The main branch of the Peterborough Public Library is located at 345 Aylmer Street North in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Peterborough Public Library)
A report on the Peterborough Public Library’s draft 2026 operational budget to be presented to the library board on Tuesday (September 9) states that three librarian positions and a full-time library CEO position previously removed from the budget will be reinstated.
At the same time, the report from the City of Peterborough’s acting director of cultural services Joe Crooks recommends a one-hour reduction in the library’s weekday hours of operation as one of three cost-saving measures.
The report notes the library’s 2026 draft budget has increased by 17.5 per cent, including a four per cent increase as a result of the library’s information technology costs being accounted for in the library’s budget instead of the city’s budget. In addition, the draft budget will increase even more by reinstating the three librarian positions and the full-time library CEO position.
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The changes follow months of controversy after a decision by city council during deliberations on the city’s 2025 budget last fall to approve the elimination of two positions at the library as well as the reclassification of some positions as lower-paid positions to save $120,000 of the city’s $411 million operating budget.
After the city’s budget was approved earlier this year, library management subsequently decided to lay off three of the library’s four full-time unionized librarians, including a children’s librarian, the adult and teen programming librarian, and the librarian who manages the library’s information systems. Two positions (an outreach coordinator and a programming assistant) would be created, resulting in a net reduction of one position.
The planned changes to staffing at the library resulted in strong community opposition, particularly by a number of concerned parents who launched an online petition that garnered over 2,600 signatures and who founded the Our Future Peterborough grassroots advocacy group.
On June 10, Our Future Peterborough issued an open letter signed by more than 100 celebrated writers, artists, educators, and performers — Margaret Atwood, Neil Young, and former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson among them. The letter received coverage from local media and national media including the CBC and The Toronto Star.
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Less than a week later, the City of Peterborough announced the staff reorganization at the library had been “paused” so the city could “consider other options for meeting budgetary constraints.”
“The city has heard and appreciates the support for library services expressed by residents and others who have advocated for the Peterborough Public Library,” a media release stated. “While the approved budget needs to be followed, the city is exploring all options to ensure the most effective means to reduce the budget while maintaining the same level and quality of service, through constructive meetings with Peterborough Public Library staff.”
The following day, the city also announced Jennifer Jones — who was responsible for implementing council’s budget decision — was no longer CEO of the library or an employee of the City of Peterborough. In addition to being the library’s CEO, Jones had been appointed the city’s director of cultural services only five months earlier, after acting as the city’s director of arts and culture for almost a year. No reason was given for her departure.
At the same time, the city announced Crooks had been appointed as acting director of cultural services.
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In a second report to update the library board on “general matters” concerning library operations, Crooks writes “Many decisions made over the last year brought unexpected workplace unease and insecurity to the library staff and board.”
“The goal this summer was to bring stability to the library, and to ensure all parties are heard and feel safe,” the report states. “Over the course of the summer a variety of initiatives have been put in place to empower the voice of the staff, leadership team, union executive, and library board.”
Those initiatives included a staff suggestion box, a survey, 28 meetings between Crooks and individual staff, labour relations meetings with the union executive, bi-weekly library leadership meetings, a joint workplace improvement session with the leadership team, union executive, and board members to review survey results and board options, and question-and-answer sessions with staff to review recommended changes.
One of those changes is the reinstatement of the CEO position within the library as a stand-alone position, rather than being part of the role of director of cultural services. As the library’s 2025 budget did not have any budget allocated for the CEO position, the 2026 budget will be adjusted to cover the reinstatement of the position.
According to Crooks, the CEO job description has been updated and recruitment is expected to begin immediately. The new library CEO will conduct the recruitment for the vacant library services manager, which is currently being held on an acting basis by Laura Gardner.
The report also notes that CUPE Local 1833 representing library staff is in active collective agreement negotiations with the city, but there is “limited information” that can be shared with the board about the negotiations.
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The report on the library’s draft 2026 operational budget states that the increased costs to the library by reinstating the CEO position and the three librarian positions will be “countered” by:
$92,571 in savings through adjustments to the staffing model at the library’s new second branch at the Miskin Law Community Complex
$61,722 in savings by reviewing contract renewals for software, and
an unspecified amount of savings by reducing operating hours of the library’s main branch on Aylmer Street by one hour Monday through Friday, closing at 7 p.m. instead of 8 p.m.
On the last point, a third report to be considered by the board reviewed the feasibility of the cost-saving suggestion of reducing the operating hours of the main library branch. An audit of main branch users during the first six months of 2025 found that only 4,451 of the library’s 77,313 weekday visitors used the library between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. during weekdays, representing 5.76 per cent of weekday traffic and 4.01 per cent of total traffic.
“The data did not support reducing hours outside of Monday through Friday,” the report states. “Weekend numbers represent the highest level of service users. In the future, if budget constraints occur, the library CEO could analysis the numbers again and consider a reduction suggestion to 6 p.m. Currently the suggestion is to close at 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.”
The report on the library’s draft 2026 operational budget states that, once the board approves the reduced hours, “a scheduling project will launch to determine the implementation of the above changes.”
An updated budget report will be presented at the October board meeting.
Applications are open until September 30, 2025 for the second annual Senior Care Micro Grants program offered through the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF). Pictured is GPHSF executive director Vince Bierworth (left) on November 14, 2024 presenting a $5,000 cheque to Community Care Peterborough CEO Danielle Belair and donors and public relations director Chris LeBlanc. Community Care Peterborough applied for the grant to help address food insecurity within the community’s population of seniors through its Meals on Wheels program, along with grocery shopping and delivery support. (Photo courtesy of GPHSF)
Not-for-profit and community organizations within Peterborough that support older adults can apply now for one of two $5,000 grants towards their senior care projects and healthy aging initiatives.
The Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) is currently accepting applications for its annual Senior Care Micro Grants program, a funding initiative GPHSF first launched in 2024. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30.
“The sole goal of these grants is to help seniors in our community have a better quality of life, whether that’s helping to provide nutritious food, access to medical care, health and wellness activities, mental health programming or any number of other supports,” Vince Bierworth, GPHSF’s executive director, told kawarthaNOW.
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According to a 2024 statement from Bierworth announcing the inaugural recipients, Community Care Peterborough and the Peterborough Family Health Team, it was a “difficult process to narrow down the applications” submitted for last year’s program.
“Our committee, which was made up of healthcare professionals and community members, were very impressed with the quality and variety of projects submitted,” he said.
Community Care Peterborough received a grant to address food insecurity within the community’s population of seniors through its Meals on Wheels program, along with grocery shopping and delivery support. Meanwhile, the Peterborough Family Health Team received a grant for equipment aimed at increasing ease and access to care for seniors who do not have a family doctor and are using one of the team’s two unattached patient clinics.
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“Our two recipients last year addressed very immediate issues in our community and the country at large: the increase in food costs and food insecurity within our senior population, and access to medical care,” Bierworth told kawarthaNOW. “We are happy to be a small part of the work they are trying to do.”
Applications for this year’s program are open to community and not-for-profit organizations, including medical organizations, that run programming and services, or are proposing to run programming and services, within the boundaries of the city and county of Peterborough, Hiawatha First Nation, and Curve Lake First Nation.
A maximum of $5,000 is available for each of the two grants. The grants can be used as seed money to address a new need, or as financial support for an existing program.
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According to GPHSF, proposed projects must be general in scope and inclusive of and serving as many seniors as possible. Projects must be completed within one year of grant approval, unless GPHSF grants an extension.
Senior care micro grant projects may include research, equipment, nutrition, physical activity, and mental health. Applicants must provide a project timeline and budget.
GPHSF said priority will be given to projects that have a lasting impact on the community, support emerging needs in the community, and improve the quality of life for seniors in the community.
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All grant applications must be from a not-for-profit charitable organization, with a charitable registration number, located in or serving the city or county of Peterborough.
The senior care micro grants have been made possible by the June Towle Trust. Before she passed away in 2023, Towle established a trust fund that would see money from her estate be donated to the GPHSF.
For more information and to apply, visit www.gphsf.ca/seniorcaremicrogrant/, where you can also make a donation to support the Senior Care Fund.
A student enrolled in the Peterborough Suzuki School of Music, a non-profit membership organization fostering piano music education for children through performance and community enrichment opportunities. The school promotes the Suzuki Method, a music education philosophy that believes any child can learn to play an instrument in the same way any child can learn a new language. (Photo courtesy of Lenore Parajka)
Just as any child has the potential to learn any language, so too can they learn any instrument. That is the philosophy of the Suzuki Method, a world-renowned approach to music education that was created by violinist Dr. Shinichi Suzuki in the mid-twentieth century.
The method, which emphasizes learning music through listening and imitation similar to language, is at the heart of the Peterborough Suzuki School of Music, a non-profit membership organization that fosters piano music education for children.
“It took me a long time to realize that music is not a written art form,” says Lenore Parajka, a piano instructor with the Peterborough Suzuki School of Music. “Music is not so much the notes on the page but what’s is in your ear, and the Suzuki Method really develops the ear which is vital for playing musically.”
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When learning a language, Parajka suggests, children are first immersed to the sounds around them before they begin imitating them and ultimately learn the language.
“Similarly with music, you listen the pieces even before you start lessons,” says Parajka of the Suzuki Method. “Students love this.”
Once the songs are “ingrained” in the students, they learn to imitate the songs during their lessons.
Students enrolled in the Peterborough Suzuki School of Music work together to build an organ during an organ-building workshop led by the non-profit membership organization that fosters piano music education for children through performance and community enrichment opportunities. The organization is currently seeking board members. (Photo courtesy of Lenore Parajka)
“Because the music has become internalized, often the student can already play musically,” Parajka explains. “They can hear right away if something’s right or something’s wrong. We also focus on a lot of technical challenges or technical problems because they’re not actually reading the music.”
Even if students have been learning to read other music along the way, they only get exposed to the songs they are playing in the final step.
“Reading is important, and we all are teaching reading as well, but the emphasis at the beginning is on the ear,” says Parajka. “Because of that, you can start children at an early age.”
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Another major component in the Suzuki Method is the role that a child’s parent plays in their learning, where they will often sit in on the instruction.
Parajka uses an analogy of a three-legged stool that cannot stand without the three supports: the child, the teacher, and the parent.
“The more the parents are involved, often the more the children enjoy it as well,” she says.
Given that, unlike other instruments, the piano is a solo instrument that can often be isolating, the Peterborough Suzuki School of Music encourages connection and community building between children learning piano. The non-profit organization annually hosts a minimum of two music recitals, two music or performance-based workshops such as theatre, a masterclass, and other community enrichment opportunities. (Photo courtesy of Lenore Parajka)
While each instructor with the Peterborough Suzuki School of Music runs their own individual private music school, including Parajka who has run a studio for 35 years, students from ages four to 18 can register for a family-priced membership with the organization to get additional opportunities for performance and connections.
