Category Archives: Environment

Join us to celebrate GIS Day on November 14, and learn about the GeoDataHub and everything GIS. Continue reading City celebrates GIS Day with a collection of new city maps

The City reminds residents that privately-owned trees or shrubs that hang onto City sidewalks need to be trimmed in time for winter. Continue reading Time to trim the tree…for snow clearance

The City of Guelph is hosting an open house to present plans for tree removals happening in City-owned woodlands on November 15. Continue reading Open house notice: Learn more about Ash and hazard tree removals on November 15

The City of Guelph is performing maintenance and construction activities on the City-owned Logan well site at 5206 Jones Baseline. Continue reading Notice: Logan well maintenance and repairs

Don’t be taken by surprise this winter. Take time now to prevent frozen pipes. Continue reading Protect yourself against frozen pipes this winter

A water main break occurred on Torch Lane—a dead-end street off of Janefield Avenue—this afternoon. Torch Lane is closed to all vehicle traffic. Continue reading Water main break on Torch Lane being repaired

Routine maintenance keeps Guelph’s sewer pipes flowing The City completes sewer main cleaning across Guelph on about a three-year rotating basis. Cleaning is done year-round, Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., and usually takes a few hours on each street. We are currently cleaning sewer mains in areas 2, 11, 20 and 26. What to expect Toilets, sinks and other appliances can still be used during cleaning. Air pressure in the sewer can create noise in sewer pipes, and may cause water to splash out through toilets, sinks and drains. Keeping toilet lids closed, and sink drains plugged when not in use will help avoid spills. Sewer cleaning can create short-term nuisance odors. Odors can be cleared by opening a window for… Continue reading Sanitary sewer cleaning

The City is repairing water valves at Scottsdale Drive and College Avenue West. Repairs will begin tonight at 6 p.m. and take approximately three hours to complete. Continue reading Construction notice: Water valve repairs tonight in Scottsdale Drive and College Avenue West area

The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has approved the merger of Guelph Hydro and Alectra Utilities Corporation. Continue reading Ontario Energy Board approves Guelph Hydro merger with Alectra

Guelph, Ont., October 18, 2018—The City of Guelph is reducing water levels along some areas of the Speed River starting October 22 to complete bridge inspections. Water levels are lowered by opening the Wellington Street Dam. The City inspects all of its bridges every two years to check structural stability and ensure community safety. The Wellington Street Dam will remain open after the inspections are done as per the usual winter protocol. For more information Daryush Esmaili, Manager of Corporate Asset and Project Management Engineering and Transportation Services 519-822-1260 extension 2765 daryush.esmaili@guelph.ca

A water main break occurred near 595 Elmira Road North this morning. Elmira Road is closed between Malcolm and Woodlawn Road. Continue reading Water main break on Elmira Road North being repaired today

The City is moving forward with the detail design of a water treatment facility at 37 Watson Road, across from the existing Clythe well site. Continue reading City moving forward with Clythe well upgrades

Knowledge sharing of innovative solutions was the focus of international visits between the City of Guelph and City of Rijeka, Croatia in September and October. Continue reading Local innovation focus for international municipal exchange

The City of Guelph will be marking ash and hazardous public trees in woodlands starting October 1, 2018. Continue reading City marking ash and hazard trees for removal starting October 1

Keep your pipes free from fat Not everything that goes down the drain makes it all the way to the wastewater treatment plant. Fats, oils and grease poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet can stick to your home’s sewer pipes and lead to costly blockages. Ever heard of a fatberg? Just like a steady diet of greasy food can clog your arteries, grease flushed down drains can block pipes. Over time, grease can build up and eventually block an entire pipe, a phenomenon now called fatbergs. These fatbergs block proper drainage, causing sewage and water to surge up through sinks, floor drains and toilets. Overflows from blockages can damage homes, and threaten your health and the environment. Myth-busting facts about grease disposal Myth: It’s… Continue reading Don’t pour that turkey fat down the drain!

