Our community's beloved bicycle hub has new leadership at the helm. B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop announced that David Warda will serve as its executive director, bringing decades of experience in education and community advocacy to the role.
Warda arrives with a strong track record in organizational leadership. He previously led the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF) District 14 as President, where he oversaw communications systems and guided collaborative processes while forging connections across the community. He simultaneously held the presidency of the Peterborough & District Labour Council, representing workers publicly and building bridges between municipal government, social services, and provincial groups.
His resume also includes service as a Provincial Executive Officer with OSSTF/FEESO, where he helped steer a statewide nonprofit through governance challenges and participated in high-level decisions around organizational health, financial stewardship, and managing institutional risk. Before moving into leadership roles, Warda taught at Kenner Collegiate and Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School.
Academically, Warda holds degrees from two local institutions: he earned a Bachelor of Arts from Trent University and a Bachelor of Education from Queen's University. His professional development includes specialized training in media relations, equity practices, and mediation for resolving disputes.
"B!KE is an organization with a remarkable history and an important role in the Peterborough community. I am excited to join the organization and work with the staff, volunteers, Board, members, and community partners to build on B!KE's success and expand its impact," Warda told PtboCanada.
Since opening its doors in 2006, B!KE has become an essential resource for cyclists across our region. The organization teaches bicycle maintenance and repair skills while offering riding instruction. Through its Open Shop program, more than 3,500 people access tools and hands-on training each year to keep their bikes running smoothly.
In his new position, Warda will collaborate with the Board of Directors alongside staff members, volunteers, donors, and partner organizations throughout Peterborough. His responsibilities span strategic planning, program creation, fundraising efforts, budget oversight, personnel management, and public engagement initiatives.
"David's extensive experience in community education, leadership, collaboration, advocacy, and organizational governance makes him an excellent fit for B!KE. We are confident that his leadership will help B!KE continue to grow while remaining firmly grounded in our commitment to accessibility, inclusion, community, and cycling," Les Kariunas, B!KE Board of Directors Chair, told PtboCanada.
The appointment signals an exciting chapter for an organization that has become woven into the fabric of Peterborough's cycling culture, providing both practical skills and fostering a welcoming space for riders of all backgrounds and abilities.
