatives, Makaya consistently steps forward wherever help is needed. Her compassion, reliability, and willingness to give back reflect the true spirit of volunteerism and community pride.

What makes Makaya especially inspiring is her commitment to leading by example. As a mother, she brings her children to many volunteer events, teaching them the importance of helping others, giving back to the community, and never taking anything for granted. Her dedication to instilling those values at such a young age speaks volumes about her character and the positive example she sets for others.

In the words of her nominator, “Her goal with her children is to teach them to give back to the community, never take anything for granted, and to help others as much as you can.”

Cultural Betterment

Peterborough Folk Festival 2025 Board of Directors

Board members include Rob Davis, Megan Wells, Rebecca Schillemat, Chad Hogan, Carol Lawless, Tanye Nye, Lyn Giles, Emma Macdonald, Jennifer Jaruczek, and Teresa Mycroft.

The Peterborough Folk Festival Board of Directors is an extraordinary group of volunteers whose dedication has significantly strengthened the arts and cultural life in Peterborough.

The board produces the Peterborough Folk Festival, a free-admission community event that celebrates music, supports artists, and promotes Peterborough as a culturally vibrant destination.

Without the dedication and volunteerism of the board, the Folk Festival would not be going into its 37th year and holds the record of Canada’s longest-running free-admission folk festival.

In the words of their nominator, “Through their passion, commitment and vision, the Peterborough Folk Festival Board has created one of the city’s most beloved cultural events.”

Peterborough Musicfest Volunteers

Volunteers include Lynda Motschenbacher, Marilyn Philpot, Matthew Cabanlig, Sharon Smith, Lucy Ferrill, Michael Shearer, and Tracy Beverley. These individuals consistently go above and beyond their assigned responsibilities to support the Peterborough Musicfest.

This group steadily sets the standards for excellence within the organization. They approach their roles with professionalism, humility, and a strong sense of responsibility.

The volunteers welcome and usher VIPs, sell 50/50 raffle tickets to fundraise for the festival, help direct patrons at through Guest Services at Del Crary Park, and support on-site operations to ensure the concert nights flow smoothly. These volunteers help ensure the park is welcoming and safe for thousands of music lovers.

In the words of their nominator, “This group volunteers not for recognition, but out of a genuine commitment to community. They represent the very best of volunteerism, and Peterborough Musicfest could not thrive without individuals like them.”

Athletic Award of Merit

Braxtin Howard

Braxtin is recognized for his outstanding achievements in both hockey and lacrosse. He is a remarkable young athlete whose talent, leadership, and work ethic have set him apart both on and off the field of play.

Excelling at the highest levels in both hockey and lacrosse, he has earned the respect of teammates, coaches, and competitors alike through his dedication, toughness, and commitment to excellence.

What makes him especially deserving of this recognition is the example he sets for others. A natural leader, he elevates those around him, holds himself and his teammates to a high standard, and represents Peterborough with pride and integrity.

Peterborough U8 Tigers Baseball

The Peterborough U8 Tigers have shown that determination, teamwork, and heart can accomplish extraordinary things.

Their memorable championship run, highlighted by an incredible comeback to capture the OBA AAA Championship, reflects their resilience, sportsmanship, and unwavering belief in one another. Through hard work, dedication, and a love for the game, these young athletes represented Peterborough with pride and inspired our community along the way.

Beyond their success on the field, the U8 Tigers embody what youth sport is all about: teamwork, perseverance, and community spirit. Their achievement is a testament not only to their talent, but to the support of their coaches, families, and everyone who helped them along their journey.

Team members include Weston Perrin, Lucas Nelson, Easton Condon, Louis Curry, Reed Tivy, Chase Massie, Camden Raftis, Declan Manol, Asher Young, Reign Mercer, Henry Helleman, and Jackson Pyke.

Kawartha U9 Girls Lacrosse

The Kawartha U9 Lacrosse Team has achieved something truly special through teamwork, determination and outstanding athletic performance.

Competing at a high level throughout the season, the team earned gold in the U9 A Division at the 2025 OWFL Provincial Championships, a remarkable accomplishment that reflects their dedication, skill, and love for the game. Their success is a proud moment not only for their club, but for the entire Peterborough community.

Beyond their championship result, this young team has demonstrated the very best qualities of sport: resilience, sportsmanship, and a commitment to supporting one another every step of the way. Their hard work, positive spirit, and team-first attitude make them truly deserving of this recognition.