Gordon Street will be closed between Forbes Avenue/Dormie Lane and James Street from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 25 to allow for water main repairs. Continue reading Water main break at 236 Gordon Street will be repaired tomorrow

This fall, you have four options to dispose of leaves and fall yard waste: Continue reading Four easy ways to dispose of leaves and yard waste this fall

Every fall, we collect bagged yard waste at the curb and loose leaves raked onto the road. Continue reading Fall 2018 yard waste collection

The City is working with our contractor to install a water chamber at the Emma Street well located at 93 Emma Street. Continue reading Construction notice: Emma Street well site construction

What’s happening? Revisions have been made to the draft Natural Heritage Action Plan that was presented to Committee of the Whole on July 4 in response to public feedback. A final recommended Natural Heritage Action Plan is being taken to Council on September 10 for approval. Find out more Check out guelph.ca/nhap to learn more about the City’s Natural Heritage Action Plan.

This construction notice provides an updated timeline for the Verney Water tower construction activities taking place this fall. Continue reading Construction notice: Verney water tower project schedule update

Water main cleaning in selected areas of Guelph starts on Tuesday, September 4. Cleaning activities will be complete by the end of November. Continue reading Fall cleaning of City water mains

Attention: Homebuilders, architects, engineers, industrial, commercial and institutional Contractors Please be advised of the following changes to bulk water meter construction and installation requirements and restrictions for residential developments (including rental apartment buildings and cluster townhouse sites) and industrial, commercial and institutional developments. The following is offered in complement to Water Services’ May 2, 2018 “Changes to Water Metering Requirements for New Developments – effective July 1, 2018” notice. The respective terms of this notice will take precedent over contents of past notices and form policy and business requirements for all applicable building permits effective immediately; Planned servicing to such properties will be required to provide sufficient space for a single bulk water revenue meter, to measure all water fed to the entire private water… Continue reading Changes to bulk City water revenue meter installation standards

Notice date: August 10, 2018 The City is continuing with the planned maintenance at the Verney water tower consisting of removing the existing coating of paint and repainting the interior and exterior of the tank, upgrading the tower safety systems and installing new pipes and valves. In the previous construction notice (dated June 5, 2018) we indicated that the contractor will need to work some Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. to ensure timely completion of this project.  Due to delays caused by weather and unforeseen conditions, the contractor will need to do some quiet work on Sundays. Sunday work will not include sandblasting or operation of large equipment but may allow for such activities as putting up tarps and hand painting. Completing this… Continue reading Construction notice: Weekend work required as part of Verney water tower project

Edinburgh Road South and Vanier Drive Notice date: August 9, 2018 About the project The City is working with a Pipeline Repair Services to repair two water valves on a section of water main on College Avenue West between Edinburgh Road South and Vanier Drive. Construction begins August 13 The work will being on Monday, August 13 and last three days, weather permitting. Traffic impacts On Monday, August 13, the west bound lane on College Avenue will be closed from Edinburgh Road South to Lynwood Avenue. It is anticipated that this section of College Avenue will be reopened by late Tuesday afternoon, as long as there are no added complications. The detour for the westbound lane closure is Edinburgh Road to Stone Road to Scottsdale… Continue reading Construction notice: College Avenue lane restrictions begin August 13

Update: August 2, 2018 at 2: 30 p.m.—Water main repairs complete. Road will reopen around 3 p.m. today. Westbound lanes closed between Norfolk and Baker Street Guelph, Ont., August 2, 2018—A water main break occurred at 2 Quebec Street early this morning. Crews are on site repairing the break and expect to be done later tonight, as long as there are no added complications. The City is notifying local businesses about the break. People living and working in the area may notice disruptions in water service and changes in water pressure. Impacted properties will be notified by City staff. Traffic and transit impacts Westbound lanes are closed and eastbound lanes remain open on Quebec Street between Norfolk and Baker Street. Guelph Transit routes 10, 20 and… Continue reading Water main break at 2 Quebec Street being repaired today

