Peterborough mayoral candidate Neil Morton has released the first phase of his 2026 election platform, putting economic growth, municipal investment and affordability at the centre of his campaign.
Morton unveiled two policy planks Thursday — “Together, We Will Invest in Economic Growth” and “Together, We Will Invest in Making Life More Affordable.”
They form part of his broader campaign theme, “Together, We Will Invest in Peterborough.”
Morton says his approach would shift the city toward investments designed to generate measurable economic and community returns.
Among his proposals is pursuing a multi-purpose sports, entertainment and convention centre. Morton says his concept is different from the proposal currently before city council and said additional costs associated with new capital borrowing should be covered by facility revenues and resulting assessment growth rather than local taxpayers.
Morton is also proposing efforts to create more serviced industrial land by working with Peterborough County, surrounding townships and the provincial government.
Another proposal would introduce a planning and building permit service guarantee, intended to provide businesses, builders and homeowners with more predictable timelines and clearer expectations when dealing with the city.
On property taxes, Morton says he would seek to keep annual increases at or below the rate of inflation beginning with the 2028 city budget. He noted the 2027 budget process will already be underway by the time the next council takes office.
Thursday’s announcement is the first stage of Morton’s policy rollout.
Peterborough voters head to the polls October 26.
