The Problem
Jackson Creek, the largest subwatershed in Peterborough, meanders towards its confluence with Little Lake as a tributary of the Otonabee River. Situated in downtown Peterborough, Little Lake is a vibrant hub for both locals and visitors, offering a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, and boating, as well as hosting special events. Unfortunately, Jackson Creek and Little Lake are grappling with significant environmental challenges, that are being exacerbated by climate change such as erosion, declining water quality, and pollution. These issues encompass debris, sediment buildup, excessive phosphorous and nitrogen levels, and harmful algae blooms. Consequently, public access to these waters has been increasingly restricted due to frequent beach closures, and the risks to the local ecosystem and fresh water sources.
The Challenge
What can the City of Peterborough do to improve the health of Jackson Creek and Little Lake through restoration, public access, and policy?
As part of the competition, an informational webinar will be hosted in partnership with the City of Peterborough on January 23, 2025 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST. The purpose of this webinar is to provide additional information about the problem and to answer questions. Students are encouraged to attend the webinar live, but if they are unable to attend, a recording will be made available afterwards. The City of Peterborough has compiled relevant resources that may be helpful for students to review. These resources will be made available on the website and will also be shared directly with registered teams.
Click here to register for the informational webinar.
Rain It In will host a virtual mentorship workshop on February 13, 2025 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST to help connect students with industry professionals who will provide mentorship on their project ideas and share information about different career opportunities. Rain It In will also host a virtual skills development workshop on March 6, 2025 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST to teach students the fundamentals of how to give an effective pitch.
In addition to the resources provided by the City of Peterborough and Rain It In, student teams are allowed and encouraged to do their own research and make their own connections with industry professionals as needed.
ID: 17002103802
Stream: Jackson Creek
Location: Dalhousie St, Peterborough,
Status: Active
First Year Sampled: 1969
Last Year Sampled: 2024 (data is only available on provincial website until 2022)
Latitude 44°17’58″N Longitude 78°19’14″W
Additional resources such as photos, the Jackson Creek Management Plan (2022) and Beavermead and Rogers Cove Data (2023) will be shared directly with registered teams.
Registration Opens
Informational Webinar from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST
Registration Closes at 11:59 PM EST
Mentorship Workshop from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST
Skills Development Workshop from 1:00 PM - 2:00pm EST
Project Submission Deadline at 11:59 PM EST
Final Pitch Event from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST
The project will culminate in two primary deliverables:
All project deliverables should be submitted to the Google Drive for evaluation by March 16, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST. A unique link will be provided to each student team after registration closes to use for their submission.
The top five teams selected to present virtually on April 3, 2025, will be notified by email no later than March 23, 2025. At the conclusion of the event, the winning team will be announced, and a photo will be taken with the team alongside representatives from the City of Peterborough.
The judging panels will be comprised of individuals from a variety of backgrounds which could include municipal, academic, engineering, regulatory, conservation, communications, public education, and outreach. The number of judges and their affiliations will be shared throughout the competition.
The scoring sheets have been designed for the judges to use to evaluate the project submissions.
First Place
Second Place
Third Place
All students who complete the challenge in full will receive a participation certificate.
Curtis has 14 years of experience across various disciplines of Civil Engineering. He began his career in the private sector as a construction inspector, where he gained valuable field experience and practical construction knowledge. He then advanced to working as a CAD technician and designer on Land Development Projects, applying his field expertise to create engineered plans and contract documents. In 2017, Curtis transitioned to the public sector as a Capital Works designer for the City of Peterborough, where he contributed to numerous road and trail reconstruction projects throughout the City. In 2019, he took on his current role as the City’s Stormwater System Specialist, overseeing the implementation of the City’s Stormwater Quality Master Plan. His responsibilities include coordinating operations and maintenance of stormwater infrastructure, managing stormwater management retrofit contracts, developing policies and programs, and providing project management expertise for municipal projects. In his free time, Curtis enjoys exercising, playing guitar, and spending time with his family.
Ian has over fifteen years working in the field of water resources engineering, building a career in the public sector, including five years at a conservation authority. Over this time, Ian has developed his passion, and specialized skills in surface water hydrology and hydraulics, and now applies this experience to leading the development of municipal programs and policies for stormwater, wastewater and natural systems in the City of Peterborough. He is currently the Manager, Water Resource Systems at the City of Peterborough, leading a small but mighty team of three technologists and one engineer. His team leads sanitary, stormwater and watershed planning related master plans, environmental assessments, and other engineering activities. Advancing the City’s flood reduction and water quality efforts is at the forefront of their work, through long-term capital planning, inspection and maintenance of existing sewers and stormwater facilities and providing an experienced engineering review of all private development proposals.
Dylan studied Environmental Technology at Fleming College, and Environmental Science at Trent University prior to completing a Masters of Sustainability Studies at Trent University. Dylan has spent the last 12 years living around Peterborough and is involved with an abundance of environmental and natural resource projects through work and volunteer engagement. He was also the past president of the Peterborough Field Naturalists, and a founding member of the Odoonabii Watershed Stewards. He frequently writes about nature and the environment in the Kawarthas. He brings experience in water resources management, geomatics, low impact development design, and construction. During downtime Dylan can be found hiking local trails, tinkering with electronics, or cooking in the kitchen.
Ken is a Graduate of Adam Scott C.V.I and the University of Waterloo, where he studied Civil Engineering with a focus on Water Resources. Ken is a Professional Engineer and a Designated Consulting Engineer in the Province of Ontario. Ken currently works as the Manager of Water Resources Engineering at DM Wills Associates Limited in Peterborough and has over 15 years of experience in water resource engineering and engineering management with a focus on hydrologic studies, modelling and design of hydraulic structures and bridges, stormwater management for land development and linear infrastructure, fluvial geomorphology and natural channel design, engineering under the Drainage Act, regulatory floodplain mapping, and dam safety analysis.
The deadline to register your team is February 2 at 11:59PM EST.
Click here to register.
Peterborough, Ontario, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes region, approximately 125 kilometers northeast of Toronto. Known as “The Electric City” due to its early adoption of hydroelectricity, Peterborough boasts a rich history and a dynamic present. With a population of about 85,000 residents, the city strikes a perfect balance between urban amenities and small-town charm. It is home to prestigious educational institutions like Trent University and Fleming College, which contribute to its youthful and innovative atmosphere.
The Peterborough Lift Lock is a remarkable feat of engineering and a significant landmark in the city. Built in 1904, it is the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world, rising 19.8 meters (65 feet). Located on the Trent-Severn Waterway, this National Historic Site of Canada uses a unique counterbalance system to lift boats between the upper and lower sections of the canal. The Lift Lock not only serves as a crucial part of the waterway but also stands as a testament to early 20th-century innovation and continues to be a source of pride for Peterborough residents.
The city’s natural beauty is one of its defining features, with the Otonabee River flowing through its center and numerous parks and trails dotting the landscape. Peterborough is renowned for its cultural scene, hosting various festivals, museums, and art galleries that celebrate both local and international talent. The city’s commitment to sustainability and outdoor recreation is evident in its extensive network of cycling paths and conservation areas. With its blend of history, education, culture, and nature, Peterborough offers a high quality of life for residents and a memorable experience for visitors, making it a gem in Ontario’s crown.
July 2024 marked the 20th anniversary of a major flooding event which impacted many areas of the City. The 2004 Flood served as a key turning point in how the City of Peterborough proceeded to address the inherent risks related to Stormwater Management, putting the City on the pathway of long-term climate adaptation.
