Will Pearson

Ontario, Peterborough

Publisher and Editor at Peterborough Currents

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Articles

A bittersweet fifth birthday for Peterborough Currents

1 month ago | peterboroughcurrents.ca | Will Pearson

It’s hard to believe, but Peterborough Currents is five years old. Co-founder Ayesha Lye and I sent our first email newsletter in March 2020 and launched our website a few months after that. When we hit “send” on that first email newsletter, I had no idea that our little publication would become a vital source of information and connection for thousands of residents. But that’s what happened.
Librarians speak out against upcoming layoffs at Peterborough Public Library

2 months ago | peterboroughcurrents.ca | Will Pearson

The union that represents local library workers is speaking out against a proposed staff restructuring at the Peterborough Public Library (PPL). In a media release last week, CUPE Local 1833 said library management has informed workers that three full-time librarians will be laid off as part of a cost-cutting strategy intended to trim $120,000 from the library’s annual budget.
Many Peterborough residents still waiting for electricity days after severe ice storm

2 months ago | peterboroughcurrents.ca | Will Pearson |Brett Throop

Reception CentresThe city is operating three “reception centres” as a refuge for people who need to warm up, charge devices, or just get out of the house for a bit. Showers are also available at the reception centres. The reception centres do not offer a Wi-Fi connection, a city spokesperson said. The three reception centres are:Healthy Planet Arena (911 Monaghan Rd). Open all day on April 1 and overnight until at least 12:00 noon on April 2.
This million-dollar property is taxed as if it's worth $200K. Is that fair?

Mar 18, 2025 | peterboroughcurrents.ca | Will Pearson |deeply. He’s written

One of the biggest privately owned lots and development opportunities in downtown Peterborough is expected to be listed for sale soon. The owner of 375 Aylmer Street — site of the former Baskin Robbins factory — told Peterborough Currents last week that he intends to put the property up for sale any day now. Owner Don MacPherson didn’t say what the listing price will be, but the property last sold for $1.15 million in 2012, according to land transfer records obtained by Currents.
What's at stake for Peterborough in this week's provincial election

Feb 25, 2025 | peterboroughcurrents.ca | Will Pearson |deeply. He’s written

There’s a lot at stake for Peterborough as Ontario heads to the polls for a snap election on February 27, 2025. The Peterborough Currents team has been following the campaigns and prepared this guide to some of the pressing issues facing our community. This is not a comprehensive list of issues and promises. We chose issues that we had experience reporting on, as well as issues that had come up in the community recently.
These three community members are running to be Peterborough-Kawartha's next MPP

Feb 12, 2025 | peterboroughcurrents.ca | Will Pearson |Brett Throop |deeply. He’s written

Ontario is headed to the polls on February 27, 2025, after Premier Doug Ford called a snap election 16 months earlier than scheduled. During the week of February 3, Peterborough Currents interviewed three of the four community members who had put their names forward to become Peterborough-Kawartha’s next MPP: Jen Deck, Lucas Graham, and Adam Hopkins.
Dozens sleep outside as homelessness surges

Jan 28, 2025 | peterboroughcurrents.ca | Will Pearson |deeply. He’s written

You’re reading the January 28, 2025, edition of the Peterborough Currents email newsletter. To receive our email newsletters straight to your inbox, sign up here. Good afternoon, and welcome to the Peterborough Currents newsletter. As homelessness surges across Ontario, Peterborough’s shelters are at or near capacity most nights this winter and an estimated 50 to 70 people are sleeping outside.
Reframe program invites reflection on our fraught relationship with logging

Jan 22, 2025 | peterboroughcurrents.ca | Will Pearson |deeply. He’s written

The Catholic church hall in Downeyville, Ont., comes alive with song and dance on St. Patrick’s Day as residents gather to celebrate the rich musical heritage of their Irish ancestors, who settled in the region in the early 19th century. At one recent concert, community members sang “The Backwoodsman,” a colonial folk song that tells the tale of a wayward lumberman who neglects his work and travels from Omemee, Ont., to Downeyville for a dance.
Councillors play "musical chairs" with city budget

Jan 21, 2025 | peterboroughcurrents.ca | Will Pearson |deeply. He’s written

You’re reading the January 21, 2025, edition of the Peterborough Currents email newsletter. To receive our email newsletters straight to your inbox, sign up here. Good afternoon, and welcome to the Peterborough Currents newsletter. City councillors continued hammering out the details of the 2025 municipal budget yesterday. I watched the meeting and I’ve got updates for you.
Fact-checking the MPP on Peterborough's budget

Dec 10, 2024 | peterboroughcurrents.ca | Will Pearson |deeply. He’s written

As Peterborough residents brace for another higher-than-average property tax increase, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith is blaming the City of Peterborough for not reining in its spending. To make his point, Smith has been comparing Peterborough to other Ontario municipalities and claiming other cities offer similar services for less money.