Peterborough, Ontario

ntario L ocated on the picturesque Otonabee River, Peterborough is often referred to as the Gateway to the Kawarthas – the heart of Ontario cottage country. The community of 85,000 is surrounded with natural beauty, only an hour away from Toronto. Once known as “The Electric City”, Peterborough was the first Canadian town to use electric streetlights. Today, the city is known for its arts and music scene, and historical sites such as the Peterborough Lift Lock, the world’s highest hydraulic lift lock, which has been in operation since 1904. Along with cities around the globe, Peterborough has spent the last year and a half navigating COVID-19; adjusting and adapting to a constantly changing set of public health and provincial regulations. As Ontario found itself in and out of lockdown, the city has been working to support the community and local businesses as much as possible. Mayor Diane Therrien shares, “It’s been a rollercoaster, but things are looking pretty good now, in terms of case counts locally and vaccination rates. We’re entering that reopening phase and people are really excited about getting back out and supporting local businesses.” AT A GLANCE PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO WHAT: A thriving, entrepreneurial city; population approx. 85,000 WHERE: On the Otonabee River, northeast of Toronto WEBSITE: www.peterborough.ca LIVE, LEARN, DISCOVER