Limited access to Waste Resource Innovation Centre and public drop-off gates Update: September 5, 2018 – Construction at the Waste Resource Innovation Centre and public drop-off areas located at 110 Dunlop Drive will continue until Sunday, September 16. The site will be fully accessible to  the public and commercial vehicles by Monday, September 17, weather permitting. … Update: August 16, 2018 – The administration office, including the public parking lot in front of the administration building, will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians for one week from Monday, August 27 to Friday, August 31, inclusive, for paving. The administration office customer service will be accessible by email waste@guelph.ca or phone 519-767-0598. … Notice date: July 23, 2018 The City is repaving internal roads at the Waste Resource… Continue reading Construction notice: Paving at public waste drop-off begins July 30

Enforced watering restrictions now in effect Reduce your water use Guelph, Ont., July 10, 2018—The City is enforcing watering restrictions for level 1 yellow of the outside water use program because of a lack of rainfall, hot temperatures and increased demands on the water system. At level 1 yellow, lawn watering is restricted to 7-9 a.m. and 7-9 p.m. on odd or even calendar dates by address number—odd numbered houses are permitted to water on odd numbered dates, and even numbered houses on even dates. “Despite some recent rain, overall rainfall is still much lower than usual,” said Heather Yates, Supervisor of Water Efficiency. “With hot, dry weather expected to last through the summer, we need residents and businesses to continue their commitment to conserving… Continue reading Dry conditions move outside water use level up to yellow

Guelph, Ont., June 27, 2018 – If residents ever needed proof that Guelph is a hive of activity, they’d need only look at the City of Guelph’s Bee City designation from Bee City Canada. Monday night, Council approved a staff-recommended Bee City application that commits to three pollinator-friendly goals: Creating, maintaining and improving pollinator habitat Educating the community about the importance of pollinators Celebrating pollinators during International Pollinator Week and other times of the year “Being officially designated as a Bee City complements all the great work our staff and the community are already doing to encourage pollinators into our city,”  says Dave Beaton, supervisor of Trails and Natural Area Stewardship. “Currently, the City maintains pollinator habitat in parks, trails and gardens,  hosts speakers from… Continue reading Guelph’s abuzz with Bee City designation

Xinyi Glass Canada Limited is looking to build a production facility in the Guelph/Eramosa Township at 5081 Wellington Road 32. Guelph’s position In February 2018, the Township of Guelph-Eramosa proactively met with senior City of Guelph staff to provide a high level overview of Xinyi Glass Canada Limited’s plans. The build site is not within Guelph’s municipal boundaries and, as such, the City of Guelph is not included in the Township and company’s decision making process. However, the Province has legislated processes that require public consultation where there are potential impacts to resources like water and air. We’ll continue to provide formal feedback on this development as the public process continues. Our comments will be based on scientific data, the subject matter expertise of our… Continue reading Proposed Xinyi Glass Canada Limited development in the Guelph/Eramosa Township

Notice date: June 5, 2018 The City is continuing with the planned maintenance at the Verney water tower consisting of removing the existing coating of paint and repainting the interior and exterior of the tank, upgrading the tower safety systems and installing new pipes and valves. As part of next steps in the project schedule, sandblasting will take place sporadically as the work progresses from now through to the end of September.  Sandblasting and painting of the tower must be done while temperatures remain above freezing. This includes the need to control humidity on a continuous basis which requires operation of generators at the base of the tower. In order to ensure timely completion of this project, the contractor will need to work some Saturdays… Continue reading Construction notice: Work on Saturdays as part of Verney water tower project

Council approves City’s continuing partnership with task force Guelph, Ont., May 29, 2018—Last night, Guelph City Council acknowledged, in principle, the role of Our Energy Guelph as the implementer of the Community Energy Initiative going forward, and approved the City of Guelph’s continued association with Our Energy Guelph as a primary stakeholder and partner. Council also approved Our Energy Guelph’s recommendations for the community as outlined in the updated community energy plan, including a target for Guelph to become a net zero carbon community by 2050. The 2007 Guelph Community Energy Plan, now the Community Energy Initiative, was the first of its kind in North America. In 2016, Council directed staff to initiate an update. A community-based task force was recruited to lead the update… Continue reading Council unanimously accepts Our Energy Guelph’s community energy recommendations