Team members include Sienna Adams, Kinsley Briffett, Jocelyn Brioux, Carly Clark, Grace Crawford, Layla Doherty, Addie Harrald, Chloe Hunt, Nev McCormick, Olivia Oakley, Emma O’Halloran, Rylan Tully, and Perry White.

Anna Christensen

Anna is an exceptional young athlete whose dedication, versatility, and commitment to excellence have brought pride to the City of Peterborough.

Excelling at provincial and national levels in cycling and Nordic skiing, while also competing in cross-country running and track and field, she has demonstrated remarkable discipline, resilience, and athletic achievement across multiple sports.

Beyond competition, Anna is also a leader within the sporting community, mentoring young athletes, giving back through coaching, and representing Peterborough with integrity and sportsmanship in everything she does.

Reed Chamberlain

Reed has distinguished himself as one of Peterborough’s outstanding young athletes through exceptional skill, dedication, and competitive success in lacrosse.

From being named Rookie of the Year in the Ontario Junior C Lacrosse League, to helping lead the Peterborough Jr. C Lakers to scoring and championship success, and earning recognition as an all-Canadian in his freshman season at Trent University, his accomplishments reflect both remarkable talent and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

As he continues to excel at the next level while representing Peterborough with pride, he serves as an inspiring example of what hard work, perseverance, and passion for sport can achieve.

Environmental Stewardship/Sustainability

Steve Paul

Steve Paul has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to environmental stewardship through his hands-on leadership, tireless volunteerism, and passion for building a cleaner, more sustainable Peterborough.

As the founder of Clean Up Peterborough, Steve has transformed a grassroots idea into a meaningful community movement, inspiring residents, organizations, and local businesses to take an active role in protecting and enhancing the natural spaces that make our community special.

Through organized clean-up initiatives, waste diversion programs, and environmental education efforts, he has shown that meaningful change begins with individual action and community collaboration.

Beyond his leadership in the community, Steve’s longstanding commitment to conservation through volunteer efforts in habitat restoration, native planting, and environmental advocacy has helped advance sustainability initiatives across the region.

His passion for protecting the natural environment and inspiring others to take action has made a meaningful and lasting impact on Peterborough.

Mayor’s Youth Award

Natalie Keys

Natalie is an outstanding young leader whose dedication, work ethic, and character have made a meaningful impact both on and off the field of play.

A talented multi-sport athlete, she has excelled in basketball, volleyball, track and field, and ultimate frisbee, while also achieving academic excellence in the classroom.

Her accomplishments, including qualifying for OFSAA in four different sports in a single school year and earning recognition for her elite athletic performance, reflect an extraordinary level of discipline, perseverance, and commitment.

What makes her truly deserving of this award is the example she sets for others. She is known as a supportive teammate, a positive leader, and a role model who carries herself with humility, confidence, and integrity.

Her ability to inspire those around her, combined with her dedication to excellence in everything she pursues, makes her a deserving recipient of the Mayor’s Youth Award.

Holnbeck Award

Andrea Dodsworth

Andrea has dedicated a lifetime to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities in Peterborough through extraordinary service, advocacy, and compassionate leadership.

For decades, she has been a tireless voice for inclusion, accessibility, and dignity, working across organizations, initiatives, and community partnerships to ensure that individuals with disabilities and their families are not only supported, but empowered, respected, and truly included. Her work has helped remove barriers, elevate lived experience, and shape more thoughtful, responsive, and inclusive programs and services throughout our community.

What makes her contribution especially remarkable is the way in which she has led, with humility, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to others. Whether mentoring volunteers, advocating for systemic change, connecting organizations, or quietly helping individuals and families navigate challenges, she has consistently placed service above recognition and community above self.

Her ability to build trust, bring people together, and inspire meaningful action has left a profound and lasting mark on Peterborough, influencing not only programs and policy, but the very culture of how inclusion and accessibility are understood and embraced in our city.

The Holnbeck Award recognizes lifelong volunteer contributions that create lasting change, and this year’s recipient embodies that spirit in every sense. Her dedication has enriched countless lives, strengthened our community, and helped make Peterborough a more compassionate, accessible, and welcoming place for all.

Junior Athlete of the Year

Matthew Kathiravelu

Matthew has established himself as one of Peterborough’s most exceptional young athletes through remarkable achievement, dedication, and all-around excellence both on and off the field of competition.

His outstanding performances in track and field, particularly in the triple jump and long jump, have earned him provincial and national recognition, including record-setting performances, championship titles, and a place among the very best athletes in Canada in his age group. His accomplishments in 2025 have not only been impressive, they have been historic.

