General Electric Vernova

General Electric (GE) Vernova had approached Peterborough City Council for permission to demolish several vacant buildings on its complex on Park St in Peterborough, ON. The demolition of these building is quite controversial, as the site is known to have used up to 3000 chemicals daily, during operations with some being carcinogenic.

Peterborough City Council on Monday October 20, 2025 by a 6-5 vote, gave approval to GE to proceed with demolition. They chose to ignore nine presentations, some from nearby residents, former GE employees, Miskin Law (which specializes in cancer cases caused by exposure to toxic substances) and more expressing their concerns. They also chose to ignore their own staffs recommendation for a heritage impact assessment.

Six councillors ignored these speeches, Mayor Leal, Councillors Beamer, Haacke, Vassiliadis Parnell, and Duguay. Five Councillors, Baldwin, Lachica, Reil, Bierk and Crowley.

The mayors solution was to forward the whole matter to the Ministry of the Environmental, Conservation and Parks (MECP). This is yet another example of how this council chooses to ignore the legitimate concerns of its citizens.

Voted to allow demolition:

Mayor Jeff Leal

Councilor Andrew Beamer

Councilor Dave Haacke

Councilor Don Vassiliadis

Councilor Lesley Parnell

Councilor Kevin Duguay

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