We are a grassroots advocacy group working to protect public services and community infrastructure in Peterborough, especially those that support children, families, education, and a livable future. We push for transparent governance, equitable investments, and long-term thinking in our city’s decision-making.
About Us
Our Future Peterborough is a group of residents, parents, educators, artists, and neighbours who believe that a city that invests in its youngest residents – through education, libraries, parks, childcare, and climate action – is a city that believes in its own future.
At a time when public institutions are being quietly dismantled, we stand for the principle that every dollar spent on kids is a dollar invested in community well-being, intergenerational equity, and democratic resilience.
We formed in 2025 in response to cuts to library staffing, including the proposed elimination of the children’s librarian role. On this issue and others, we mobilize to push back against austerity, advocate for better spending decisions, and ensure that Peterborough remains a place where all children and the people who care for them can thrive.
We believe that public services are worth protecting, and that our children’s education, care, creativity, and future wellbeing deserve meaningful investment.
Our Mission
- To advocate for strong, publicly funded services that support children, families, and communities
- To demand transparency and accountability from municipal leaders
- To support equitable, climate-conscious, and future-focused policies
- To organize grassroots responses to budget decisions that harm our most vulnerable residents
Help us push for a safe and transparent demolition at the former GE site
Our Future Peterborough stands with residents calling for a transparent and safety-focused approach to the planned demolition of former General Electric buildings, located in a densely populated area very near to many homes, businesses, and Prince of Wales Public School.
Sign the letter to join local residents calling on the Medical Officer of Health to require detailed demolition plans and contaminant testing (organized by local residents)
Read the report (2017) detailing the known toxic industrial chemicals used at the Peterborough General Electric plant between 1945 and 2000.
Get involved. If you want to help us raise awareness and promote this issue, get in touch and join our mailing list.
Defending Libraries and Librarians
In spring 2025, OFP urged the City of Peterborough to reverse proposed cuts that would have eliminated three Peterborough librarian positions, including the city's only dedicated Children's Librarian. We authored an open letter that was signed by over 100 celebrated writers, artists, educators, and performers who agreed with us on the indispensable value of librarians – including Margaret Atwood, Neil Young, Daryl Hannah, Lois Lowry, and Fred Penner. Shortly after, the City announced it would "pause" the job cuts due to community backlash, and the Library CEO followed up with a plan to reallocate funds that will keep all three librarian positions instated.
