Peterborough Community Legal Centre – Peterborough, ON

Essential Legal Aid for the Community

Access to justice is a fundamental right, regardless of income. The Peterborough Community Legal Centre (PCLC) is a non-profit community legal clinic funded by Legal Aid Ontario, dedicated to providing free legal services to low-income residents of Peterborough City and County. Located on the 4th floor of 150 King Street, the centre serves as a lifeline for those facing poverty-related legal issues. The clinic is staffed by lawyers, community legal workers, and support staff who are committed to social justice and poverty reduction. They do not handle criminal or family law generally, but focus on areas that impact a person’s basic livelihood and housing. If you are struggling financially and need to find a lawyer for issues related to social assistance or tenancy, PCLC is the primary resource in the region.

Housing and Income Support

A core function of the centre is acting as Landlord and Tenant Lawyers for tenants only. They assist with eviction prevention, maintenance issues, and disputes at the Landlord and Tenant Board. They also provide crucial support for income maintenance, helping clients with appeals regarding Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). If you have been denied benefits or are facing an overpayment, their team can advocate on your behalf. Additionally, they assist with Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability claims and Workers’ Compensation (WSIB) matters. Their holistic approach often involves connecting clients with other social services to ensure stability.

• Tenant representation and eviction prevention.
• Ontario Works and ODSP appeals.
• CPP Disability and Workers’ Compensation.
• Consumer protection and Human Rights.

Education and Outreach

Beyond individual representation, the PCLC is active in Public Legal Education, offering workshops and resources to community groups. They provide limited advice or referrals for areas they do not cover, such as domestic violence (via 2-hour certificates) or immigration. The clinic’s central location in downtown Peterborough, right above the post office, makes it accessible to many. They also offer services in French and can arrange interpreters for other languages. If you are in a vulnerable position and need to hire a lawyer but cannot afford one, the Peterborough Community Legal Centre provides the expert, free assistance necessary to protect your dignity and your rights.