In addition to running two recitals with a catered dinner per year, the Peterborough Suzuki School of Music hosts, at minimum, two music or performance-based workshops such as ukelele-playing, theatre, and organ-building.
The school also runs one annual masterclass wherein professional musicians from outside the region lead students in a full day of learning.
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Further fostering connection and oftentimes inviting the broader community to take part, the school will often host other special events, like inviting the Canadian Opera Company to perform in Peterborough.
“What all this does is it really helps foster a sense of community because piano, unlike violin or flute or cello, is a little bit isolating,” Parajka says.
“With this, students motivate each other, they provide each other with role models, and there really is a sense of community within the school.”
Lenore Parajka is one of the teachers at the Peterborough Suzuki School of Music, a non-profit membership organization fostering piano music education for children through performance and community enrichment opportunities. Parajka has maintained a busy teaching studio for about 35 years, first in Toronto and for the last 20 years in Peterborough. (Photo via Peterborough Suzuki School of Music website)
To ensure music education is accessible to all children in the community, the non-profit offers subsidies, and are always seeking donations and sponsorships, as well as new board members.
With only five to six meetings per year and no musical experience required, Parajka says the membership is a “small commitment.”
“They could even just come and decide who’s going to cater our next dinner,” she says. “Or they can be as active as they want to be.”
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The school is also looking for more “dynamic” piano teachers, who will get supportive training through the school, while also building community with other musicians and instructors — just like with the students.
“Students who join the school tend to stay longer with music than those who don’t join the school,” Parajka says. “You have mentors, you become a role model yourself, and it is a community.”
To register or make a donation to the Peterborough Suzuki School of Music, visit www.ptbosuzuki.ca. To learn more about becoming an instructor or to become a board member, email ptbosuzuki@gmail.com.
Every Thursday evening in July and August, the Bobcaygeon Music Council presents free outdoor concerts at Lock 32 in Bobcaygeon, as well as a concert series beginning in the fall and running into the spring. (Photo courtesy of Bobcaygeon Music Council)
Some well-kept secrets should never have been secret in the first place.
Take, for example, the Bobcaygeon Music Council and its continued presentation of music concerts both in and around the City of Kawartha Lakes village that hugs the Trent-Severn Waterway northeast of Lindsay.
That you may not have heard of the council, and its now close to 20 years of bringing music to the people, is no fault of those who guide it.
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While those who know, know, council-presented concerts get lost in the chatter around more publicized local cultural events, such as Peterborough Musicfest, the Peterborough Folk Festival and the like. However, since Bobcaygeon resident Andy Harris, with others, founded the council in 2006, both free and ticketed music events have habitually drawn a very loyal, and thankful, following.
Take, for example, The Dockside Sessions.
Featuring singer-songwriters Pat Temple, Emily Jean Flack, Melissa Payne, and Brennen Wilson, the October 2nd event at The Yacht Club at Gordon Yacht Harbour Marina sold out in just a few days.
That’s a nice problem to have, says council board chair Liz Byrnes — conceding that, in an ideal world, a bigger venue would accommodate the ticket hopeful.
The Dockside Sessions, presented by the Bobcaygeon Music Council at The Yacht Club at Gordon Yacht Harbour Marina on October 2, 2025 and featuring singer-songwriters Pat Temple, Emily Jean Flack, Melissa Payne, and Brennen Wilson, sold out within days of tickets going on sale on August 29. (Graphic courtesy of Bobcaygeon Music Council)
“They (Harris et al) incorporated the council as a not-for-profit charity in 2006 and initially brought three or four concerts to Trinity United Church, which has beautiful acoustics,” explains Byrnes, who initially became involved with the council in 2016.
“Somewhere along the line, they decided ‘We’ve got this beautiful setting on the canal at Lock 32. There’s a gazebo with hydro. There’s plenty of space for people to bring their lawn chairs and enjoy music.’ So around 2008 or 2009, on Thursdays in July and August in that space, they started bringing in musical acts.”
While that tradition has continued under the current board’s watch, this past May saw the council bring the Jim Cuddy Trio to the Bobcaygeon Curling Club. Byrnes notes the 330 tickets for that concert “sold in a few hours.”
“In the summer, on a low day that’s usually weather-related, maybe 500 or 600 people come out, but we’ve had close to a thousand people on both sides of the canal,” says Byrnes.
“We have regulars that come every single week and support us. We have great sponsors through our local businesses, and great support from the community. The concerts in the park are free but we accept donations.”
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The Dockside Sessions event, notes Byrnes, will be held in a “rustic” building that dates back to the late 1800s to early 1900s. While that has its own appeal, the opportunity to present the showcase in a space with more capacity than Trinity United Church was too good to pass up.
As for the event’s format, Byrnes says each of the headliners will perform their own music as opposed to covers, and give insight into their songs’ creation and related inspiration.
“Brennan, for example, doesn’t normally ever get up and sing his originals. Neither do many performers that play in bars and restaurants in the area because everybody wants to hear covers. So let’s give them a safe space where we tell people right up front ‘This is what you’re going to hear. You’re going hear their songs, their stories.'”
Singer-songwriters Emily Jean Flack, Melissa Payne, Pat Temple, and Brennen Wilson will perform at The Dockside Sessions, presented by the Bobcaygeon Music Council at The Yacht Club at Gordon Yacht Harbour Marina on October 2, 2025. The concert sold out within days of tickets going on sale on August 29. (Collage courtesy of Bobcaygeon Music Council)
Flack, for one, is looking forward to the opportunity to do just that.
