Building More Housing – Carefully and Responsibly
Peterborough needs more housing. The question is not whether our city should grow, but how we make sure that growth is thoughtful, sustainable, and supported by the services residents depend on.
I support creating more housing options throughout Peterborough, including gentle density within established neighbourhoods. That could include secondary suites, duplexes, townhomes, smaller apartment buildings, and other forms of “missing-middle” housing. These options can help seniors remain in their communities, give young families a chance to enter the housing market, and provide more rental choices for people currently being priced out.
At the same time, intensification cannot be considered in isolation. New development affects parking, traffic, public transit, trees, drainage, road safety, water and sewer infrastructure, and the everyday functioning of a neighbourhood. These factors need to be considered early in the planning process—not after a project has already been approved.
Responsible planning does not mean freezing neighbourhoods in time. Peterborough will continue to change, and we need to make room for new residents and new housing. But residents should be able to understand what is being proposed, how their neighbourhood will be affected, and what infrastructure improvements will accompany that growth.
We can increase Peterborough’s housing supply while still respecting the people and neighbourhoods already here. That requires clear planning, meaningful public consultation, and a willingness to put the right forms of housing in the right locations.
The goal should be straightforward: more places for people to live, supported by infrastructure that allows our communities to remain safe, functional, and welcoming.
Coverage note: Chris Potter originally submitted his position to kawarthaNOW as part of its municipal candidate questionnaire. It was published alongside responses from candidates across Peterborough in “Peterborough ward candidates weigh in on housing intensification across the city” by Bethan Bates on August 11, 2026.