Residents had their say this week, sharing ideas on how to grow Peterborough into a year-round tourism destination.
The feedback came during a pair of pop-up Community Cafés hosted by the City — the latest step in developing the Peterborough Tourism Strategy, a plan aimed at creating a sustainable, four-season tourism framework to support local businesses and attract more visitors.
Participants offered input on the city’s tourism vision, priorities, and assets, building on earlier engagement through focus groups, interviews, and a community survey that wrapped up October 31.
The City is working with Bannikin, an Ontario-based tourism consultancy, to analyze feedback and identify key recommendations. The completed strategy is expected to be presented to City Council in spring 2026.
Bannikin Managing Partner Trevor Benson says the consultancy’s goal is to help the city uncover its “uncut gems.”
Benson adds that the wellbeing of residents remains at the heart of the process.
Beginning in December, Benson says Bannikin will start an integrated analysis process combining data from the Online Community+ survey with insights gathered through interviews conducted so far.
(Written by: Noah Lorusso)

