Henry Clarke

Principled and Proven

Supporting Our Downtown

The important roles played by Peterborough’s downtown are well understood. The downtown
is the central location for business, retailing, government, arts, culture, tourism, shopping,
assembly and civic functions. It is a key centre for the creation of economic activity and
employment and an important residential community. It best demonstrates our collective
heritage and serves to represent our image to residents and visitors.
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Because of its many advantages and services, the downtown has come to serve as a repository
for a variety of urban challenges. Businesses and residents remain concerned about the
presence and impact of issues such as homelessness, panhandling, drug culture, prostitution,
litter and crime. It is difficult for some to see this face of their city, and some have come to view
the downtown as unwelcoming and perceptually unsafe. Perceptions matter.
Even though many downtown issues are the responsibility of other levels of government –
incomes, poverty, affordable housing and health care among them – every civic leader must
have a determined focus on the well being of the downtown.
For a variety of reasons, the agencies that provide services to our most vulnerable too often
operate within their own silos. Too many people are falling between the cracks and are left
there in limbo for too long. I am committed to creating a new level of cooperation among
these agencies for the purposes of sharing information, challenges and collaboration, and
streamlining the delivery of services to our most vulnerable. To that end, I will promote
quarterly meetings of the agencies that serve the vulnerable, with a particular focus on the
downtown.
I intend to meet regularly with our MPP and MP to seek their support for this approach, and to
secure their assistance in accessing funding, particularly for rehabilitative facilities and
supportive/recovery housing.
I believe that the downtown will benefit from a progressive urban form. That means increased
development and density through new builds and infilling and an increase in downtown
housing. More eyes on the streets means improved public safety. At the same time, it means
the retention of heritage buildings, spaces and precincts.
I believe that the perception of unsafe spaces is one of the limiting factors in the success of the
downtown. Our success in improving the public perception of the downtown will be
determined in part by an effective police presence. I support foot and bicycle patrols. I support
all efforts to eliminate illegal drug trafficking, which is a primary cause of downtown crime. I
also support the plan of the Police Services Board to hire ten more police officers and
additional support staff over the next several years.
I am a strong supporter of the street teams comprised of a police officer and a social worker
who seek out street people and put them in contact with housing and support services.
Earlier this year, I helped find the funding to increase the number of teams from one to two. I
am committed to finding increasing funding for four teams in order to have a full-time
presence in the downtown.
I will continue to support the work of the DBIA and its membership in their initiatives that
create a desirable destination and a successful economic centre. That support includes careful
attention and flexibility in providing the DBIA with the ongoing funding it requires.
I will revisit the resources provided for the cleanliness and attractiveness of the downtown,
including services provided by city staff and the DBIA. This includes attention to needle and
litter disposal, the condition of vacant properties, street furniture and community improvement
plans. While I appreciate the work that is currently being undertaken, I have no doubt that it
can and should be improved.
I will urge a review of our effectiveness in providing adequate lighting on city and privately
owned lands in the downtown, as a means of deterring criminal activity.
I will urge on councillors and staff a determined effort to maintain and increase public presence
in the downtown. This means more public events such as festivals, street fairs, concerts,
markets and patios. The frequency of positive experiences will help improve public perception
and public acceptance.
I appreciate the inter-related challenges presented by mental health, illegal drugs and
addiction, and their impact on the quality of downtown life. I will meet with MPP Smith to
determine the steps we can take, in concert with community organizations, the police and city
staff, to have a fresh look at the best course for managing these challenges.

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