Temporary Downtown Public Space Changes

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Aerial view of downtown area next to river

The City of Peterborough is looking to engage with the community as part of its review of the temporary downtown public space changes that were put in place between June and October 2022 to support public health measures and the re-opening of businesses.

Please provide your feedback through the survey which will be open from 9 a.m. on Monday, December 19, 2022 until 9 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2023.

Input from the consultation will be considered in the development of a report to City Council that will review the temporary downtown public space changes implemented last year and make recommendations for a temporary outdoor patio program that could be implemented on an annual basis.

In addition to the online survey, the City will host a Public Open House on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the City Hall lobby. City staff will be available to answer any questions.




The temporary downtown space changes were originally implemented by the City in the spring of 2020 as COVID-19 restrictions were implemented which limited indoor dining, restricted the number of patrons allowed inside stores and included requirements for physical distancing. The changes were made in consultation with Peterborough Public Health and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. The City continued to implement the downtown patio program in subsequent years making improvements to address changing regulations as well as concerns and suggestions provided by community member and local business owners.

The temporary downtown public space changes last year included reducing the number of vehicle lanes, reducing speed limits, creating a temporary one-way street on a section of Hunter Street West, and removing some on-street parking in certain sections of the downtown. The program contributed positively to the vibrancy of our downtown through the addition of on-street planters as well as the Renaissance on Hunter which was comprised of two public art projects that enhanced the streetscape.


Tweaks to the plan, such as some shifts in on-street parking locations, the addition of ramps and the creation of commercial delivery zones, were made based on input received.

The City considered several priorities – sometimes competing priorities – such as:

  • Vehicular traffic
  • Pedestrian traffic (including accessibility)
  • Cycling
  • Business activity (i.e. patios)
  • Parking (e.g. on-street parking, curbside pickup parking availability, waste collection, commercial deliveries)

The City would like to continue to support local businesses and allow temporary patios for restaurants and businesses in 2023 and potentially on an annual basis from late spring through to early fall. The City has received positive feedback on this program from business owners and patrons a like and is looking forward to hearing more about what worked and where we can improve.


The City of Peterborough is looking to engage with the community as part of its review of the temporary downtown public space changes that were put in place between June and October 2022 to support public health measures and the re-opening of businesses.

Please provide your feedback through the survey which will be open from 9 a.m. on Monday, December 19, 2022 until 9 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2023.

Input from the consultation will be considered in the development of a report to City Council that will review the temporary downtown public space changes implemented last year and make recommendations for a temporary outdoor patio program that could be implemented on an annual basis.

In addition to the online survey, the City will host a Public Open House on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the City Hall lobby. City staff will be available to answer any questions.




The temporary downtown space changes were originally implemented by the City in the spring of 2020 as COVID-19 restrictions were implemented which limited indoor dining, restricted the number of patrons allowed inside stores and included requirements for physical distancing. The changes were made in consultation with Peterborough Public Health and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. The City continued to implement the downtown patio program in subsequent years making improvements to address changing regulations as well as concerns and suggestions provided by community member and local business owners.

The temporary downtown public space changes last year included reducing the number of vehicle lanes, reducing speed limits, creating a temporary one-way street on a section of Hunter Street West, and removing some on-street parking in certain sections of the downtown. The program contributed positively to the vibrancy of our downtown through the addition of on-street planters as well as the Renaissance on Hunter which was comprised of two public art projects that enhanced the streetscape.


Tweaks to the plan, such as some shifts in on-street parking locations, the addition of ramps and the creation of commercial delivery zones, were made based on input received.

The City considered several priorities – sometimes competing priorities – such as:

  • Vehicular traffic
  • Pedestrian traffic (including accessibility)
  • Cycling
  • Business activity (i.e. patios)
  • Parking (e.g. on-street parking, curbside pickup parking availability, waste collection, commercial deliveries)

The City would like to continue to support local businesses and allow temporary patios for restaurants and businesses in 2023 and potentially on an annual basis from late spring through to early fall. The City has received positive feedback on this program from business owners and patrons a like and is looking forward to hearing more about what worked and where we can improve.


Page last updated: 18 Jan 2023, 07:09 AM