Expanding a City is usually not good economics nor planning policy or practice. Boundary expansions typically increase infrastructure costs, raise taxes, and undermine healthy and sustainable living. 

City planning reports for several years have shown we have more than enough land to meet our residential growth needs. Employment land predictions have been based on outdated industrial patterns while rumours of new companies have little information. 

We need forward-looking, informed strategies that align with the new Official Plan which confirmed no expansion is needed to the City of Peterborough’s Settlement Area Boundary. What kind of future economy can we expect here? How and where will people work? In-city options include: Cleantech Commons at Trent  (on which the City spent millions to develop), other sites like CGE, or adapting existing facilities. 

We simply haven’t seen enough evidence and reasons that a boundary expansion is actually needed and worth the upfront plus ongoing costs to taxpayers. Please, let’s make our decisions based on current realities, good planning, and the public interest.