As we grind toward the October 26 municipal election, the usual issues — such as taxes, crime, and infrastructure needs — are front-of-mind for many Peterborough voters.

On Wednesday night (September 23) at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough, the arts received its due.

Hosted by the Electric City Culture Council (EC3), ArtsVote Peterborough 2026 saw all seven mayoral candidates share where the arts reside on their respective priority lists and what, as mayor, they plan to do to ensure the sector is healthy and thrives in the face of what has been, at best, frozen municipal support.

According to EC3, multiple external studies have consistently demonstrated the value of the arts in terms of Peterborough’s overall wellbeing, the vitality of the downtown core, as a tourism catalyst, and as a lure in attracting new businesses and much-needed professionals, such as doctors, to the city and region.

“Our new Municipal Cultural Plan (MCP) is in the works,” noted EC3 in a statement released prior to the event.

“Other cities are making important investments in the arts. We need to know where our civic leadership stands, and how it plans to enhance and develop the arts sector during their term. Do the arts matter to them? How will they find funding for critical investments?”

Moderated by EC3 executive director Su Ditta, the ensuing event held before a packed house wasn’t as much a debate as it was an affirmation that all seven mayoral candidates view the arts as deserving of more and consistent municipal support, be that financial or otherwise.

That said, the candidates had varying views on just what form that support should take.

Before fielding a few questions from a panel comprised of EC3 board member Victoria Yeh, author Bola Abodunrin, and New Stages Theatre artistic director Mark Wallace, each candidate laid out their plan for the arts via an opening statement.

Following are summaries of each candidate’s position on the arts, in the pre-determined order that each candidate spoke.

Neil Morton

Saying “arts and culture nourish our community soul, create social change, define our civic pride, and have great economic impact,” Neil Morton advocated more public investment in the sector, not less.

“For too long, our creative community has faced administrative hurdles, endless red tape and having to defend themselves in front of council. That will change under my leadership.”

Morton proposes the provision of multi-year operating grants to arts organizations that demonstrate collaboration and economic impact, a streamlining of the process by which people apply to host special events in Peterborough, and completion of the Municipal Cultural Plan through meaningful collaboration with cultural organizations, Indigenous communities, and residents.

In addition, he wants to see vacant downtown commercial space converted into artist studios, rehearsal spaces and galleries, and expand the city’s public art program.

“There will be no more fighting over scraps when it comes to the arts community,” Morton pledged.

Rebecca Schillemat

Referencing Peterborough’s “very long history of a great arts scene,” Rebecca Schillemat said that, based on her experience as a Peterborough Folk Festival board member, stable funding for the sector is essential.

“I know how important it is to have support from the city when you’re applying for funding from other organizations and other levels of government,” she said.

Funding, she added, “would ideally come with a three or four-year budget so that everything is a bit more stable and we can plan better.”

“Because I’m looking at a future in Peterborough for various different generations, and things to keep kids and youth active, having more youth spaces and opportunities for youth to enjoy the arts is very important.”

“I’ve had great opportunities at the door to talk to people about why they chose to move to Peterborough, and a lot of it is because of the arts scene.”

Rob Hailman

As a musician, artist, and photographer who has organized festivals and shows, Rob Hailman spoke to his first-hand experience as a member of the arts community, and was particularly critical of past practice.

“The arts are treated as a bargaining chip between staff and council,” he said, adding “Staff will put in a cut to the arts so that one of our councillors, or our councillors collectively, can, after a great outcry from the public, save the day and restore the money that was already there. That game needs to stop.”

“We need to be stable and predictable in the way the city treats arts organizations, in the way that the city treats EC3, in the way that the city treats individual artists.”

Hailman pledged that, as mayor, he would “make sure we have long-term, stable relationships” with the arts community and “finish the Municipal Cultural Plan.”

Micheal Eamon

Citing his experience as a musician and as member of the Peterborough Singers and the Peterborough Concert Band, Michael Eamon also spoke to his facilitating the creation of the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre at Trent University’s Traill College.

“When you create a space where the arts can happen, you create community,” he said, noting collaboration — a consistent theme in his platform — is key.

“I will work with council to ensure there is stable funding, and to ensure that we have communication outside of the stage — communication outside of the gallery (in city council chambers), communication where we actually have conversations to have each other’s back and to help.”

“We have great organizations like EC3 which need to be supported, but we also need to work together as artists in every facet and every way. I think the city has a key role to play in that.”

Brian Lumsden

While noting his campaign is primarily focused on “fixing this drug epidemic that’s plaguing our city” and keeping taxes low, Brian Lumsden acknowledged the arts “define our society, and provide individuals with a sense of purpose and accomplishment — qualities and values that we desperately need.”

