Storm Response Updates

Peterborough, ON – Ongoing efforts continue throughout the City of Peterborough in response to the ice storm that hit the region March 30, 2025. As of Wednesday, April 23, the State of Emergency declaration has been lifted.

"As the City officially lifts its State of Emergency following the devastating ice storm in March, I want to express my deepest gratitude to our residents, emergency responders, utility workers, City staff, and volunteers for their incredible resilience and dedication over these past few weeks. The response from our community has been nothing short of extraordinary," said Mayor Jeff Leal.

Clean-up efforts are still underway across the City.

Curbside Brush Removal

Curbside removal of brush and debris from the ice storm is continuing. This service is for debris, branches and tree limbs that cannot be collected through the City’s regular curbside collection for yard waste. Residents are asked not to place whole trees or large tree stumps at the curb for removal.

When placing debris at the boulevard for yard waste collection, please be mindful of sightlines for safety for pedestrians and vehicular traffic. Avoid placing debris close enough to the curb that it may wash into the street during a rain storm.

It is expected to take up to eight weeks for crews to complete curbside removal of large brush and debris in all areas of the City.

Curbside collection has been completed for the area north of Parkhill Road and west of the Otonabee River.

Tree removal on private property

As a result of the ice storm, the City is temporarily waiving the permit requirement until April 28, 2025 to remove trees on private property only that have been destroyed, destabilized or structurally compromised as a direct result of the ice storm, with the following condition:

• Residents must send email notification to treebylaw@peterborough.ca providing photos, property address, tree species information including diameter, and provide the physiological and structural condition of the tree preferably prior to removing the tree or as soon as possible after removing a tree.
• City-owned trees of any size, including street trees and trees in parks and natural areas, are owned and maintained by the City. If you are not the tree owner do not proceed with the injury or removal of any tree.

Regular requirements under the Tree Removal Bylaw will resume on April 29, 2025.

City parks

The ice storm caused significant damage to trees in City parks and along trails. The City is assessing and addressing hazardous tree conditions. With the amount of damage, this work is ongoing. 

Parks that are open:

• Westclox
• Cameron Tot Lot
• Queen Alexandra Property
• Stewart St Tot Lot
• Simcoe & Bethune Park
• Fleming Park
• Sherbrooke Tot Lot
• King Edward Park
• Weller Park
• Valleymore Park
• Jackson Park
• Quaker Foods City Square
• Bowers Park
• Corrigan Hill
• Humber Park
• Queen & Hunter Park
• Valleymore Park
• Heritage Park
• Blodgett Park
• Cedargrove Park
• Dainard Park
• Reid & Rubidge Park
• Del Crary Park
• Confederation Square
• James Stevenson Park
• Eastgate Memorial
• Walker Park 
• Rogers Cove

When using parks and trails, you are encouraged to be mindful of the potential for future hazards following significant weather events, including overhead hazards. Please be cognizant of your surroundings. If you observe a hazard or risk, please notify the City. People should be cautious and avoid wooded, treed, or forested areas due to the potential for tree-related hazards and use at your own risk.