Brock Mission Project - Chemong Rd
On February 3, 2025, at Brock Mission's request, Mayor Jeff Leal invokes Strong Mayor powers to rezone 738 Chemong Road and exempt the project from normal site-plan controls, fast-tracking a six-storey, 52-unit transitional housing project proposed by Brock Mission which is located adjacent to Cameron House - an emergency shelter for women.
After the Open House—held only four days before the vote—where residents and City Councillors alike first learned project details, Councillor Joy LaChica calls the project a backroom deal.
The City Council meeting descends into procedural chaos. A bylaw is changed without notification moments before the meeting, delegations are interrupted, and City Councillors are prevented from debating the use of Strong Mayor powers themselves.
Despite a strong majority of City Council voting against the project — including the two co-chairs of the homelessness portfolio — the Mayor’s decision overrides them.
Voted to proceed:
Mayor Jeff Leal
Councilor Gary Baldwin
Councilor Lesley Parnell
Councilor Kevin Duguay
Learn More Below
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January 13, 2026
Peterborough Examiner: Council releases closed-session report over Brock Mission development controversy
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December 30, 2025
Kawartha Now: kawarthaNOW’s top 25 stories of 2025
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December 27, 2025
Peterborough Examiner: This year in strong-mayor powers
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December 22, 2025
Kawartha Now: ‘A Christmas miracle’: Fundraiser reaches goal for Peterborough neighbourhood group facing $22,500 legal settlement
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December 20, 2025
Peterborough Examiner: Northcrest neighborhood group launches GoFundMe page
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December 19, 2025
Kawartha Now: Neighbourhood association launches fundraiser to cover $22,500 settlement payment to City of Peterborough and Brock Mission
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December 18, 2025
Peterborough Examiner: Group agrees to settlement after abandoned legal challenge
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December 17, 2025
Kawartha Now: Neighbourhood association agrees to pay $22,500 settlement to the City of Peterborough and Brock Mission
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December 12, 2025
Peterborough Currents: Two short stories about strong mayor powers in Peterborough
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December 10, 2025
Peterborough Examiner: Peterborough group drops legal action on strong-mayor powers
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November 26, 2025
Peterborough Examiner: Group ordered to post $30k for strong-mayor powers challenge
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November 5, 2025
Peterborough Examiner: Brock Mission project has been right and wrong
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November 3, 2025
Peterborough Examiner: Pending injunction could stop Brock Mission expansion
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June 11, 2025
Peterborough Examiner: Group may seek to halt Brock Mission building permit
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May 2, 2025
Peterborough Examiner: Peterborough heading to court over strong-mayor powers
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April 4, 2025
Kawartha Now: Peterborough residents’ group to issue legal challenge of Mayor Jeff Leal’s use of strong mayor powers
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March 7, 2025
Peterborough Examiner: Brock Mission continued plans for Chemong Rd. project
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March 6, 2025
Peterborough Examiner: Brock Mission no longer considering alternate sites
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March 3, 2025
Kawartha Now: Provincial dollars haven’t been promised Brock Mission’s transitional housing project, says Peterborough MPP-elect
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February 27, 2025
Kawartha Now: Site testing work begins at future location of Brock Mission’s transitional housing development in Peterborough
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February 26, 2025
Global News: Peterborough city council approves fast-track moves for Brock Mission project on Chemong Road
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February 26, 2025
Trent Arthur: Brock Mission Development Project Goes Forth in Spite of Backlash from Community and City Council
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February 26, 2025
Peterborough Examiner: Brock Mission expansion is a threat to existing shelter
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February 25, 2025
Kawartha Now: Tempers flare during Peterborough city council meeting on strong mayor powers motion to expedite Brock Mission project
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February 25, 2025
Peterborough Examiner: New Brock Mission building gets the green light from Peterborough city councillors
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February 22, 2025
Peterborough Examiner: Lachica to call for deferral on Brock Mission project
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February 21, 2025
Peterborough Examiner: Residents raise concerns about Brock Mission expansion
Frequently Asked Questions
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Please click the link to view all the documents received through the freedom of information request.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ME5BjgAGx1JgXZh0zxNmXA1y7TEBa_ov/view
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The GoFundMe can be accessed using the link below:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-city-of-ptbo-is-sending-a-message-send-yours-back