Saying each candidate should have “this (drug) crisis at the top of their priority list,” Lumsden lamented the spending of “millions of dollars on band-aid solutions that could be used for the arts.”

“Once we have a clean, vibrant city, we can be in a position to address the arts, and the future of our children. I fully support the Municipal Cultural Plan. However, we need this drug epidemic under control so we can appreciate the arts.”

“Peterborough is a beautiful city. A lot of money has gone into beautifying it, but what’s the point if we can’t enjoy it?”

Keith Riel

As the lone candidate running for mayor who has city council experience, incumbent Ashburnham Ward councillor Keith Riel said he “did what he could” to support local artists, adding he has come to “trust their expertise, their incredible work ethic and the way they care about the community.”

As mayor, Riel pledged to “put together an arts table” where artists play an active role identifying the needs of their community and put their case to the city accordingly.

“I will also make sure they get multi-year funding,” he said, adding “Grants that stay flat are a cut. You can’t keep good staff or plan a season without funding. Making you constantly beg for it is disrespectful.”

“Artists don’t sit on their money. They make great things with it. They hire people to help them do it. The arts community is part of the economic success of the city, and it’s going to be treated that way. I’m taking on that file on myself. No commissioner in between. It’s too important and it has to be righted immediately.”

Jacob Méthot

The youngest of the seven candidates, 21-year-old Trent University student Jacob Méthot said the arts “drives tourism, money, quality of life and new business, but most of all it drives people. To create a community and culture that allows an arts community to thrive is to create a community that exists for everyone.”

Peterborough, he said, “needs to be proactive” but added that’s only possible “if future generations and Peterborough now sees the arts as a sustainable way for them to live. This needs more grant funding and allowances for art to exist in spaces, and reducing the barriers they (artists) face while trying to promote, sell or celebrate their work.”

“It means going to a high school, finding the next protégé, and saying “Write me a poem, play me a song, give me your passion and we will give it a platform.”

“Looking at it (the arts) as just another way to drive money, just another dollar sign, ignores the very real reality of the value it creates outside of a profit-driven enterprise.”

Turnout for ArtsVote 2026 was the largest ever for EC3

Following the conclusion of ArtsVote 2026, Ditta told kawarthaNOW there’s much reason for optimism, much of that rooted in Wednesday night’s turnout being the largest for any ECS-presented election event.

“The majority (of the candidates) reached out to EC3 first — that has never happened before,” said Ditta, adding “There was never any attempt to meet with EC3 as candidates were developing their policies and programs. I was over-the-moon encouraged by that.”

“I think that demonstrates that all the work EC3 has done (and) all the work the arts community has done independently has really struck a chord with political candidates. They were much more knowledgeable than we’ve ever seen people be before, and they followed up a lot with other questions and preparation for this event.”

Speaking specifically to Riel’s arts table proposal, Ditta said “that’s obviously something EC3 would see as very beneficial.”

“Neil (Morton) was teasing me about having been morose when we met. I have to say the whole experience of organizing this event, and hearing the discourse and the level of conversation, has really cheered us. We’re inspired.”

While noting that arts councils such as EC3 don’t endorse candidates during elections, Ditta is heartened based on what she heard from the seven candidates, adding “I don’t think we can lose.”

EC3 plans to send each candidate a survey arising out the event, with their responses to be posted at www.ecthree.org before the October 26 election.

A watermain break has forced Trent University to close its Symons Campus in Peterborough for the remainder of the week, resulting in the cancellation of in-person classes and requiring students living in campus residences to make arrangements to leave immediately.

The closure took effect at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday (September 22) and is expected to continue through Sunday, September 27, with in-person classes and regular campus operations expected to resume Monday, September 28.

According to a university advisory, the watermain break has affected the primary water service to Symons Campus. While the university says there is no imminent risk to personal safety, the disruption has affected water availability across campus, requiring buildings and services to close while repairs are completed.

The university says it is working with contractors to restore service as quickly as possible.

All in-person classes and labs at Symons Campus are cancelled during the closure. Faculty and instructors will contact affected students directly, and some classes may move to remote delivery where possible.

As Traill College in downtown Peterborough is unaffected by the watermain break, classes and operations there will continue uninterrupted. Trent’s Durham GTA Campus and online classes are also unaffected.

Buildings at Symons Campus — including Bata Library, the Student Centre, the Athletics Centre, and all colleges — will remain closed and locked, with access limited to essential operations.

The university has directed faculty, staff, students, and visitors to leave campus immediately, asking those departing to exercise caution and patience. Exceptions may be made for essential research facilities and onsite operations, with anyone requiring building access asked to contact Campus Safety.

Staff who can work remotely are asked to do so. Supervisors will notify employees who are required to remain on campus.

