Peterborough mayoral candidate Neil Morton is proposing a downtown ambassador program, new business safety incentives and 60 transitional housing spaces as part of the latest phase of his election platform.
Morton unveiled two additional planks Tuesday under the headings “Together, We Will Invest in Downtown” and “Together, We Will Invest in Housing.”
The announcement follows last week’s release of his economic growth and affordability policies and continues the broader campaign theme, “Together, We Will Invest in Peterborough.”
Morton said revitalizing the downtown requires attracting more people to live, work and spend time in the city centre while addressing concerns raised by residents and businesses.
“Our downtown is the beating heart of Peterborough’s economy, our culture, and our community identity. It’s everyone’s neighbourhood,” Morton said.
Among the proposals is a Downtown Ambassador Program that would create a visible presence on downtown streets. Morton said ambassadors would assist residents and visitors, monitor public infrastructure and help connect vulnerable people with community services.
Morton is also proposing an expansion of the Downtown Community Improvement Plan to provide financial incentives for businesses making safety improvements. Those could include enhanced lighting, surveillance cameras and changes to improve sightlines.
On housing, Morton is calling for the creation of 60 transitional housing spaces by working with city council and senior levels of government.
He said the spaces would help bridge the gap between emergency shelters and permanent housing as part of a broader housing continuum.
Another proposal, called the Peterborough Proud Program, would encourage residents to help care for the downtown. The plan includes creating a Downtown Response App that residents could use to report maintenance and cleanliness concerns on public property directly to City staff.
Morton said the policies were developed through community consultations and campaign canvassing.
The downtown and housing proposals are the second phase of Morton’s broader policy platform ahead of Peterborough’s October 26 municipal election.
