Tell Us What Matters - Community Questionnaire

The City of Peterborough is planning for the future of arts, culture and heritage. This includes plans for public art and public spaces, festivals and events, and cultural tourism.

Your feedback will help guide City priorities, funding decisions and actions over the coming years.

This survey takes about 10 - 15 minutes to complete. All responses are anonymous.

Accessibility: If you would like to share your feedback over the phone or submit a printed form, please contact Stoyan Barakov at 705-742-7777 ext. 1481

Section 1 — About You

Do you live in the City of Peterborough?

* required

Select option

What is your connection to arts, culture and heritage in Peterborough? (Select all that apply)

* required

I’m an artist / maker / performer

I’m a culture worker (e.g., curator, technician, producer, educator, event organizer)

I’m part of a cultural or heritage organization

I’m a volunteer

I’m a local business (e.g., restaurant, retail, owner or employee)

I’m part of the tourism / hospitality sector

I’m not sure / just interested

I don’t feel connected to art, culture and heritage in Peterborough

Other (please specify)

Section 2 — Belonging, Access and Experience

If you live, work or play in a particular area of Peterborough, which area would that be? (Select all that apply)

* required

Ward 1: Otonabee (Generally covers the areas along the Otonabee River, often associated with the southern and central parts of the city.)

Ward 2: Monaghan (Located in the southwest, bounded partly by Monaghan Road, featuring established residential neighbourhoods and commercial areas along Lansdowne St W.)

Ward 3: Town (Located in the central part of the city, serving as a hub for downtown and surrounding historic residential areas.)

Ward 4: Ashburnham (Situated on the east side of the Otonabee River, covering the historic East City area and surrounding residential neighbourhoods.)

Ward 5: Northcrest (Covers the northern portion of the city, featuring several residential developments and home to the Riverview Park and Zoo.)

Not sure

Other (please specify)

Which of the following cultural experiences in Peterborough have you participated in over the past 2-3 years? (Select all that apply)

* required

Festivals or special events

Live music, theatre, dance, or performance

Public art or placemaking projects (murals, installations, street or park activations)

Neighbourhood or community-led cultural activities

Cultural activities in parks, trails, or waterfront spaces

Museums or heritage sites

Visual arts exhibitions or galleries

Indigenous-led cultural activities

None of these

Have you experienced barriers (physical, emotional, mental etc.) to participating in arts, culture and heritage in Peterborough?

* required

Yes

Not Sure

Do you feel your culture is visible, valued, and supported in Peterborough’s public life? (For example: through events, public spaces, arts, heritage, or everyday city life)

* required

Yes, very much

Somewhat

Not really

Not at all

Not sure / not applicable

How welcome do you feel in Peterborough’s cultural spaces and events? (For example: MusicFest, Millennium Park, Canada Day Parade, Art Gallery of Peterborough, etc.)

* required

Very welcome

Somewhat welcome

Neutral

Not welcome

Not at all welcome

Not sure

Section 3 — Culture in Peterborough Today

When you think of “culture in Peterborough,” what comes to mind?

* required

Maximum 20,000 characters

0/20,000

How easy is it to celebrate and share your culture with others in Peterborough? (Select one)

* required

Very easy

Somewhat easy

Somewhat difficult

Very difficult

Not applicable

10.

How would you rate Peterborough today on the following?

Provides a variety of cultural activities to do year-round

Very poor

Poor

Fair

Good

Very Good

Not Sure

Provides affordable cultural activities

Very poor

Poor

Fair

Good

Very Good

Not Sure

Provides access to cultural activities for people with disabilities

Very poor

Poor

Fair

Good

Very Good

Not Sure

Provides cultural experiences across neighbourhoods, downtown, and natural areas

Very poor

Poor

Fair

Good

Very Good

Not Sure

Provides welcoming and inclusive spaces

Very poor

Poor

Fair

Good

Very Good

Not Sure

Provides opportunities for people like me to see their culture reflected in Peterborough’s cultural life.

