SWITCHBOARD: How city council works

This week on SWITCHBOARD Evan Robins breaks down the mechanics of Peterborough city council, from how council cycles work to what’s on the agenda for this coming week. SWITCHBOARD is a live news recap and interview programme hosted by Evan Robins, Trent Radio’s full-time broadcast journalist through the local journalism initiative. You can listen live on…

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Everything you need to know before Peterborough City Council comes back on August 4th

After a month-long recess in July, Peterborough city council will return to council chambers at city hall on Tuesday, August 4th, for a meeting of their general committee. As such, there’s no better time to get caught up if you haven’t been following municipal politics. Trent Radio’s Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Evan Robins, walks you…

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Ontario Housing Minister announces $1.6 million in funding for Peterborough homes

The Ontario government announced on July 15th that Peterborough would receive more than $1.6 million in provincial funding through the Building Faster Fund. Ontario Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister, Rob Flack was at Peterborough City Hall to make the announcement on Wednesday, where he was joined by MPP Dave Smith and Mayor Jeff Leal. Listen…

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“I don’t believe anyone would willingly choose to be microwaved around the clock;” Residents express fear over 5G tower planned for 95 Marina Blvd.

At the last meeting of Peterborough City Council before their summer recess, North-end residents expressed concerns over a cell phone tower which is planned to be built at 95 Marina Blvd. Northcrest Ward resident, Andrea Lac, delegated to council about the Tower Concurrence report which indicated that applicant Spectra Point Inc. had completed its mandatory…

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Councillor Bierk decries “Hangman arguments” over returning $826,943 to Peterborough Police

The Service ended their financial year with a surplus of $826,943, which a report presented to council on June 22nd recommended should be given entirely back to the Peterborough Police Service (PPS). Typically, any surplus the PPS run at the end of their budget year is divided equally between the Service and the City. A…

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City Staff outline changes to stormwater management fee at general committee meeting

On the night of June 22nd, Peterborough City Council were presented with a report on the city’s new stormwater management fee. Approved in January 2025, the Stormwater Utility Program is designed to shift the funding stream for stormwater management in the city of Peterborough from the city’s general tax levy to a dedicated user fee….

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“There is no off ramp;” Council commit to cutting development charges by 50%

The City of Peterborough’s Tourism Strategy and Community Safety Plan were back on the agenda at a June 15th meeting of city council, alongside a motion introduced last week by mayor Jeff Leal to cut the city’s development charges in half for the next three years. Debate of the Community Safety Plan became somewhat mired…

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SWITCHBOARD: Rob Hailman explains his incendiary June 1st delegation

On Monday, June 1st, Rob Hailman accused Peterborough city council of systemic neglect for the lives of Peterborough’s homeless population, which he called “social murder.” This week on SWITCHBOARD, he explains his rationale to LJI Reporter Evan Robins, and responds to whether or not he thinks such rhetoric was justified. SWITCHBOARD is a live news recap…

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“This isn’t a problem that’s going to go away;” Council motion to defer winter shelter plan despite last year’s exposure deaths

At a General Committee meeting on May 25th, Peterborough City Council was met with heated debate as they considered a motion to fund an emergency winter shelter in the coming year. Mayor Jeff Leal moved to defer the approval of the winter plan until the next session of council in August, a move which city…

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