No stranger to Bobcaygeon — Flack has performed as part of the council’s summer offering, as has Payne, and, going back even further, at fiddle and stepdance contests in the village — she welcomes the opportunity to again perform in a familiar and comfortable setting.
“You can’t just have music happening in the big cities,” says the Ennismore resident, adding “Good stuff happens in the smaller towns as well.”
Having grown up in a family rooted in the tradition of Canadian Celtic music, Flack’s performance journey began in the step dancing realm before she transitioned to piano and singing.
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In 2019, her debut EP Throwing Shapes, which combines her love of pop music with her Celtic music roots, brought her to an international stage, taking her across Canada, the UK and Ireland. Her subsequent debut full-length album How You Love Me, further expanded her sound.
Flack’s live performances, meanwhile, combine her original songs with Celtic instrumental pieces and percussive step dancing. Along the way, she has shared stages with Natalie MacMaster, Leahy, Shane Cook, and many others.
And then there’s her commitment to educating others. She has taught, lectured, and performed at the University of Limerick in Ireland, University College Dublin and the University of Toronto, sharing her knowledge of both traditional and modern music and dance. In short, she’s rarely idle.
“I don’t want to downplay my recorded music because that’s its own thing, where you get to be super creative and explore the music you write in a totally different way, but it’s really fun when you get to the live stage and actually do it,” she says.
VIDEO: “Throwing Shapes” – Emily Jean Flack
As for her songwriting process, Flack says she’s “always been very melody-centred; I don’t think I’ve actually ever started a song with just lyrics … maybe once.”
The Dockside Sessions, she says, will check a lot of boxes for her.
“It would be worthless doing music without others doing it too, and others coming to listen. I always look forward to being able to listen and collaborate. We’re all doing a very similar thing maybe but probably approaching it completely differently, talking about different things.”
“I know Melissa (Payne) a little bit. We sang a together years and years ago, so I’m looking forward to seeing her, but also meeting the other two (Temple and Brennen). I’m so excited.”
“The (music) industry is one heck of a whirlwind I don’t know I fully comprehend yet. Sometimes it’s perceived as ‘Oh, you’re on stage’ but, no, it’s all about the people sitting there listening and giving you their time. I’m very grateful that I get to keep doing this.”
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Meanwhile, not lost on Byrnes is Bobcaygeon’s growing reputation as a destination location for those looking to enjoy top-tier entertainment. Not only is the council’s staging of concerts a draw, but there’s also Globus Theatre, which stages productions pretty much year-round at its Pigeon Lake Road venue.
But the Bobcaygeon Music Council is about more than the live show experience. Thanks to donations from businesses and individuals, a week-long summer music for youths aged eight and older offers vocal and band instruction provided by professional musicians and music teachers. In addition, the Bobcaygeon Music Council Bursary Fund annually assists music students in or from Bobcaygeon.
When all is said and done, Byrnes derives her greatest pleasure from the simplest, but purest, of things.
“I enjoy sitting and listening to the music. I enjoy walking around the park and talking to the business owners that sponsor us and thanking them for that, and them saying
‘This is a great show.’ That’s very cool.”
For more information about the Bobcaygeon Music Council and upcoming concerts, visit www.bobcaygeonmusic.com.
Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory in Peterborough recently spearheaded its fourth annual "Gear Up for Good" campaign which resulted in 207 fully stocked backpacks for Peterborough kids in need heading to school in September. (Photo courtesy of Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory)
It began as “a one-time gesture of goodwill” four years ago but has grown into an annual initiative, providing more than 800 backpacks stocked with school essentials for Peterborough children in need.
Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory in Peterborough recently announced its fourth annual “Gear Up for Good” campaign distributed 207 fully equipped backpacks for children heading back to class at the beginning of September.
Once again, the backpacks were provided to children in late August through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough and the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Foundation. Participants also received snacks from Quaker Oats, haircuts from Union Barber, gift cards for future haircuts from Angela & Company Salon, and pizza dinners from Domino’s Pizza.
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“What started with the simple idea of filling a few backpacks to help kids in need, has grown into a core tradition at our firm,” Robert Gauvreau, CEO and founder Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory, told kawarthaNOW.
“Each year, as our business grows, so does our commitment to giving back. What began as a one-time gesture of goodwill has now become a growing movement. Each year, we’ve been able to reach more children, thanks to increased donations, community partnerships, and a shared commitment to make a difference.”
Businesses and community members donated needed items, which included backpacks, lunch bags and sandwich containers, water bottles, pens, crayons, pencils, pencil cases, pencil sharpeners and erasers, markers and highlighters, scissors, calculators, and more. Peterborough business Ricart Branded Apparel & Promo alone donated 100 backpacks.
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Along with support from local businesses and community members, 200 staff of Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory participated in the campaign, including by donating, packing, and coordinating.
For Gauvreau, the campaign is all about helping young students start off the school year with what they need to succeed.
“It’s inspiring to hear stories about children who walk into school with the tools they need, and many for the first time,” Gauvreau said. “That’s why we keep showing up year after year. And as long as there’s a need, we’ll be here to help meet it.”
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Gauvreau added “Gear Up for Good” has flourished because of the community-wide effort.
“The success of this campaign comes down to people. Our team, our clients, and our community rallying together with a shared belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive. That kind of unity is powerful.”
According to Tiffany Arcari, Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory’s community manager, every single contribution made a big difference — from organizing and donating items, to packing supplies, to showing up on the distribution day.
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As was the case last year, the firm aimed to put together 200 backpacks and, like last year, exceeded the goal.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our local media, community, and the efforts and donations from our entire team,” Arcari said.
