​Protecting Peterborough's Commercial Properties: The Value of Professional Fence Installation

As one of Ontario’s fastest-growing mid-sized cities, Peterborough is witnessing a surge in commercial development, from industrial expansions on the city’s outskirts to modern retail plazas in the downtown core. With this growth comes a greater need for durable, secure, and regulation-compliant fencing—especially for businesses concerned about liability, theft prevention, and long-term property value. At Peterborough Fence, we’ve been proud to help protect and enhance a wide variety of commercial properties throughout the city and surrounding area.


Why Commercial Fencing Is Booming in Peterborough

According to the City of Peterborough’s 2024 Building and Planning report, commercial construction permits increased by over 12% year-over-year, driven by both small business expansion and public infrastructure investments. The Peterborough region’s industrial vacancy rate dropped below 2% in early 2024, prompting property owners to upgrade facilities to remain competitive.

Many of our local business clients are responding by investing in perimeter fencing to improve security, establish clearer property boundaries, and meet city bylaws. In commercial zones, Peterborough’s zoning regulations typically require fencing around storage yards, loading areas, and properties adjacent to residential zones. In most cases, this means minimum heights between 1.8 and 2.4 metres, using materials such as chain-link, steel, or decorative iron.


Real Example: Retail Plaza Security Revamp

In early spring 2024, we were contacted by the property manager of a busy retail plaza near The Parkway. The plaza, home to a grocery store, pharmacy, and two fast-food outlets, had been experiencing repeated after-hours trespassing and minor vandalism in its loading dock and waste disposal areas.

After conducting a site inspection, we developed a fencing plan that included:

• Approximately 190 linear metres of 8-foot commercial-grade chain-link fence
• Two sliding gates with padlock security
• Privacy slats to block sightlines into the delivery zone
• Full compliance with Peterborough’s C1 commercial zoning bylaws

The installation took just under 5 business days, with minimal disruption to deliveries or customers. Within two weeks of completion, the manager reported a full stop to unwanted access to the rear service lane and fewer complaints from neighbouring tenants.


Industrial Project: Safeguarding a Supply Yard

In another recent case, Peterborough Fence was approached by an industrial client operating a materials storage yard just outside Ashburnham. The yard was adjacent to an undeveloped lot and had no fencing at all—posing a safety risk to pedestrians and exposing valuable inventory to theft.

We designed a heavy-duty fencing solution that included:

• 310 metres of 9-gauge commercial chain-link with galvanized posts
• A vehicle-access rolling gate with keypad entry
• Strategic corner reinforcements to resist shifting from weather and soil expansion
• Top-mounted barbed wire along the rear border for additional deterrence

Following installation, the client informed us that not only did the site feel more secure, but their insurance premiums dropped due to reduced liability and improved loss prevention measures.


Additional Benefits of Professional Commercial Fencing

While many people think fencing is mainly about security, our clients in Peterborough often realize several other key benefits:

• Insurance savings: A fenced commercial site may be eligible for 5–15% lower premiums depending on the insurer and coverage type.
• Aesthetic value: For customer-facing businesses, decorative fences can enhance curb appeal and match architectural themes.
• Regulation compliance: Properties storing materials outdoors must meet screening and setback requirements outlined in Peterborough’s Official Plan and Zoning By-Laws.
• Liability protection: A defined barrier protects passersby from accessing hazardous areas like electrical equipment, stockpiles, or construction debris.

Working With Peterborough Fence: Local Service, Professional Standards

At Peterborough Fence, we combine local experience with industry expertise. Our team is trained on municipal permitting processes and will guide you through each step—from initial consultation and measurements to final cleanup and gate function checks.

We also ensure that your project:
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• Meets the Ontario Building Code
• Complies with Peterborough’s Fence By-Law 
• Uses CSA-approved fencing materials
• Is backed by a written workmanship guarantee

Let’s Talk About Your Property

Whether you're operating a logistics hub, managing a plaza, or simply looking to keep your lot protected after hours, Peterborough Fence is here to help. We've worked with dozens of business owners across Peterborough and the Kawarthas, each with different needs but the same priority: peace of mind.

If you’re planning a commercial fence installation in 2024, now is the perfect time to schedule a free on-site assessment and get expert advice. With the city’s commercial construction sector heating up and security concerns more prominent than ever, proactive fence installation is an investment in your business’s future.

Contact Peterborough Fence today to learn more about how we can help secure your commercial property—professionally, efficiently, and always up to code.

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