What makes him especially deserving of this honour is that his excellence extends far beyond athletics. A standout student, multi-sport competitor, and respected leader among his peers, he has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to hard work, discipline, and personal growth in everything he pursues. Through his achievements, character, and dedication, he has brought tremendous pride to Peterborough and serves as an inspiring example for young athletes across our community.

Matthew’s impressive athletic and academic accomplishments have led him to be awarded a NCAA Athletic Track Scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League School where he was accepted into the prestigious Wharton School of Business.

Adult Athlete of the Year

Karl Allen

Karl Allen has distinguished himself as one of Peterborough’s premier athletes through excellence, perseverance, and achievement on the international stage.

As a member of Team Canada’s wheelchair curling program, Karl helped Canada’s Team White capture a bronze medal against Team Italy at the inaugural Grand Slam of Curling Wheelchair Invitational, showcasing elite skill, teamwork, and composure against top competition while helping elevate the profile of wheelchair curling nationally and internationally.

Karl’s accomplishments extend far beyond a single championship. Through his dedication to high-performance sport, he has become a proud representative of Peterborough and an inspiring example of resilience, commitment, and competitive excellence.

His success on the world stage has brought tremendous pride to our community, and his leadership within sport continues to leave a lasting impact.

Senior Athlete of the Year

Scott Wasson

Scott has built an exceptional legacy through decades of excellence, dedication, and championship success in the sport of fastball.

A 10-time Peterborough City League champion, along with being a multiple-time Ontario and Canadian champion, he has consistently competed at the highest level, earning the respect of teammates, competitors, and the broader sporting community through his skill, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the game.

His remarkable return to elite competition further demonstrates his passion and perseverance. After stepping away from the sport for many years, Scott returned to compete on the world stage and helped lead the Cobourg Force to an undefeated championship run at the 2025 OSC World Fastball Championships, where the team outscored opponents 64 to four across seven games en route to capturing the Legend Division title.

His enduring excellence, competitive spirit, and outstanding achievements make him a truly deserving recipient of the Senior Athlete of the Year Award.

Youth Volunteer of the Year

Jenisha Sanjit Arora

Jenisha has made an extraordinary impact on the Peterborough community through her compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to helping others.

Since arriving in Peterborough as an international student at Fleming College, she has dedicated herself to supporting fellow students as they navigate the challenges of adapting to a new country, culture, and academic environment.

Through volunteering with student services and taking on a leadership role as an International Student Services Assistant, she has worked tirelessly to ensure students feel welcomed, supported, and connected, offering guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging during some of their most difficult moments.

Her contributions extend far beyond campus. Through advocacy, mentorship, and meaningful community engagement, she has helped foster cultural understanding, inclusivity, and stronger connections within Peterborough’s diverse community. Her ability to bring people together, inspire involvement, and uplift those around her has enriched the lives of countless students while strengthening the cultural fabric of our city.

Her service reflects the very best of volunteerism, and her dedication, empathy, and positive impact make her truly deserving of recognition.

Volunteer of the Year

Mary Jane Smith

Mary Jane exemplifies the spirit of selfless service, leadership, and community commitment.

For decades, she has dedicated countless hours to supporting youth, athletes, and fellow volunteers through her extraordinary work in the sport of swimming, serving at the local, regional, provincial, and national levels. As a highly respected official, mentor, and leader, she has helped ensure competitions are conducted with excellence, fairness, and professionalism, while also guiding and developing the next generation of officials and volunteers who will carry the sport forward.

Her impact reaches far beyond the pool deck. Through her volunteer work with the Peterborough Swim Club, local high school swimming competitions, the Peterborough Special Olympics Swim Program, and her leadership as Chairperson of Camp Northern Lights, she has created meaningful opportunities for youth of all backgrounds to grow, participate, and thrive.

With more than 800 volunteer hours in 2025 alone, her dedication is nothing short of remarkable. What sets her apart is not only the breadth of her service, but the humility, generosity, and unwavering commitment with which she gives her time.

Her lasting contributions have strengthened Peterborough’s sporting and volunteer communities in profound ways, making her a truly deserving recipient of Volunteer of the Year.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The late Paul Wilson

Paul is being recognized for a lifetime of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the Peterborough community.

Over decades of meaningful involvement, he helped strengthen the social, civic, and economic fabric of our city through thoughtful leadership, mentorship, and a deep commitment to community-building. Whether supporting local organizations, fostering partnerships across sectors, or quietly guiding initiatives behind the scenes, his influence has been broad, lasting, and profoundly impactful.

What set him apart was not simply the length of his service, but the character and integrity with which he served.

