Downtown in Peterborough, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

The River

Otonabee River Trail

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 9, 2026

1. The River Marker

Inscription.

Peterborough's history has been profoundly shaped by the Otonabee River. This section of waterfront was originally called "Nogojiwanong"*—the place at the foot of the rapids-by the Ojibway (Anishinabeg) First Nations. The heart of our community, it has served as: the start of the Chemong Portage, the focus for European settlement, and the base for industry.

But, we turned our back on the waterfront as the community flourished. Now, after years of abuse and neglect, it is time to honour the river that has sustained us for so long.

*Pronounced: No-go-gee-wan (rhymes with ran)-ong

"Otonabee" comes from the Ojibway language meaning "flashing waters, running fast". This accurately described the rapids resulting from the 144 foot drop between here and Lake Katchewanooka (Town of Lakefield) only ten miles to the north.

Visit: Riverview Park and Zoo, Rotary Greenway Trail

Erected 2000 by City of Peterborough.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 2000.

Location. 44° 18.114′ N, 78° 19.119′ W. Marker is in Peterborough, Ontario. It is in Downtown. It is on King Street just east of Water Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker and Walkway are in Millenium Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 131 King Street, Peterborough ON K9J 0A5, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At

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least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Millenium Walkway (here, next to this marker); The Landscape (here, next to this marker); In the Glacier's Wake (here, next to this marker); The First Nations (here, next to this marker); Full Circle (here, next to this marker); From Frontier Town... (a few steps from this marker); ...To Bustling City (a few steps from this marker); Otonabee River Trail (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Peterborough.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 9, 2026

2. The River Marker

On opposite side of pole, behind Walkway marker, not visible in photo

Millenium Walkway image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 9, 2026

3. Millenium Walkway

Credits. This page was last revised on October 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 27, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.