Chris Potter Enters the Race for Otonabee Ward
On May 1, I officially filed my nomination papers to run for Peterborough City Council in Otonabee Ward.
The decision to run came from many conversations about affordability, municipal services, infrastructure, and the relationship residents have with City Hall. While the specific concerns differ from one neighbourhood to another, a consistent theme has emerged: people want to know that their municipal government understands the financial and practical pressures they face.
Affordability will therefore be one of the central focuses of my campaign. Property taxes and municipal fees do not exist separately from rising food prices, housing costs, utilities, transportation, and other household expenses. Every decision at City Hall needs to acknowledge that residents have limited resources and expect their municipal government to use public money carefully.
That does not mean avoiding necessary investment. Peterborough still needs reliable infrastructure, well-maintained roads and public spaces, effective services, housing, recreation, and long-term planning. The challenge is establishing clear priorities, demonstrating value, and being transparent about what residents are receiving for the money being spent.
Accountability will be equally important. Residents should be able to understand council decisions, see how projects are progressing, and determine whether promised results were actually delivered. Communication should continue after an election rather than appearing only when candidates are seeking votes.
Otonabee Ward contains established neighbourhoods, businesses, major roads, parks, natural areas, community facilities, and Fleming College. Representing it requires attention to immediate neighbourhood concerns alongside the larger decisions affecting Peterborough’s future.
Over the months ahead, I will continue listening to residents and sharing clear positions on the issues within the City’s responsibility.
Coverage note: Chris Potter’s candidacy was included in “With 2 months left before nominations close, the field is already crowded for Peterborough’s municipal election” by Bethan Bates, published by kawarthaNOW on June 25, 2026.