He was known as a steady and trusted leader; someone who brought people together, championed collaboration, and consistently worked to create opportunities that would benefit Peterborough for generations to come. His leadership was never about recognition, but about impact, lifting others up, strengthening institutions, and leaving the community stronger than he found it.

The Lifetime Achievement Award honours those whose contributions create a lasting legacy, and this year’s recipient embodies that spirit in every sense. His decades of dedication, quiet leadership, and measurable impact have left an enduring mark on Peterborough that will continue to be felt for years to come.

Kathy Hiltz

Kathy is being recognized for more than five decades of extraordinary volunteer service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the Peterborough community.

Since first becoming involved with the Peterborough Minor Lacrosse Association in the early 1970s, she has devoted countless hours to strengthening local sport, supporting generations of young athletes, and helping build one of the most respected lacrosse communities in the country.

Through leadership roles on the executive, decades of organizing major fundraising initiatives, tireless support of house league and representative programs, and her longstanding involvement with the Peterborough Laker Classic, her impact on the game and on this community has been immeasurable.

What makes her legacy especially remarkable is that her service has always extended far beyond a title or role. Whether mentoring families, supporting young players, stepping forward whenever help was needed, or quietly working behind the scenes to ensure programs thrive, she consistently led with humility, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to others.

Her lifelong dedication to youth sport has helped create opportunities for thousands of children and families, strengthened community connections, and left a lasting foundation that will continue to benefit Peterborough for generations to come.

Her extraordinary volunteerism also extends beyond sport, including decades of devoted service to her parish community through children’s programming, faith mentorship, and parish leadership. In every area of her life, she has embodied the true spirit of service, giving her time, heart, and energy to make her community stronger, more welcoming, and more connected.

Representatives from a veritable who’s who of charitable organizations gathered at St. Joseph’s at Fleming on Thursday afternoon (May 21) to express their gratitude to the Peterborough Foundation.

Ranging from arts and music to healthcare and social services to heritage and the environment, 28 organizations have received Foundation grants ranging from $500 to over $15,000 between December 2024 and December 2025, totalling over $250,000.

During Thursday’s recipient reception, representatives shared information about their respective organizations and how the funds they received from the Peterborough Foundation have supported the work they do in the community.

“Those of us who sit on the foundation’s board of directors love hearing from the organizations about the amazing work they’re doing each day,” said board secretary Pat Hooper. “It is very inspiring to hear such positive stories.”

The recipient charities featured at Thursday’s event included:

• Achieve Charity
• All Saints Anglican Church
• Art Gallery of Peterborough
• Art School of Peterborough
• Camp Kawartha
• Community Counselling and Resource Centre
• DeafBlind Ontario Foundation
• Geriatric Health/Alzheimer Society
• Heads Up for Inclusion
• Hospice Peterborough
• Kawartha Children’s Aid
• Kiwanis Music Festival
• Market Hall Performing Arts Centre
• New Canadians Centre
• Our Daughter’s Home
• Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH)
• PARD Therapeutic Riding
• Peterborough Folk Festival
• Peterborough Historical Society
• Peterborough Symphony
• Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation
• Showplace Performance Centre
• St. Joseph’s at Fleming
• Starlight Foundation
• Trent Valley Archives
• Trout Unlimited
• VON Peterborough
• Watersheds Canada

For over 70 years, the Peterborough Foundation has awarded grants to hundreds of not-for-profit charitable organizations in the city and county of Peterborough for capital projects.

Operated by a small but dedicated volunteer board of directors, the Peterborough Foundation was incorporated in 1953 from the estate of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Magie. Louis Magie, an American engineer who worked for General Electric in the United States, moved to Peterborough in 1900 to take a position with company’s Canadian subsidiary, retiring 38 years later.

In 1950, he began to make arrangements for the disposition of the family estate and, with no immediate family members, decided to establish a foundation with the help of Dr. G.S. Cameron and accountant James H. Turner, who would later serve as two of its first directors. A modest man, Magie requested that the foundation not include his name.

After Magie passed away in 1956, the Peterborough Foundation began its work and has since distributed more than $2 million from an original capital base of just under $1 million.

Twice a year, each June and December, the Peterborough Foundation issues grants to charities that have submitted funding applications for capital projects. Applicants must be not-for-profit organizations with a charitable number carrying out operations within the city and county of Peterborough. Grants are awarded for capital purchases only, not operating costs or deficits.

Deadlines for each round of applications are May 1 and November 1. To learn more about about the Peterborough Foundation and to apply for a grant, visit www.peterboroughfoundation.org.