ATU Local 1320

08/30/2026

ATU 1320 met with Gavin Muir who is running for city council in Peterborough, Northcrest Ward 5. Gavin told us how he has been a Peterborough resident since high school and is connected to his community. Gavin spent many years as a lawyer and shifted into teaching music, voice acting, and other endeavors. He has chosen to run for city council because after years of quietly watching the city, he has decided that Peterborough needs to govern itself with “the human perspective” at the forefront. Gavin spoke about the need to stop kicking the can down the road, and to take a pragmatic and progressive human approach to the issues facing our city. We were quite impressed by Gavin’s ideas.

Gavin spoke about the importance of public transit as operating as a public service; transit is the equalizer in opening up opportunities to those without transportation, as transit is the “great connector.” He described transit as a lifeline and that he believed in the idea of teaching youth how to ride public transit, and how that could make the bus system seem less intimidating, which would hopefully create new lifelong transit users.

The best part (for us) is that Gavin joined several other municipal candidates in signing the ATU PLEDGE - that if he is elected to Peterborough City Council, he will vote to KEEP TRANSIT PUBLIC and that he will vote to fund transit in line with the transportation master plan! Well done Gavin!

If you would like to read more about Gavin’s campaign platform, please see his website, https://www.gavinmuir.ca

ATU Canada Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU)

08/29/2026

ATU 1320 attended the SAY NO TO HATE rally outside city hall today. Racism, bigotry and xenophobia have no place in Canada. We are stronger together.

08/17/2026

ATU 1320 met with Chris Potter for Otonabee-Ward 1, who is running for City council in Otonabee ward in the City of Peterborough.

Chris brings a wealth of experience and knowledge into this election, and we were thoroughly impressed by his platform.

Chris said that public transit is the “equalizer” of the city, opening up opportunities to those who do not drive. He said that transit needs to be given the respect it deserves. Chris quite correctly identified how many people see buses in our city as an obstacle rather than the necessity that they are. Chris spoke about how having a frequent and funded transit system is attractive to employers who may decide to open up operations in the city, which would help us grow. Chris recognized the importance of generating new partnerships with the provincial and federal governments to grow our transit system!

The best part (for us) is that Chris joined several other municipal candidates in signing the ATU PLEDGE - that if he is elected to Peterborough City Council, he will vote to KEEP TRANSIT PUBLIC and that he will vote to fund transit in line with the transportation master plan! Well done Chris!

If you would like to read more about Chris’ campaign platform, please see his website, https://chrispotter.vote

08/14/2026

ATU 1320 is running a fundraiser for Katie Burns, the wife of our union member and former president, brother Tyler Burns. Katie has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. As many know, those trips to Toronto, overnight stays, and childcare are not cheap.

If you, your Local, or your business are able to make a financial contribution to support Tyler and his family, an e-transfer may be sent to [email protected]. Please specify in the note that this donation is for the ATU 1320 Fundraiser.

08/12/2026

Today ATU 1320 met with Peterborough mayoral candidate Rebecca Schillemat. Rebecca is a refreshingly real candidate for mayor of Peterborough, who is running a platform that includes investing in public transit. While the environmental perspective was key, in that more buses decreases the amount of cars on our roads, she also acknowledged how important public transportation is for people who utilize it daily as a public service. We were especially impressed by Rebecca’s community driven resume, and her ideas for counsel transparency and the importance of listening to the voices of the community.

The best part (for us) is that Rebecca joined several other municipal candidates in signing the ATU PLEDGE - that if she is elected to Peterborough City Council, she will vote to KEEP TRANSIT PUBLIC and that she will vote to fund transit in line with the transportation master plan! Well done Rebecca!

You can find Rebecca Schillemat 4 Mayor’s platform at https://schillemat.ca

08/07/2026

Today ATU 1320 met with Peterborough mayoral candidate Jacob Méthot. Jacob talked about the importance of public transit to Peterborough residents, students, and the environment. Putting the cart before the horse doesn’t make sense, and city council needs to fund transit to attract riders to the service. Jacob believes he rides transit more than any other candidate running for mayor and understands that people use the bus to connect - be that to work, shopping, school, leisure, or with simply a direct connection with other people in the community. “You don’t experience life the same way from inside a car,” he said.

The best part (for us) is that Jacob joined several other municipal candidates in signing the ATU PLEDGE - that if he is elected to Peterborough City Council, he will vote to KEEP TRANSIT PUBLIC and that he will vote to fund transit in line with the transportation master plan! Well done Jacob.

Jacob may be reached at [email protected] and can be found across various social media platforms.

06/27/2026

06/24/2026

Today, ATU 1320 met with Peterborough Northcrest Ward municipal candidate Charmaine Magumbe. Charmaine discussed how she believes that public transit is a public good, and that buses are an environmentally friendly transportation method. Charmaine told the union how she has heard on her campaign trail that residents have shared with her their concerns with transit, and how tweaks ought to be made to better serve the community. She hears that difficult transfer points or late buses have been concerning to her potential future constituents. We were impressed that Charmaine was already aware of many issues facing transit, which is evidence to us that she is listening.

The best part (for us) is that Charmaine joined three other municipal candidates in signing the ATU PLEDGE - that if she is elected to Peterborough City Council, she will vote to KEEP TRANSIT PUBLIC and that she will vote to fund transit in line with the transportation master plan! Well done Charmaine!

If you would like to learn more about Charmaine and her campaign, visit electcharmaine.ca.

06/24/2026

06/05/2026

The wonderful Joy Lachica stopped by the ATU 1320 union hall today and signed the ATU PLEDGE - that if she is reelected to Peterborough City Council, she will vote to KEEP TRANSIT PUBLIC and that she would vote to fund transit in line with the transportation master plan. Joy has always been a fierce ally of public transit, and has ALWAYS voted to fund transit, even when others on council did not. Joy has the official endorsement of ATU 1320. ATU Canada Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) The City of Peterborough