A 38-year-old man is dead after a single motorcycle collision on County Road 6 in Douro-Dummer Township.
Just after 6 a.m. on Friday morning (September 5), Peterborough County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call from a passerby reporting a motorcycle that was in the ditch with a person lying nearby.
Officers and other first responders arrived on scene shortly after, where they found a black touring-style motorcycle in the ditch with the rider a short distance away from it.
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The motorcyclist, a 38-year-old man from Douro-Dummer Township, was declared dead at the scene. Police believe the collision occurred some time between 8 and 9 p.m. on Thursday night.
County Road 6 was closed between Douro 4th Line and Douro 5th Line for around six hours to clear the scene of the collision and to document the scene.
Anyone who may have witnessed or has video/dash camera footage of the collision and who has not spoken with police is asked to contact the Peterborough County OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122.
Brooks and Bowskill (Cobourg-based wife-and-husband musicians Brittany Brooks and Jimmy Bowskill) will be performing their genre-bending mix of folk, country-rock, pop and rock and roll with Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon shows at the Ganaraska Hotel in Port Hope. (Photo: Lauren Garbutt Photography)
Every Thursday, kawarthaNOW publishes live music events at pubs and restaurants in Peterborough and the greater Kawarthas region based on information that musicians provide directly or that venues post on their websites or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, September 4 to Wednesday, September 10.
If you’re a musician or venue owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, email our nightlifeNOW editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com. For concerts and live music events at other venues, check out our Concerts & Live Music page.
With the exception of karaoke, we only list events with performing musicians. Venues may also host other events during the week (e.g., dancing, DJs, comedy shows).
Councillor Alex Bierk during the Peterborough city council meeting on September 3, 2025 when his motion to defer an update on the project to renovate and expand the city's police stations that included a $25.4 million increase to the project budget was defeated 6-5 following a closed session, despite having been approved by council 6-5 the evening before. After Bierk's motion lost, council voted 7-4 in favour of the $25.4 million increase. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of City of Peterborough video)
Only a day after Peterborough city council had voted to defer an update on the project to renovate and expand the city’s police stations that included a $25.4 million increase to the project budget, councillors reversed course and voted to approve the update following an unexpected move into closed session.
Meeting as general committee on Tuesday evening (September 2), council had considered a report from the city’s finance and corporate support services commissioner Richard Freymond that described four changes to the approved budget that would result in the $25.4 million budget increase, including an additional 15,000 square feet of space at a cost of $7.125 million, a new parking garage beside the Water Street police station at a cost of $2.4 million, energy and building efficiency measures at a cost of $4.375 million, and an additional $11.5 million to cover the $15.5 million purchase cost of the Lansdowne Street West property.
After police chief Stuart Betts and Eric Riddell, partner and architect at Shoalts and Zaback Architects, made a presentation to council and answered questions, councillor Alex Bierk put forward a motion to defer the report back to city staff for details on what costs are related to mandatory versus discretionary requirements.
“Before we commit taxpayers to this astronomical budget increase, we need clarity,” Bierk said during the meeting. “We need to know exactly which project elements are required by law and which are discretionary choices, and we need to make sure the police project stands on its own, with its own budget and cap, not to be tied up with other city ambitions for the site.”
After some debate, council 6-5 in favour of Bierk’s motion, with he and councillors Joy Lachica, Matt Crowley, Keith Riel, Dave Haacke, and Andrew Beamer voting in favour and Mayor Jeff Leal and councillors Lesley Parnell, Kevin Duguay, Gary Baldwin, and Don Vassiliadis voting against.
Bierk’s motion was up for final approval at the regular city council meeting on Wednesday night (September 3), following four hours of delegations and discussion on a zoning by-law amendment for a 17-storey building in East City.
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When the motion was about to be considered after 10 p.m., Bierk called the question just as councillor Baldwin put forward a motion to move the discussion into closed session, referring to an unspecified matter of solicitor-client privilege and related communications. If calling the question was approved, council would have immediately voted on Bierk’s motion prior to moving into closed session.
Council voted 4-7 against calling the question, with councillors Bierk, Lachica, Beamer, and Riel voting in favour and Mayor Leal and councillors Crowley, Vassiliadis, Haacke, Parnell, Duguay, and Baldwin voting against.
Baldwin then was able to proceed with his motion to move into closed session, where the discussion is not available to the public, with council voting unanimously in support of the motion.
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Around half an hour later, councillors Bierk, Lachica, and Riel left the closed session.
When council reconvened in chambers, debate resumed on councillor Bierk’s motion followed by a vote. The motion lost 5-6, with councillor Haacke switching his vote from Tuesday night’s general committee meeting when he had supported Bierk’s motion.
Councillors then voted 7-4 to approve the original main motion, with councillor Crowley — who had voted twice in favour of Bierk’s motion — joining Haacke to support the main motion. Councillors Bierk, Lachica, Riel, and Beamer voted against the motion.
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On Thursday (September 4), councillor Bierk provided kawarthaNOW with a statement as to why he left the closed session after around 30 minutes, along with Riel. Lachica had already left the closed session around 10 minutes after it started.
“We got railroaded last night in our attempt to defer the police renovations budget,” Bierk said. “Council was pulled into an unplanned closed session, and when the discussion shifted from solicitor-client privileged advice to discussing my motion, I left.”
“I believe those conversations and other elements of what happened — which I am not at liberty to discuss — were completely out of order and should have taken place as part of the public debate.”
