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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

And we are adjourned as of 9:55 p.m. I'll be back in November when the new council sits! Thanks for following along.

Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Now, CAO Jasbir Raina is addressing council. "You have delivered even beyond my expectations," Raina says. Raina adds that he believes in the democratic process which invites differences of opinion. He wishes Councillors Haacke and Vassiliadis and mayor Leal good luck, as they are not running again.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Mayor Jeff Leal is now addressing council as this is the final time he will preside over a city council meeting. Leal begins by thanking senior staff. "You're very talented, you're very skilled," he says.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

We're back! Council is sitting for a brief general committee meeting rising out of closed session. The first matter involving identifiable individuals passes unanimously; another involving advice regarding an ongoing OLT case is adopted unanimously; and finally, a land matter is also approved 11-0.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

While we're waiting, The Toronto Star has created a vote compass for municipalities across the province, including Peterborough. Fill it out and see how you align with mayoral and council candidates locally:

votecompass.thestar.com

Vote Compass — Ontario Municipal Elections 2026 — Toronto Star

Use this interactive survey designed by political scientists to calculate your alignment with the candidate platforms.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Council just unanimously approved a motion from Coun. Bierk regarding a staff report back on a future sidewalk market zone for restaurants in the downtown. Council is now recessing for a closed session as of 8:31. I will stick around and report when they come back if there's anything public passed.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

The interim control bylaw motion brought by Coun. Lachica fails 4-7 with Lachica, Bierk, Crowley, and Riel voting in favour. Council will now look at passing a motion about a study to be undertaken by staff without first moving an interim control bylaw, as recommended by staff.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

A large proportion of the agenda has been passed on consent. We're moving to Lachica's interim control bylaw. Lachica is speaking to an updated version of the bylaw. Lachica says that there have been changes about the areas that would be protected under the bylaw.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Finally, Anne Pasek, a professor and Canada Research Chair at Trent University. Pasek has spent the past 10 years studying the impact of data centres. Pasek says that governments are often entering into these conversations without a full understanding of these impacts.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Next up, joining the meeting virtually is Nick Tsergas of the Canadian Civic Infrastructure Alliance. Tsergas says he has a "birds eye view" of what's happening in municipalities across the province. He says it's false that data centres are often viewed as typical infrastructure projects.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

We're no into registered delegations. There are three this evening, all on the interim control bylaw proposed by Coun. Lachica on data centres in Peterborough. First up is Ann Jaeger. She begins by saying she "is old but not a luddite." She's asking council "not to be naive."

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Now for the CAFE Awards, which will be presented by Jen McFarlane, director of the city's people and culture division. There are five awards to be handed out this evening.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

We're underway, now. First up tonight, Mayor Jeff Leal is introducing former Curve Lake First Nation Chief, Keith Knott. Knott is being honoured by Peterborough city council this evening for his numerous contributions to Curve Lake, the Peterborough region, and the province over five decades.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Good evening, I'm at Peterborough city hall this evening for the final council meeting of the term. Follow along here for updates throughout the night.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

About 16 candidates have shown up so far as 1:00 passes. Six of seven mayoral candidates are in attendance, with only Brian Lumsden not present. Most candidates are expressing concerns over why this meeting was not open to media saying that any information shared should be public.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Chief Betts has arrived at the McDonnel Street Community Centre for the private meeting between him and candidates. I'll be interviewing candidates as they arrive then hanging around afterwards to see what comes of this meeting.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

We are adjourned as of 7:33 p.m. here at city hall! Thanks for following along. Only one more council cycle to go for this term!

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Now, Coun. Parnell seems to be hinting her intent to introduce a motion to amend a motion that was voted down last week regarding the council meeting schedule for 2027. Coun. Riel says that this is out of order, but the clerk says that council can vote down the deferral and bring it back.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

After a brief discussion, the recommendations for the McFarlane St. Bridge and Ashburnham Dr. realignment, it passes unanimously. Council has confirmed that staff will provide information to MP Emma Harrison on this matter due to Parks Canada's jurisdiction on the existing bridge.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

The designation of 99 Roper Dr. passes 9-2 with councillors Vassiliadis and Beamer voting against; the designation of 484 Park St. N. passes 8-3 with Haacke, Vassiliadis and Beamer voting against.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

It's also municipal election time! For some of that coverage, I interviewed the leader of a newly founded youth advocacy group Peterborough Leaders of Tomorrow to get a sense of what youth are hoping for from the next council:

thepeterboroughexaminer.com

She cannot vote yet, but this Peterborough teen advocates for youth

Avery Trenholm founded Peterborough Leaders of Tomorrow after the City of Peterborough disbanded its own youth council.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

While we wait for council to come back from closed session, here is an article I published over the weekend outlining how federal priorities around labour and immigration are impacting local staffing levels for government positions and how this affects local food producers:

thepeterboroughexaminer.com

Peterborough meat inspector could be forced to leave Canada after work permit denied

Business owner expresses concern that federal decision will impact already understaffed sector.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Coun. Crowley is moving that council move into closed session to discuss a matter related to a condo conversion application for 700 Parkhill Rd. before the Ontario Land Tribunal. It carries 10-1 with only Dave Haacke voting against. Here is some background:

thepeterboroughexaminer.com

Investor appealing decision to deny Parkhill condo conversion

“Working collaboratively together is much better than forcing the owner to exercise its appeal rights,” lawyer for Simple Investor Real Estate Group says.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

