Peterborough
Site Updates
WHAT IS CHANGING?
In late 2024, GE Vernova retained Canadian engineering firm BBA to assess the condition of the vacant and unused buildings at its Peterborough site. The assessment found that most of the old manufacturing buildings are at or past their useful service life, in poor condition, and have already begun to show signs of structural degradation. The condition of these buildings could create a future safety risk if not managed properly now.
After careful consideration of the options, GE Vernova determined that the best course of action would be to demolish a number of these vacant buildings.
Step One of the Process – Heritage Designation
GE Vernova understands the importance this property holds for many members of the Peterborough community. In recognition of this, the company engaged ERA Architects, an award-winning Canadian architecture firm, to assess the site’s heritage value.
Between early September 2025 and late February 2026, the City of Peterborough completed its heritage review process for the site. As a result, the City of Peterborough adopted By-Law 26—023 which designated certain portions of the property which contained buildings that have heritage value.
PROGRESS UPDATE
Stay up to date with the process.
THE SITE
Fostering Positive
Change In The
Community
Enhancing the Perimeter
GE Vernova will be making aesthetic enhancements to the perimeter of the site.
Honouring Community Memories
GE Vernova intends to commemorate the site’s history following the deconstruction process. GE Vernova will be seeking input from residents to share what the site and its history has meant to the community throughout the years.
Preserving the History of the Site in Peterborough
Several architecturally significant buildings will be retained on site, in accordance with the City’s designation of a portion of the property in February 2026.
Responsibly Managing the Site
GE Vernova will continue to work with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks to manage the site, and is committed to developing a deconstruction plan that minimizes disruptions to the neighbourhood and meets all applicable requirements.
OUR HISTORY
Creating a Better World with
the Peterborough Community
Creating a Better World
with the Peterborough
Community
General Electric established its first global expansion plant in Peterborough in 1892, launching a long-standing relationship with Canada and the community that would span over 130 years. Since then, the plant has played an important role in shaping the City’s identity over the decades, and helping to establish Canada as a global leader in the energy space.
1891
GE Peterborough Established
Canadian General Electric's (CGE) first international expansion opens in Peterborough, laying the foundation for more than 130 years of continuous operation in Canada. Community and civic engagement became a hallmark of the plant's culture, with CGE and the City growing together over the course of decades.
1893
Peterborough's Electric Street Railway
Canadian General Electric helps modernize Peterborough by building the City's first electric street railway. The system improved community connectivity, enabling easier access to work, school, and social opportunities.
1918
Wartime Efforts & Charitable Contributions
During WWI, Canadian General Electric raised a regiment detachment of 25 mechanical and electrical engineers for government service to assist with overseas operations efforts alongside the Royal Canadian Engineers. The company also contributed to organizations like the Red Cross, and was a major subscriber to the Dominion of Canada War Loan.
1927
Peterborough Plant Sport & Athletic Association
Canadian General Electric founds a sport and social club that hosts events such as picnics, sports tournaments, galas, and other events to help foster a sense of belonging among families. Initiatives like these helped build connections beyond the workplace and out in the community. Today, the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame displays a number of artifacts from athletic teams associated with the Association.
1931
Kawartha Golf & Country Club
To provide affordable and accessible recreation, Canadian General Electric creates the Kawartha Golf and Country Club, designed by renowned architect, Stanley Thompson. The Club remains a vibrant community hub to this day, fostering lasting social connections between Peterborough residents.
1940
The Blue Coverall Brigade
During WWII, women joined the workforce in unprecedented numbers, entering into traditionally male dominated roles. Canadian General Electric became a catalyst for lasting social change, advancing early feminism by enabling women to contribute meaningfully to industrial production. Known as the “Blue Coverall Brigade”, these women were trailblazers in expanding the bounds of work for women in Canada.
