Climate Change Resiliency Study at the Peterborough Public Library
In recent years, Peterborough has experienced several extreme weather events that have significantly impacted our community, such as the 2022 Windstorm, 2025 Ice Storm, and the 2026 Wildfire Smoke event. The severity of storms is increasing due in part to changes in the climate that are amplifying the intensity, duration, and frequency of hazardous weather systems. Improving the resiliency of Peterborough to withstand and bounce back after an extreme weather event is integral to the well-being of our residents, especially the most vulnerable in our community.
A study is underway to enhance the resiliency of the Peterborough Public Library at 345 Aylmer St. N. to support community members during adverse weather. Measures being investigated include the following:
- Natural gas backup generator
- Solar panels with battery backup
- Outdoor cooling station
- Indoor charging for wheelchairs and mobility scooters
- E-bike charging stations
Community member input is needed to provide feedback on the proposed resiliency measures, their potential locations, any unforeseen challenges, and opportunities to tweak the design to improve outcomes. The information gathered will be used to guide the final configuration of the resiliency measures in the study.
Community Engagement Session
Two community engagement sessions will be held with project consultants and City of Peterborough staff to gather input from residents at the following times:
Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Session link
Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Session link
Survey and Comment Board
A survey with several questions and a comment board can be filled out to provide additional information about the project. Please use the tabs below to complete the survey or provide general comments.
Proposed Resiliency Designs
Two site designs have been created that feature different configurations of resiliency measures. Please vote on which design is best suited for the Main Library by going to the Site Design Poll to make your selection.
Option A: Solar panels with battery backup, outdoor misting station, wheelchair and scooter charging, and e-bike charging.
Option C: Natural gas backup generator, outdoor misting station, wheelchair and scooter charging, and e-bike charging.
To note, Option B contained a solar panel canopy system over the library parking lot and was deemed not to be feasible as a resiliency design option.
