Peterborough, located on the Otonabee River in Ontario, Canada, is approximately 125 kilometres northeast of Toronto. Known as the gateway to the Kawarthas, or "cottage country," the city had a population of 83,651 in 2021, with the wider Peterborough Census Metropolitan Area housing 128,624 residents. Historically recognized as "The Electric City," Peterborough was Canada's pioneer in electric streetlight adoption, highlighting its technological and manufacturing legacy. Several global firms, including Siemens, Rolls-Royce Limited, and General Electric, once anchored the city's industrial landscape, with Quaker Oats, now part of PepsiCo, remaining a prominent downtown presence.
Despite its rich manufacturing history, Peterborough has experienced economic shifts. The reduction in major manufacturing plants, culminating in the 2018 closure of General Electric's last facility, has led the city towards a more service-oriented economy. Today, tourism stands as the predominant industry, making Peterborough a blend of historical significance and evolving economic dynamics. The city, named after early Canadian politician Peter Robinson, also serves as the seat of Peterborough County.
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