1954
Kawartha Credit Union
Canadian General Electric helps create and grow what today is known as the Kawartha Credit Union (originally Cangeco), expanding financial services to anyone living or working in Peterborough. Today, the Kawartha Credit Union serves over 50,000 members with online and mobile banking access, with a network of 23 branches extending from Cornwall to Parry Sound.
1955
Nuclear Power Innovation
Canadian General Electric, in partnership with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and the Hydro Electric Power Commission of Ontario, brings nuclear energy to Canada for the first time through the construction of a nuclear power station at Chalk River. Known as the Nuclear Power Demonstration, the project served as a proving ground and prototype for the CANDU reactor.
1962
Land Donation to Trent University
Canadian General Electric donates over 100 acres of land to create the core campus of Trent University. Today the University has over 13,000 students enrolled, and is ranked #1 in Ontario for student services. CGE also donated the Nassau Mills Hydro Generating Station, providing electricity to the University at a significant cost saving, and contributing to student learning for generations to come. Since then, the University has upgraded the generating equipment to modern standards, continuing to generate power that fuels the learning of thousands of students each year.
1963
Major Gift to Trent University
Canadian General Electric and its employees donate $300,000 (equivalent to $500,000 today), to the founding of Trent University, the largest donation on behalf of industrial employees to a Canadian university at the time. Today, the University is a top-ranked academic institution, with over 13,000 students enrolled.
1980
Partnership with United Way
In the 1980s, GE becomes the largest single-source donor to United Way funded agencies in Peterborough, contributing to major projects like the YMCA, and securing new hospital equipment, such as a CAT Scan machine for Civic Hospital.
2001
Indigenous Student Awards
General Electric pledges a one-time donation of $116,250 (equivalent to approximately $195,000 today), to create seven new undergraduate awards to support Indigenous students enrolled in Computer and / or Administrative studies at Trent University, reinforcing the importance of equitable and inclusive access to education.
2015
Emergency Support to United Way
General Electric donates $180,729 to the United Way when the charitable organization found itself at risk of not meeting their annual campaign funding goal. This donation helped the United Way in their efforts to improve people’s quality of life in the City and County of Peterborough, reducing poverty and building strong and healthy communities for all.
Current
Carrying on the Legacy
The legacy of the large electric motor and generator product line that was developed in Peterborough continues through the ongoing operations of the GE Vernova engineering and commercial team’s that continue to work at the site. GE Vernova became a stand-alone, publicly traded company on April 2, 2024, after being spun off from General Electric (GE).
1891
GE Peterborough Established
Canadian General Electric's (CGE) first international expansion opens in Peterborough, laying the foundation for more than 130 years of continuous operation in Canada. Community and civic engagement became a hallmark of the plant's culture, with CGE and the City growing together over the course of decades.
1893
Peterborough's Electric Street Railway
Canadian General Electric helps modernize Peterborough by building the City's first electric street railway. The system improved community connectivity, enabling easier access to work, school, and social opportunities.
1918
Wartime Efforts & Charitable Contributions
During WWI, Canadian General Electric raised a regiment detachment of 25 mechanical and electrical engineers for government service to assist with overseas operations efforts alongside the Royal Canadian Engineers. The company also contributed to organizations like the Red Cross, and was a major subscriber to the Dominion of Canada War Loan.
1927
Peterborough Plant Sport & Athletic Association
Canadian General Electric founds a sport and social club that hosts events such as picnics, sports tournaments, galas, and other events to help foster a sense of belonging among families. Initiatives like these helped build connections beyond the workplace and out in the community. Today, the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame displays a number of artifacts from athletic teams associated with the Association.
1931
Kawartha Golf & Country Club
To provide affordable and accessible recreation, Canadian General Electric creates the Kawartha Golf and Country Club, designed by renowned architect, Stanley Thompson. The Club remains a vibrant community hub to this day, fostering lasting social connections between Peterborough residents.