The approval of the main motion means city council is approving the $25.4 million increase to the project budget, for a total estimated budget of $91.9 million — an increase of over 38 per cent from the originally approved budget of $66.4 million.
Councillors Joy Lachica, Alex Bierk, and Keith Riel after they walked out of a closed session of Peterborough city council on September 3, 2025. According to Bierk, the closed session discussion shifted from solicitor-client advice to his motion to defer an update on the project to renovate and expand the city’s police stations that included a $25.4 million increase to the project budget; a discussion which the three councillors believe should have been conducted in public. (Photo courtesy of Alex Bierk)
This story has been updated to clarify that councillors Bierk and Riel left the closed session around 20 minutes after Lachica had already left.
Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) is launching its six-part "Entrepreneurship 101" workshop series for fall 2025. Pictured is CFP loans manager Braden Clark, who will deliver the "Funding Fuel - Explore Funding and Financing" workshop on Wednesday, October 22. (Photo: CFP)
From diving into the “spark tank” to brainstorm new ideas to learning how to safeguard intellectual property, Peterborough-area entrepreneurs can access new resources this fall aimed at helping their small businesses flourish.
The Business Advisory Centre (BAC) at Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) is kicking off the return of the “Entrepreneurship 101” (E101) series in Peterborough, with the addition of three new free workshops.
The seven-part program is designed to give business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs the skills, tools, and confidence to transform their ideas into thriving business ventures.
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CFP executive director Devon Girard said the new additions are designed to offer participants even more of what they’re looking for to succeed in their endeavours.
“All of the workshops have been developed in direct response to what we are hearing from the clients we serve in the BAC,” Girard told kawarthaNOW.
The new workshops were added after delivering the original E101 series with four workshops during the past 12 months.
“We started to notice trends in a few areas that led to us developing three additional workshops this year,” Girard noted.
The three new workshops are “Spark Tank – Brainstorm and Validate Business Ideas,” “Protect It – Intellectual Property for Small Businesses,” and “Staff Smart – Hiring Your First Employee.”
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Girard described each of the new workshops and explained why they were added to the roster.
“Spark Tank – Brainstorm and Validate Business Ideas was developed after recognizing some people attending the previous first workshop on business planning weren’t quite ready for a business plan yet. They had an idea, and they wanted to talk more about how to develop that idea.”
“Protect It – Intellectual Property (IP) for Small Businesses has been added to connect businesses in our community with a leading expert we have right here in Peterborough, Marcelo Sarkis, about the importance of protecting business IP and really understanding all of the elements that constitute intellectual property.”
“And finally, our third new workshop, Staff Smart – Hiring Your First Employee, comes from us attracting a new team member, Abigail Keenan, who brings with her experience in human resources. She has been advising many clients who have been looking for support on all of the elements of hiring your first employee — from language in a job posting to filing payroll forms,” Girard noted.
According to a media release, the E101 series is designed for anyone with an interest in starting or growing a business. Each workshop combines expert-led instruction with hands-on learning, ensuring participants leave with practical strategies and valuable insights they can apply immediately, whether they’re still exploring ideas, refining an early concept, or already running a business.
The series will guide participants through the essentials of starting and growing a business, from developing and validating ideas to building strong brands, securing funding, managing finances, protecting intellectual property, and making smart hiring decisions.
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“We are so fortunate to have CFP and the BAC supporting entrepreneurship in our community,” Peterborough MP Emma Harrison said in a statement. “Small businesses are crucial to our local economy and getting them off the ground isn’t easy. The E101 series is an excellent way for entrepreneurs to gain the experience they need to be successful.”
The workshops also showcase entrepreneurship as an exciting and realistic career path. Business services delivered by CFP show a growing and strong demand for advisory services and lending options to start or grow a business locally, the release noted. In the past four months, staff at the BAC have already held more than 200 one-on-one, in-depth business consultations with entrepreneurs or those exploring entrepreneurship in our region.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and play a vital role in driving innovation and creating jobs all over Peterborough-Kawartha,” said Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith in a statement. “Every small business is backed by an entrepreneur who embodies vision, passion, and purpose, showcasing the best of the Ontario spirit. It’s fantastic to see CFP providing the essential tools and support to help these entrepreneurs succeed.”
Initiatives like the E101 series support the work of CFP by providing front-line, tailored advisory services and practical workshops for every stage of the business journey, the release noted.
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The E101 sessions will run on the following dates at the Venture North building, located at 270 George Street North in downtown Peterborough.
Spark Tank – Brainstorm and Validate Business Ideas – Wednesday, September 24
Launch Pad – Business Planning with Rose Terry – Wednesday, October 8
Funding Fuel – Explore Funding and Financing with Braden Clark – Wednesday, October 22
Protect It – Intellectual Property for Small Businesses – Wednesday, October 29
Brand Lab – Marketing and Branding with Rose Terry – Wednesday, November 5
Money Map – Cash Flow Forecasting with Braden Clark – Wednesday, November 19
Staff Smart – Hiring Your First Employee – Wednesday, December 3
A rendering of TVM Group's 17-storey residential-commercial building to be constructed at 90 Hunter Street East beside Mark Street United Church in Peterborough's East City. On September 3, 2025, Peterborough city council voted 7-4 to approve a zoning by-law amendment to allow construction to proceed on the building, which will be the tallest in Peterborough. (Graphic: RAW Design Inc.)
In a marathon meeting that lasted almost six hours on Wednesday night (September 3), Peterborough city council voted to approve a zoning by-law amendment to allow a 17-storey high-rise to be built in downtown East City.