The closure also affects residences at Champlain, Lady Eaton, Otonabee, and Gzowski colleges. Students living in those residences are required to arrange to return home if they are able.

Students who are unable to leave will receive information about accessing alternative accommodations. Student Housing will contact affected residents directly, and limited food services will remain available on Tuesday while students arrange to depart.

Students living in residences at Traill College and in the Annex residences may remain, although food services on Symons Campus will be limited. All residence students are advised to monitor their email for messages from Student Housing.

“The university recognizes this disruption will affect many members of our community,” the advisory states.

“Thank you for your patience, cooperation, and understanding as we work to restore water service and safely resume normal campus operations.”

Updates will be provided through the Trent Safety App, university email, and at www.trentu.ca/advisory.

Peterborough city council endorsed receiving for information the report of a sweeping review of City of Peterborough services during the general committee meeting on Monday (September 21).

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

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

Councillors question cost shifting and timing of service review

The city engaged EY to conduct the review with the aim of identifying “practical, evidence-based opportunities to improve outcomes and long-term service and fiscal sustainability.” Work on the review was completed over the previous few months and completed last Tuesday, with the report being made available to councillors two days later.

In a presentation that lasted almost an hour, EY’s senior manager of government and public sector consulting Ashley Challinor and government and public sector transformation partner David Bryden provided council with an overview of the review.

They outlined the key findings of the review, noting that Peterborough is reliant on its residential tax base, which provides around 80 per cent of its property tax revenue. Because the city lacks employment lands, there are limited opportunities for industrial or commercial development.

Unlike some other municipalities, the consultants stated, Peterborough is not taking full advantage of other funding sources, including contributions from other levels of government, corporate sponsors, and philanthropic organizations.

After the consultants finished highlighting key recommendations of the review, councillor Alex Bierk put forward a motion to suspend the rules so that councillors could ask up to four questions, a motion that was unanimously supported.

Bierk asked the consultants how they determined genuine efficiencies rather than savings by transferring costs from the city to residents.

“If the city saves money because a senior now has to pay someone to clear their sidewalk, what methodology do you use to calculate that cost to the resident before calling it a financial benefit?” he asked.

Challinor said EY compared Peterborough with other municipalities, noting the “Peterborough is the only municipality that we could find” that provides snow clearing of all municipal sidewalks.

Bierk noted the city council had previously decided against removing snow clearing, and asked the consultants why they decided to include ideas that council had already considered. Challinor said that all valid ideas were included in the review.

Bierk then asked why the consultants didn’t look into the city’s loss in revenue at municipal parking garages. Challinor said it wasn’t considered because it would a simple response for the city to raise parking rates, while EY’s objective was to look into deeper issues.

Councillor Joy Lachica asked why the “dense” report was released in the last cycle of the existing council, without an opportunity for in-depth analysis before the general committee meeting, especially given the financial implications for the city’s budget.

“I think it is inappropriate,” Lachica said. “It should be for the eyes of an incoming council.”

Bryden said the review process is driven by the client.

Airport options, zoo fees, and snow clearing among recommendations drawing scrutiny

Councillor Matt Crowley asked about the “under-leveraging” of funding opportunities, and whether that was a fault of the municipality. Challinor said there was no fault, but that the city could expand the opportunities, which are currently focused on naming rights of some city facilities.

Mayor Leal pointed to what he called a “fundamental observation” of the consultants with respect to the boundary adjustment of the City of Peterborough. Challinor noted the issue of ownership of the airport lands as well as the lack of employment lands was raised, along with the sharing of services with Peterborough County.

“We did hear a lot about Peterborough’s existing constraints with respect to its boundary, and that’s something that needs to be taken into consideration, whether or not that boundary changes, with respect to a few of the opportunities identified,” Challinor said.

Councillor Keith Riel asked about the recommendation for Peterborough Housing Corporation and whether EY consulted with Peterborough County as a partner in affordable housing. Challinor said they did not speak to the county as the city asked them to address a specific question: whether to dissolve the corporation and incorporate it into the city or to leave it as an independent agency.

Riel said he would not support zoo admission fees and cancelling sidewalk snow clearing services for residents.

With respect to the EY’s recommendation on the airport, councillor Gary Baldwin asked what a “structured exit” would look like, given the investment the city has already made in the airport.

Challinor said options include a long-term lease, a regional partnership, an airport authority, and a divestment process. Bryden added that the consultant was not questioning the city’s past investment in the airport, but looking forward if the city cannot find revenue to support the continued operation of the airport.

Baldwin asked why the consultants were recommending that Peterborough County residents be exempt from zoo admission fees. Challinor said that, given how close Peterborough County residents are to the zoo and how closely integrated the city and county are, it would be a “reasonable accommodation” to continue free admission from county residents. She noted that no-one would be exempt from parking fees.