1940
The Blue Coverall Brigade
During WWII, women joined the workforce in unprecedented numbers, entering into traditionally male dominated roles. Canadian General Electric became a catalyst for lasting social change, advancing early feminism by enabling women to contribute meaningfully to industrial production. Known as the “Blue Coverall Brigade”, these women were trailblazers in expanding the bounds of work for women in Canada.
1954
Kawartha Credit Union
Canadian General Electric helps create and grow what today is known as the Kawartha Credit Union (originally Cangeco), expanding financial services to anyone living or working in Peterborough. Today, the Kawartha Credit Union serves over 50,000 members with online and mobile banking access, with a network of 23 branches extending from Cornwall to Parry Sound.
1955
Nuclear Power Innovation
Canadian General Electric, in partnership with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and the Hydro Electric Power Commission of Ontario, brings nuclear energy to Canada for the first time through the construction of a nuclear power station at Chalk River. Known as the Nuclear Power Demonstration, the project served as a proving ground and prototype for the CANDU reactor.
1962
Land Donation to Trent University
Canadian General Electric donates over 100 acres of land to create the core campus of Trent University. Today the University has over 13,000 students enrolled, and is ranked #1 in Ontario for student services. CGE also donated the Nassau Mills Hydro Generating Station, providing electricity to the University at a significant cost saving, and contributing to student learning for generations to come. Since then, the University has upgraded the generating equipment to modern standards, continuing to generate power that fuels the learning of thousands of students each year.
1963
Major Gift to Trent University
Canadian General Electric and its employees donate $300,000 (equivalent to $500,000 today), to the founding of Trent University, the largest donation on behalf of industrial employees to a Canadian university at the time. Today, the University is a top-ranked academic institution, with over 13,000 students enrolled.
1980
Partnership with United Way
In the 1980s, GE becomes the largest single-source donor to United Way funded agencies in Peterborough, contributing to major projects like the YMCA, and securing new hospital equipment, such as a CAT Scan machine for Civic Hospital.
2001
Indigenous Student Awards
General Electric pledges a one-time donation of $116,250 (equivalent to approximately $195,000 today), to create seven new undergraduate awards to support Indigenous students enrolled in Computer and / or Administrative studies at Trent University, reinforcing the importance of equitable and inclusive access to education.
2015
Emergency Support to United Way
General Electric donates $180,729 to the United Way when the charitable organization found itself at risk of not meeting their annual campaign funding goal. This donation helped the United Way in their efforts to improve people’s quality of life in the City and County of Peterborough, reducing poverty and building strong and healthy communities for all.
Current
Carrying on the Legacy
The legacy of the large electric motor and generator product line that was developed in Peterborough continues through the ongoing operations of the GE Vernova engineering and commercial team’s that continue to work at the site. GE Vernova became a stand-alone, publicly traded company on April 2, 2024, after being spun off from General Electric (GE).
1891
GE Peterborough Established
Canadian General Electric's (CGE) first international expansion opens in Peterborough, laying the foundation for more than 130 years of continuous operation in Canada. Community and civic engagement became a hallmark of the plant's culture, with CGE and the City growing together over the course of decades.
1893
Peterborough's Electric Street Railway
Canadian General Electric helps modernize Peterborough by building the City's first electric street railway. The system improved community connectivity, enabling easier access to work, school, and social opportunities.
1918
Wartime Efforts & Charitable Contributions
During WWI, Canadian General Electric raised a regiment detachment of 25 mechanical and electrical engineers for government service to assist with overseas operations efforts alongside the Royal Canadian Engineers. The company also contributed to organizations like the Red Cross, and was a major subscriber to the Dominion of Canada War Loan.
1927
Peterborough Plant Sport & Athletic Association
Canadian General Electric founds a sport and social club that hosts events such as picnics, sports tournaments, galas, and other events to help foster a sense of belonging among families. Initiatives like these helped build connections beyond the workplace and out in the community. Today, the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame displays a number of artifacts from athletic teams associated with the Association.