Four hours of the meeting were spent on the zoning by-law amendment, with council hearing from 10 public delegations about the amendment before debating and voting. Prior to the meeting, a protest was held outside of city hall and the public gallery and overflow room were filled with people opposed to the proposed development.
Wednesday night’s meeting followed a five-hour public meeting during general committee last Monday night (August 25) that included a presentation from city staff and 16 public delegations — that meeting lasted so long that the remainder of the general committee agenda was shifted to a special meeting on Tuesday evening (September 2).
At last Monday’s public meeting, general committee voted 7-4 to approve the zoning by-law amendment, with Mayor Jeff Leal and councillors Kevin Duguay, Lesley Parnell, Matt Crowley, Don Vassiliadis, Andrew Beamer, and Dave Haacke voting in favour, and councillors Keith Riel, Gary Baldwin, Joy Lachica, and Alex Bierk voting against. Items endorsed by general committee are considered for final approval at the next regular council meeting, which was held on Wednesday night.
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After hearing from three delegations on different matters (developer Murray Davenport on updated city-wide development charges, lawyer Ann Farquharson on the police stations renovations and expansion project, and resident Rob Hailman on the proposed multi-use sport and event centre), council heard from 10 delegations about the zoning by-law amendment that would allow Toronto developer TVM Group to proceed with site planning for a 17-storey high-rise on the property adjacent to Mark Street United Church.
Several of the delegations at Wednesday night’s meeting had also appeared during the public meeting last Monday night. That includes the first delegation, TVM Group CEO Amit Sofer, who said that the proposed $90-million build would have a positive financial impact on the city, including by providing more tax revenue, more jobs, more housing, and more parking.
“I can’t make everyone happy,” Sofer said, referring to the opposition to the development by East City residents. He said he represented people on the other side — those who need housing.
After confirming that Sofer does not live in Peterborough, councillor Bierk questioned him on his claim that he represents people who need housing, asking him if he had letters of support, and how the project would reduce rents. Sofer replied that his claim is based on the lack of housing and his development experience shows that increasing supply reduces demand.
“How will a 17-storey building blend in rather than stand out as an anomaly?” Bierk asked.
Sofer referred to his response at the public meeting, comparing the 17-storey building to the original 10-storey proposal presented at an open house in June 2024, and noting that the 17-storey version reduces the height of the podium and that, while the tower will stand out, it will be set back from the streetscape.
Councillor Riel asked Sofer why the proposed development increased from 10 to 17 storeys, and why he believes a 17-storey building will not have a negative impact on East City.
Sofer said the height increase was in response to concerns expressed by residents at the open house about the 10-storey proposal, including the lack of parking, height of the podium, setbacks, and the distance from the Mark Street United Church.
A rendering of TVM Group’s 17-storey residential-commercial building to be constructed at 90 Hunter Street East beside Mark Street United Church in Peterborough’s East City. On September 3, 2025, Peterborough city council voted 7-4 to approve a zoning by-law amendment to allow construction to proceed on the building, which will be the tallest in Peterborough. (Graphic: RAW Design Inc.)
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“I think it will have a positive impact,” Sofer said, with Mayor Leal interrupting to remind people in the public gallery about proper decorum.
“Change is a difficult thing for everybody to accept,” Sofer said, adding that the development would bring “more people, more vibrancy, more parking, and more shops” to East City.
Councillor Baldwin asked Sofer if he had other properties he is planning to build in East City and, after Sofer confirmed he does, asked if they would be similar to the 17-storey building.
“They … it is not,” Sofer replied.
The next delegation was Darryl Bennett, representing the board of trustees of Mark Street United Church, who spoke in support of the development. He said that the proposal is consistent with the city’s official plan and that TVM Group has done everything requested by city staff when it comes to the proposal.
“The proposal meets all the requirements,” he said, adding “You can’t change your policies on the fly.”
In response to a question from councillor Lachica about whether the church board and membership and the United Church of Canada were consulted about the change from 10 to 17 storeys, Bennett said that a “multi-storey building” was presented, but not a specific height.
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The next delegation was Desmond Vandenburg, a resident whose home is located on a lot that was severed by Mark Street United Church in 2019 with the assistance of Kevin Duguay in his capacity as a professional planner prior to his election to council in 2022.
Vandenburg attempted several times to bring up the issue of a perceived conflict of interest with councillor Duguay voting on an item pertaining to a former client, with Mayor Leal interrupting him several times before telling him he was in “dangerous waters” as Vandenburg continued to try to finish his sentence.
After the mayor allowed him to raise a point of personal privilege, Duguay — who was visibly angry — said that he was retained “82 months ago,” was only involved in the severance of land from the church for residential houses, that there was no indication of future development at the time, and that he has no affiliation with the development.
When Vandenburg attempted to share a quote from Duguay in 2019, Leal interrupted him again, saying there is no conflict of interest and to continue but to stick to the land use.
“I won’t,” Vandenburg said. “This is ridiculous.”
After Vandenburg attempted to respond to a question from councillor Lachica, who was also interrupted by Leal when she tried to ask her question, the mayor interrupted and said “You are in dangerous waters,” further interrupting Vandenburg and telling him he can go the integrity commissioner if he is not satisfied.
The next delegation was resident Sharon Davison, who raised several concerns with the 17-storey development, including its impact on age-friendly neighbourhoods. In response to a question from councillor Riel, she outlined her concern with increased traffic on Hunter Street East, noting that people will begin using side streets in residential areas.
The next delegation was Kent Randall of EcoVue Consulting Services Inc., the planner for TVM Group. He noted that the urban design guidelines are not statutory, but are “just suggestions.”
