The City of Peterborough is unveiling a commemorative logo in 2025 to honour the 175th anniversary of its incorporation as a town in 1850.
The city will integrate the milestone into events throughout the year, celebrating its history and future.
“For 175 years, Peterborough has grown and evolved into a hub of culture, education and industry,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “This important milestone is a testament to those who have built, shaped and strengthened Peterborough for generations.”
Alongside the anniversary logo, the city will use the phrase: Peterborough 175 | 1850-2025 | Celebrating the foundation of our future.
Peterborough was incorporated as a town on Jan. 1, 1850, under the Baldwin Act, which established local governance structures across Canada. At the time, Peterborough’s population was approximately 2,200. It officially became a city on July 1, 1905, and is now home to about 83,650 residents.
A Legacy of Innovation and Growth
Peterborough has played a key role in Canada’s industrial and cultural history. Known as The Electric City, it was one of the first municipalities in Canada to adopt electric streetlights in 1884. The city’s manufacturing sector flourished with companies like Quaker Oats (now PepsiCo), which opened its plant in 1902, and Canada General Electric, established in 1891.
The Peterborough Lift Lock, the world’s tallest hydraulic lift lock, remains a national historic site, drawing visitors to the Trent-Severn Waterway.
The city has also made cultural contributions, including being the place where Canadian music icon Stompin’ Tom Connors earned his nickname.
A Year of Commemoration
The 175th anniversary coincides with another historic milestone—the 200th anniversary of the Peterborough Robinson Emigration of 1825, which brought nearly 2,000 Irish settlers to the region. Community organization Nine Ships 1825 Inc. is hosting events to mark the bicentennial, with more information available at nineships1825.com.
As Peterborough celebrates its past, Mayor Leal says the city is looking to the future. “As we celebrate our rich history, we look forward to our exciting future, filled with opportunity, progress, and Peterborough’s unwavering sense of community.”