1931
Kawartha Golf & Country Club
To provide affordable and accessible recreation, Canadian General Electric creates the Kawartha Golf and Country Club, designed by renowned architect, Stanley Thompson. The Club remains a vibrant community hub to this day, fostering lasting social connections between Peterborough residents.
1940
The Blue Coverall Brigade
During WWII, women joined the workforce in unprecedented numbers, entering into traditionally male dominated roles. Canadian General Electric became a catalyst for lasting social change, advancing early feminism by enabling women to contribute meaningfully to industrial production. Known as the “Blue Coverall Brigade”, these women were trailblazers in expanding the bounds of work for women in Canada.
1954
Kawartha Credit Union
Canadian General Electric helps create and grow what today is known as the Kawartha Credit Union (originally Cangeco), expanding financial services to anyone living or working in Peterborough. Today, the Kawartha Credit Union serves over 50,000 members with online and mobile banking access, with a network of 23 branches extending from Cornwall to Parry Sound.
1955
Nuclear Power Innovation
Canadian General Electric, in partnership with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and the Hydro Electric Power Commission of Ontario, brings nuclear energy to Canada for the first time through the construction of a nuclear power station at Chalk River. Known as the Nuclear Power Demonstration, the project served as a proving ground and prototype for the CANDU reactor.
1962
Land Donation to Trent University
Canadian General Electric donates over 100 acres of land to create the core campus of Trent University. Today the University has over 13,000 students enrolled, and is ranked #1 in Ontario for student services. CGE also donated the Nassau Mills Hydro Generating Station, providing electricity to the University at a significant cost saving, and contributing to student learning for generations to come. Since then, the University has upgraded the generating equipment to modern standards, continuing to generate power that fuels the learning of thousands of students each year.
1963
Major Gift to Trent University
Canadian General Electric and its employees donate $300,000 (equivalent to $500,000 today), to the founding of Trent University, the largest donation on behalf of industrial employees to a Canadian university at the time. Today, the University is a top-ranked academic institution, with over 13,000 students enrolled.
1980
Partnership with United Way
In the 1980s, GE becomes the largest single-source donor to United Way funded agencies in Peterborough, contributing to major projects like the YMCA, and securing new hospital equipment, such as a CAT Scan machine for Civic Hospital.
2001
Indigenous Student Awards
General Electric pledges a one-time donation of $116,250 (equivalent to approximately $195,000 today), to create seven new undergraduate awards to support Indigenous students enrolled in Computer and / or Administrative studies at Trent University, reinforcing the importance of equitable and inclusive access to education.
2015
Emergency Support to United Way
General Electric donates $180,729 to the United Way when the charitable organization found itself at risk of not meeting their annual campaign funding goal. This donation helped the United Way in their efforts to improve people’s quality of life in the City and County of Peterborough, reducing poverty and building strong and healthy communities for all.
Current
Carrying on the Legacy
The legacy of the large electric motor and generator product line that was developed in Peterborough continues through the ongoing operations of the GE Vernova engineering and commercial team’s that continue to work at the site. GE Vernova became a stand-alone, publicly traded company on April 2, 2024, after being spun off from General Electric (GE).
Architectural Heritage & Continued Use
Uncover Details About the
Buildings Being Retained
In accordance with the heritage designation approved by City Council in February 2026, GE Vernova will maintain four buildings currently in use and / or under GE Vernova’s control, all of which are located in the southeast portion of the site.
Four additional buildings, located on the west portion of the site, are currently occupied and used by GE Vernova’s long-term tenant for industrial purposes.
Share Your Memories
GE Vernova has long been part of the fabric of Peterborough, with deep roots set down over decades. While long-term plans for commemorating the site’s role in the community are still under consideration, GE Vernova would like to hear from you.
How has the site
helped shape the community?
How has the site helped shape the community?
If you have a story, photo, or recollection, GE Vernova invites you to share it.