Very poor

Poor

Fair

Good

Very Good

Not Sure

Provides opportunities for local artists and creatives

Very poor

Poor

Fair

Good

Very Good

Not Sure

Provides clear, centralized information for residents and visitors

Very poor

Poor

Fair

Good

Very Good

Not Sure

Creates cultural experiences that would interest visitors to Peterborough

Very poor

Poor

Fair

Good

Very Good

Not Sure

11.

What are Peterborough’s biggest cultural strengths? (Choose up to 4)

* required

Strong local artists/creatives

Festivals and events

Heritage buildings / places

Museums / galleries / performance spaces

Libraries and learning opportunities

Indigenous-led events

Visibility of diverse cultures and communities

Downtown energy

Neighbourhood / community life

Nature and waterways as part of cultural life

Post-secondary / student energy

Other (please specify)

12.

How do you usually find out about arts, culture, and heritage activities in Peterborough? (Select all that apply)

* required

Social media

City of Peterborough website or newsletters

Emails or newsletters from cultural organizations

Local news or media

Posters, word of mouth, or community boards

Notices are released too close to, or after, the activity has occurred

Information is fragmented across too many platforms

Other (please specify)

13.

Which gaps most limit Peterborough’s ability to offer strong cultural experiences for residents and visitors? (Choose up to 4)

* required

Affordability (cost of living or cost to participate)

Lack of suitable spaces for events, performances, or cultural gathering

Transportation or wayfinding challenges (parking, transit, getting around)

Accessibility barriers (physical, sensory, communication)

Limited visibility or promotion of cultural activities

Complex permits, approvals, or administrative processes

Safety or comfort concerns in public or shared spaces

Decision-making or funding does not reflect community diversity

Other (please specify)

Section 4 — Municipal Cultural Plan Priorities

14.

Choose ONE statement that best matches your hopes for culture in Peterborough:

* required

Select option

15.

Do you think Peterborough’s current arts, heritage and cultural offerings would give visitors a strong reason to spend time and money in the city?

* required

Select option

16.

What role should the City of Peterborough play in supporting arts and culture? (Select up to 3)

* required

Policy-setter and long-term planner

Partner with community-led initiatives

Promoter or marketer of local culture

Provider of spaces and infrastructure

Funder (grants, investments, fair pay)

Facilitator or connector (bringing people and partners together)

Other (please specify)

17.

What should the Municipal Cultural Plan focus on most? (Select up to 5)

* required

Heritage conservation

Arts and culture in neighbourhoods (not only downtown)

Stronger support for equity-deserving communities (e.g., newcomers, racialized communities, 2SLGBTQIA+, disabled communities)

Downtown vibrancy through culture

More spaces to create, rehearse, make, and present work

Cultural tourism (bringing visitors, supporting local business)

Youth arts / creative learning opportunities

Culture in parks, trails, and waterfront spaces

Better communication/marketing (“one place to find what’s on”)

Stronger support for Indigenous cultural expression and leadership

More affordable / free cultural experiences

Better coordination across City departments for culture

Promoting learning and dialogue that address systemic barriers and exclusion

Better support for local artists and creative workers (paid opportunities, fair fees)

Partnerships with schools/post-secondary

Other (please specify)

Section 5 — Final Thoughts

18.

What is one thing the City should start doing to strengthen culture in Peterborough?

* required

Maximum 20,000 characters

0/20,000

19.

What is one thing the City should stop doing or do differently to strengthen culture in Peterborough?

* required

Maximum 20,000 characters

0/20,000

20.

What is one thing the City should definitely continue to do to strengthen culture in Peterborough?

* required

Maximum 20,000 characters

0/20,000

21.

Anything else you’d like to share?

* required

Maximum 20,000 characters

0/20,000

Section 6 — Optional Demographic Questions

22.

Age range

Select option

23.

Do you identify as a member of any of the following communities? (Select all that apply)

Indigenous community member (First Nations, Métis, Inuit)

Black / Person of Colour

Person with a disability / Disabled person

2SLGBTQIA+

Newcomer to Canada (past 5 years)

None of the the above

Prefer not to answer

Other (please specify)

24.

Household situation

I have children/youth under 18 at home

I provide caregiving support to an adult

I am retired

None of the above

Prefer not to answer