“A lot of buildings in the future will not be able to follow them,” he said.
Randall fielded a number of questions from councillors, including from Lachica about whether holding a second open house on the 17-storey proposal would have been good planning process for building “public trust” (Randall agreed it would have been, but that there would have been opposition regardless of the height of the building), from Bierk as to whether the development would be an economic driver for the neighbourhood and would boost property values (Randall said he couldn’t comment), and from Riel on how a 17-storey building is compatible with the neighbourhood (Randall said Sofer had addressed that question, and added that the 17-storey proposal addresses issues with the original 10-storey proposal).
Several councillors asked Randall whether TVM Group could go back to the original 10-storey proposal. He said it hadn’t been discussed but going back to the original design would be problematic because it wasn’t supported by city staff and a new design would have to be created.
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The next delegation was Chris Magwood of Endeavour Centre, who said this was not a pro-development versus anti-development issue but an issue of compatible development. After listing six ways the 17-storey building breaks compatibility, he said approving the building in East City would mean “Any proposal will be deemed compatible.”
In response to a question from councillor Bierk, Magwood noted that the unit count of the building increased by 25 per cent when it changed from 10 to 17 storeys, and that the lack of units was not a concern expressed by the community. He said the design could have addressed community concerns without increasing the number of units. In response to a question from councillor Lachica, he said he had showed the building rendering to “friends in the business,” none of whom thought it was compatible.
“If this is compatible, the field is wide open,” Magwood said.
The next delegation was resident Peter Dawson, whose home would be located adjacent to the parking garage. He said “exhaust fumes wafting into my front year” would not enhance his property value. He added that someone associated with the project told him “Just wait until you see what’s coming for Hunter Street.”
Former Peterborough mayor Paul Ayotte, a resident of Rogers Street in East City, said he was “shocked” by city staff’s approval of the zoning by-law amendment. He raised concerns about people who had moved to East City because it is a residential neighbourhood and that addition of more than 200 residents is not a minor matter.
“When I look at this rendering … it appears to me that the proponents of this development and seven members of this council are giving my community the finger, because that’s exactly what that reminds me of,” said East City resident and former Peterborough mayor Paul Ayotte during a council meeting on September 3, 2025 where council voted 7-4 to approve a zoning by-law amendment that allows a 17-storey high-rise to be built in downtown East City. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of City of Peterborough video)
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Displaying a rendering of the proposed 17-storey building, Ayotte said “I’m going to be very blunt here.”
“When I look at this rendering … it appears to me that the proponents of this development and seven members of this council are giving my community the finger, because that’s exactly what that reminds me of,” he said.
“You don’t build a community like we have in Ashburnham by wrecking neighbourhoods, and this is what you’re doing,” Ayotte added. “Don’t make this mistake part of your legacy.”
The next delegation was Oriana Rendon, a tenant in a property owned and operated by TVM Group, who raised a number of issues about lack of maintenance of the building and her apartment. She noted that her requests for maintenance have been ignored, but she received a response 40 minutes after the list of delegates was made available.
The final delegation was Gavin Muir, a Northcrest resident who raised concerns about the precedent approving the 17-storey building will set for the entire city.
“This is Peterborough’s Rubicon,” Muir said, a reference symbolizing a point of no return.
He noted that a lot of discussion among project proponents about the official plan’s description of compatibility has focused on the lack of sameness, but they have not addressed the description’s reference to enhancing character without undue impacts.
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He also pointed out that city council has previously voted against a city staff recommendation, referring to the Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH) temporary zoning application on Lansdowne Street East which is now before the Ontario Land Tribunal. “This is a much more critical decision,” he said.
Muir spoke about transparency and the integrity of the process, saying “It needs to be fair. It needs to look fair.”
In response to a question from councillor Riel, Muir said that NIMBY (“Not In My Back Yard”) criticisms have been levelled against those opposed to the 17-storey building, but that some of those supporting the building have the opinion “I’m okay because it’s not in my back yard,” which is going to change.
“It’s coming to other neighbourhoods,” Muir said. “This is going to change everything … It starts here, but it doesn’t end here.”
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After a break, council returned to debate the item, with councillor Riel putting forward a motion to limit the height of the building to 10 storeys.
“It’s coming to your ward,” Riel said to his colleagues. “If you think this is going to be a welcome addition to the community, you’re crazy.”
He added that compatibility is “out the window” if council approves the zoning by-law amendment.
“If you approve this, there’s going to a wall of 17-storey buildings from Mark Street to Driscoll Terrace.”
After further debate and some questions of city staff on the application process, councillors voted on Riel’s motion. The motion lost 5-6, with councillors Riel, Bierk, Lachica, Baldwin, and Crowley voting in favour and Mayor Leal and councillors Duguay, Beamer, Parnell, Vassiliadis, and Haacke voting against.
After some question about the wording of Riel’s motion after the vote, councillor Parnell “put the question” on the main motion, a procedural tactic to end further debate, which passed 6-5, with Beamer, Riel, Bierk, Lachica, and Baldwin voting against it.
The vote on the main motion passed 7-4, with the same split as the previous vote at general committee. Leal, Duguay, Parnell, Crowley, Vassiliadis, Beamer, and Haacke voted in favour and Riel, Baldwin, Lachica, and Bierk voted against.
With the zoning by-law amendment approved, TVM Group can now proceed with site planning, a process that can take 60 days or longer. While a start date for construction would be determined, Sofer said at the August 25 public meeting that the building would take from 18 to 24 months to complete.
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