Who we are

The Peterborough County Stewardship Council is made up of a dozen local volunteer landowners and agency representatives dedicated to the wise use (stewardship) of soil, water, woodlands, wetlands, wildlife and other natural resources on private lands. Peterborough County Stewardship is a community-based program that develops, supports, promotes and delivers a wide array of high quality resource management programs and services on behalf of residents and organizations in Peterborough County.

Council Vision

"Landowners and organizations working together to promote, encourage, support and demonstrate the value of using our soil, water, wetlands, woodlands, wildlife and other natural resources wisely, to maximize economic, ecological and social (recreational) opportunities and benefits for current and future generations."

A "Snapshot" of Peterborough County

Peterborough County, with a population of 125,000, is a predominantly rural area encompassing approximately 4,000 square kilometres. Peterborough County lies between Victoria County in the west and Hastings County in the east. Rice Lake forms the southern boundary while to the north lies neighbouring Haliburton County.

Peterborough County is divided into two geographically unique areas, by the Kawartha Lakes. The southern half of the County features a vibrant rural- agricultural community where beef and dairy farming predominate. The northern half of the County, featuring shield-related topography, is dotted with hundreds of lakes and rivers that support a large and vibrant cottage, tourism and recreation industry.

The Otonabee River and the Trent-Severn Waterway, along with the Kawartha Lakes that they flow through, are regarded as one of the most productive fresh water fisheries in the world. The city of Peterborough straddles the Otonabee River and Trent Canal. The City is considered both the economic and geographic hub of the County.

A large portion of the rural population depends on the land and related natural resources for their livelihood. Many urban and rural residents, along with a large number of visitors are attracted to and utilize the areas abundant and diverse natural amenities (forests, lakes, streams, fish and wildlife) for recreational purposes. Community surveys have confirmed that private landowners are interested in managing their land wisely to ensure their health and that the economic, environmental and recreational value of their lands can be conserved, promoted and enhanced for the benefit of current and future generations.

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