Big moves take time. Here’s what we’ve been building.
The downtown doesn’t transform overnight. It transforms one project at a time — a new public square, a reimagined streetscape, a flood-resilient sewer system, a safer route to ride — each one the product of years of planning, partnership, and patience between the City, the DBIA, and the community.
These are four of the most significant projects shaping downtown Peterborough today. Some are complete, some are underway, and some are still on the drawing board. Together they tell a single story: a downtown deliberately building itself into a more connected, resilient, and people-focused place.
Four projects reshaping the core
Quaker Foods City Square
Located on Charlotte Street in the heart of downtown, Quaker Foods City Square has evolved into a vibrant, year-round public gathering space for the Peterborough community.
Originally envisioned as a permanent urban park, the space was designed to serve the entire community, bringing people together through shared experiences, recreation, and culture.
Charlotte Street Renewal
The Charlotte Street corridor continues to evolve as a key gateway into downtown Peterborough, building on earlier visions for a flexible, pedestrian-focused environment connected to Quaker Foods City Square.
The City of Peterborough is currently developing a conceptual design with a focus on creating a safer, more inviting, and accessible corridor — a vibrant, multi-use space that supports walking, cycling, transit, and public life. The concept includes:
- Pedestrian clearways — consistent paving treatments creating wider, more comfortable walking space
- Raised cycle tracks — dedicated one-way tracks improving safety and accessibility
- Integrated transit stops — shelters, seating, and wayfinding built into the streetscape
- Flex-street parking — strategic on-street parking with seasonal patio expansions
- Expanded tree canopy — landscaping with soil cell technology for a greener, cooler street
- Low-impact stormwater — landscape elements doubling as stormwater infrastructure
Work began in Summer 2024 with background research and community engagement, aligned with the Official Plan (2024) and Transportation Master Plan (2024). Together with Quaker Foods City Square, Charlotte Street is envisioned as a connected, people-focused corridor. Source: City of Peterborough.
Central Area Flood Reduction
The Central Area Flood Reduction project remains a critical priority for downtown Peterborough, building on the lessons learned from the 2004 flood that caused over $100 million in damage and significantly impacted the core.
Now in a major implementation phase, the project introduces a new high-capacity storm sewer system along key corridors to better manage extreme weather and reduce flood risk. It protects businesses, properties, and public spaces while pairing underground improvements with streetscape upgrades — safer, more accessible, more vibrant streets.
As climate impacts become more pronounced, this investment ensures downtown Peterborough remains resilient, functional, and positioned for future development.
George & Water Street Cycling Lanes
The George and Water Street Complete Streets project introduced dedicated cycling lanes and significant safety improvements through the downtown core. Today, these corridors remain a key part of Peterborough’s active transportation network, supporting safer travel for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers alike.
The project helped establish a Complete Streets approach in the city — designing roads for all users — which continues to guide current initiatives, including ongoing streetscape improvements along Charlotte Street and throughout the downtown.
Thinking about being part of what’s next?
These projects are creating an environment where downtown businesses succeed. If you’re considering starting, relocating, or growing a business in the core, let’s talk.