On sidewalk clearing, Baldwin asked if lawsuits would increase if the city stopped providing the service. Challinor said they do not have that information.

With respect for charging for repeated false fire alarms, councillor Kevin Duguay asked whether the consultants considered false alarms with respect to paramedics as well. Bryden said the scope was limited to false alarms for fire.

Duguay also asked whether the consultant considered parking fees for the Eastgate Memorial Park parking lot, which the city expanded to accommodate the new Canadian Canoe Museum. Challinor said EY only focused on the city’s grant to the museum.

Councillor Don Vassiliadis asked about the tourism factor with respect to charging out-of-town visitors for admission to the zoo as well as parking at the zoo. Challinor said the Riverview Park & Zoo is competing with the Toronto Zoo for visitors, and that the cost for a family of four to attend the Toronto Zoo is “very high — in the hundreds of dollars” not including parking.

“So even with a modest visitor fee and/or a modest parking fee, you’re likely still very competitive compared to a day for a family at the Toronto Zoo,” Challinor said.

Debate turns to community priorities and consequences for residents

After the EY presentation, councillors debated the report.

Councillor Dave Haacke asked city staff about the taxes on the airport land. The city’s finance and corporate support services commissioner Richard Freymond said there are three “buckets” of taxes amounting to a total of $325,680 in 2026, with $136,193 going to Cavan-Monaghan Township, $76,857 going to Peterborough County, and the remainder education taxes.

Haacke also made comments on zoo admission fees, stormwater management, false fire alarms, and sidewalk snow clearing.

“I wish everybody well next term dealing with this,” said Haacke, who is not running for re-election.

Councillor Bierk said council needs to “find unity on what our priorities are,” noting the city’s recent economic development report that spoke to the value of cultural institutions like the Art Gallery of Peterborough and The Canadian Canoe Museum. He added that council had already decided against the approach to stormwater management fees described in the consultant’s report.

“My head hurts a little bit with just these conflicting subject matter expert stances and positions on things,” he said, noting that it is “frustrating” that the consultant was revisiting items already decided by council, and that the shortfall in revenues from municipal parking garages “which I believe is close to one million dollars” was not considered.

Bierk said the review considered financial impact, service delivery impact, and implementation complexity but did not provide “comparable scoring for equity, affordability, accessibility, social impact, community benefit, cultural value, distributional impact, public preference, or the consequences for residents least able to absorb these costs we are trying to transfer.”

He added that efficiencies need to be distinguished from “cost shifting,” which he also described as “service reduction.”

“A cost does not disappear simply because it leaves the city’s ledger,” Bierk said, noting that just because other municipalities are not funding something doesn’t mean Peterborough should do the same.

Bierk asked CAO Jasbir Raina which of the recommendations he could implement using his delegated authority. Raina said he could only implement internal staff changes and that any recommendations that would result in service level changes that impact would need to be approved by council “in the next term.”

Councillor Duguay said he was prepared to receive the report for information, “acknowledging it’s intended to be advanced for the next council for their budget decision-making purposes.”

In his remarks, councillor Riel noted that many recommendations in the report have already been discussed in the past, including during his 16 years on council.

Riel, who is one of the seven candidates running for mayor in the municipal election, then began electioneering, drawing a harsh rebuke from councillor and general committee chair Andrew Beamer.

“We cannot do that,” Beamer said. “it is completely unacceptable, councillor Riel. We cannot give campaign speeches here.”

Deferral motion fails as city staff clarify review will not be part of draft budget preparations

Councillor Lachica made a motion to defer the report until a new council is in place, noting that CAO Raina’s covering memo for the report states that the review’s recommendations “related to service levels and financial considerations will be included in the draft 2027 budget for council’s consideration.”

Councillors then debated the deferral motion, with Mayor Leal stating that the election is the “right time” for voters to find out where candidates stand on the recommendations in the review.

Bierk said the issue is that city staff could use the report as a “Trojan horse” to start implementing some of the recommendations if the current council agrees to receive it for information.

In response, CAO Raina noted that the reason the review was brought to council in September for information was in response to a direction from council earlier in the year. He also affirmed that no recommendations from the review will be included in staff’s budget preparations.

Commissioner Freymond added that the review will be formally tabled for the next council in January “as they deliberate the staff-recommended budget” and that they will have the review as supplementary information during their deliberations.

After further debate, council voted on the deferral motion, which lost 3-8, with councillors Lachica, Bierk, and Riel voting in favour. Council then voted on the main motion to accept the report of the review for information, which carried 9-2, with councillors Lachica and Riel voting against.

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