The Competition

Competition Overview

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?

Resources

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.

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.

Project Deliverables

The project will culminate in two primary deliverables:

1. A Comprehensive Report
2. An Engaging Presentation

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.

Judging and Evaluation

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.

Awards

First Place

• A cash prize worth $500.00
• Recognition in at least one industry publication as well as on Rain It In’s website and social media channels
• An award recognition certificate for each team member

Second Place

• A cash prize worth $300.00
• Recognition in at least one industry publication as well as on Rain It In’s website and social media channels
• An award recognition certificate for each team member

Third Place

• • A cash prize worth $200.00
  • Recognition in at least one industry publication as well as on Rain It In’s website and social media channels
  • An award recognition certificate for each team member

All students who complete the challenge in full will receive a participation certificate.

Registration

• Registration is open to registered full-time or part-time students at a college or university (undergraduate or graduate) in Canada
• There is no entry fee
• There are no travel requirements as all aspects of the competition will be hosted virtually
• Teams should consist of a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of six (6) students
• As climate change is a multi-sectoral problem, we recommend participants build diversified teams across various programs and majors to gain different perspectives and skills useful for developing a successful solution to the challenge
• Students do not need to be attending the same educational institution to be on the same team

The deadline to register your team is February 2 at 11:59PM EST.

Click here to register.

About the Project Host: The City of Peterborough

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 20^th 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.