The first and only delegation tonight is Richard Halagaza on Ashburnham St. and McFarlane Street Bridge replacement report. Halagaza was previously at council in May when council voted to defer the environmental assessment pending more consultation with neighbours:

thepeterboroughexaminer.com

Ashburnham Drive realignment deferred after homeowner warns project would make property ‘unliveable’

Council also voted a final time on Albion Hotel heritage designation.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

First off tonight is a recognition of Dr. Bob Neville for his distinguished career as a physician and involvement with the Peterborough Petes as a physician, board member, and governor. "I'm very humbled and very appreciative for this award tonight," Neville says.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Hello, I'm at Peterborough city hall for tonight's council meeting. Here is the agenda for this evening:

pub-peterborough.escribemeetings.com

City Council Meeting - September 14, 2026

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Tonight's meeting has been adjourned as of 7:41. Thanks for following along!

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Now, under any other business, Leal is talking about the success of the tourism strategy. He says that the data says that it's working and it's great positive news for the city of Peterborough. The city of Peterborough is also up for an award in recognition of its implementation of the CPPS.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Councillors are now discussing a proposed schedule for meetings in 2027. Coun. Keith Riel says that it's not fair for this to be introduced after people have signed up to run on this year's timing of meetings. One of the changes is general committee beginning an hour earlier at 5:00 p.m.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

An ammendment to a draft plan of subdivision located south of Towerhill Road between Fairbairn Street and Chemong Road passes unanimously. Mayor Leal says that council's decision to cut development charges by 50% has saved the developer $13.5 million, which he says will be passed to consumers:

pub-peterborough.escribemeetings.com

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Now on to heritage Designations: For 99 Roper Dr. it passes 9-2 (Haacke and Beamer against); 483 Park St. passes 8-3 (Haacke, Beamer, and Vassiliadis against).

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Mayor Jeff Leal is asking now asking Loveys Smith about the level of compensation for staff of other CAs as this move forward, and whether staff will immediately jump to the highest level of payment under the amalgamation. Loveys Smith says that it's too early to tell on this.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

First up tonight is Janette Loveys Smith, ORCA CAO/Treasurer-Secretary, who will be presenting on the provincial consolidation of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities. Bill 97 provides for the amalgamation of 36 conservation authorities into 9 new conservation authorities by February 2027.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

About eight minutes after the general committee meeting was scheduled to start, some members of city staff and councillors have started to file into chambers from a closed session meeting.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Good evening, Bluesky. I'm at Peterborough city hall for yet another general committee meeting. Here is the agenda for tonight. Included are five heritage designations, a report back to council concerning the McFarlane Street Bridge replacement, and the 2027 council meeting schedule.

pub-peterborough.escribemeetings.com

Designation of 694 Sherbrooke Street, Report IPGPL26-052 - General Committee - September 08, 2026

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Reposted by Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay

The IJF Union @ijfunion.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

At @theijf.org our mission is to strengthen democracy by holding power to account and getting behind closed doors. Today, we’re bringing that transparency home: The workers of the IJF have voted to form a union with @cmglaguilde.bsky.social tinyurl.com/3jt4yh8s #InvestigativeJournalism

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

We are adjourned as of 7:00! Quick one tonight! Thanks for following along.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Mayor Leal says that police chief Betts has responded to a statement from last week that police officers are not present in Millennium Park, holding what appears to be a selfie of a police officer in the park at some point.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Coun. Beamer speaks briefly on the One City clean street pilot program. He was the only councillor to vote against the initiative last week and says he will do so again. Beamer says that this initiative should be included in the existing funding. "I think that clean-up should be a prerequisite."

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

These items have passed unanimously on consent this evening:

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

The final delegate is Jennifer Reuby, speaking to Crowley's motion on city security. Reuby is a business owner on Charlotte Street who is asking for a permanent security presence for the Ried St. parking lot. She says when she arrives at work, she often sees people using drugs.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Now, Tracey Smith is speaking to one of Crowley's motions regarding licensing for additional rental units and inspections. Smith is "not opposed to renters" or "responsible landlords." She says her concern, and that of the Parkland Community Action Group, is property standards and accountability.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Now, we have George Horton who has brought a video presentation of the state of some areas around One City. He is speaking to the proposed pilot program which would see marginalized folks help pick up garbage around the downtown. Horton says he lives in the area and has been affected by the garbage.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

The first delegate tonight is Rodney Marois, who is speaking o the alternative fuel study for transit vehicles. Council voted to accept the report, but deferred taking action on recommendations until the next term of council due to the budget impacts. Marois says he has concerns about accessibility.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Fact check: there are two more council meetings after tonight. But happy to bring you all the updates alongside my (mostly) trustworthy colleagues at Arthur and Trent Radio ;)

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

First up tonight is a presentation by the United Way by city administrative assistant, Laken MacFarlane. There will be a campaign kickoff event at the Peterborough Zoo from 2-4 on Sept. 3 for city employees.

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Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay @sebastianj-l.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Good evening, once again I find myself at Peterborough city hall. Here is the agenda for tonight's council meeting: pub-peterborough.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx...

pub-peterborough.escribemeetings.com

City Council Meeting - August 31, 2026

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