Road closure between Dublin and Glasgow Street Guelph, Ont., May 24, 2018—A water main break occurred at 28 Waterloo Avenue around noon today. Crews are on site repairing the break now and expect to be done later tonight, as long as there are no added complications. The City has notified local residents about the break. Some water is pooling on the street and neighbouring yards. People living and working in the area may notice disruptions in water service and changes in water pressure. Traffic and transit impacts Waterloo Avenue is closed to all traffic between Dublin Street and Glasgow Street  until the water main is repaired. Guelph Transit route 9 is being detoured around the area until further notice. Visit guelphtransit.ca for more information. Drivers… Continue reading Water main break at 28 Waterloo Avenue being repaired today

Temporary road closure between Anthony Avenue and William Street Guelph, Ont., May 18, 2018—A water main break occurred at 52 Cassino Avenue early this morning. Crews are on site undertaking repair work today and estimate to be done by this evening, barring no complications. The City has notified local residents about the break. People living and working in the area may notice disruptions in water service and changes in water pressure. Traffic and transit impacts Cassino Avenue is closed to all traffic between Anthony Avenue and William Street until the water main repairs are complete. Guelph Transit route 13 will be detoured. Visit guelphtransit.ca for more information. Delays should be expected and drivers and transit riders are advised to plan extra time for travel. Pedestrian… Continue reading Water main break at 52 Cassino Avenue being repaired today

Final recommendations support continuous improvement Guelph, Ont., May 17, 2018 – The final report for the Solid Waste Resources business service review will be presented to Council on Monday, May 28 at 6:30 p.m. The report details eleven recommendations for Guelph’s Solid Waste Resources division along with supporting information and data. The recommendations fall into four categories of continuous improvement: Operational and service enhancements including: Expansion of leaf and yard waste collection Expansion of multi-residential waste collection Extending the lifecycle of waste collection trucks Optimizing hours of operation at the Public Drop-off Implementing the Simcoe transition strategy at the Material Recovery Facility Creating a financial reserve for Solid Waste Resources Staff training and engagement including: Increasing financial analysis resources and skills within the division Increasing… Continue reading City shares Solid Waste Resources business service review final report

Helping more Guelphites save water and money at home Guelph, Ont., May 15, 2018—The City has updated its Blue Built Home water efficiency certification program to include retrofits in existing homes and multi-residential building units in Guelph. The original program, launched in 2011, focused on certification of new homes built to  include home fixtures and appliances designed and tested to save water and reduce utility bills. “By expanding Blue Built Home to include existing homes and multi-residential buildings more people in our community can participate in this water–saving program,” says Stephanie Cote, water conservation programs coordinator. To get a Blue Built Home certification, a homeowner must complete one of the following three actions: Install a greywater reuse system Install an all-season rainwater harvesting system Complete… Continue reading City launches updated Blue Built Home program

Weed control along Guelph Junction Railway tracks May 30-31, 2018 DBI Services will conduct weed control along Guelph Junction Railway tracks between Woodlawn Road and Victoria Road, excluding a section of tracks from Norwich Street East to just past Macdonell Street. Weed control will take place overnight May 30-31, 2018 starting at midnight (rain date is May 31–June 1). Trail impacts As an added safety precaution, the Downtown Trail will be closed between Speedvale Avenue and Marcon Street for about 12 hours after the weed control is applied. How we control weeds Corn starch–based control is used in all areas within 60 metres of waterways. A distilled mixture of Torpedo, Overdrive and Round-up is used in all other areas. These substances have been evaluated by… Continue reading Guelph Junction Railway weed control

Guelph, Ont., May 8, 2018 – We made it to the other side of the wind storm, but that doesn’t mean our trees are out of the woods. Now is a good time to inspect the trees around your home for wind storm damage and to report issues with City trees if you see them. Even healthy trees can be damaged in a wind storm. Here are three things you can do to assess your trees: Search for broken branches Check trees for broken, cracked, or split branches. This damage can often be overlooked after a storm and may still pose a threat. Look for leaning trees Even if a tipped tree survives, it is often unstable and can shift or fall and cause serious… Continue reading Check your trees for any wind damage

This notice provides supplementary information to the Building Services and Water Servicesnotice released on February 12, 2018. Continue reading Changes to water metering requirements for new developments, part 2 – effective July 1, 2018

Painting and safety upgrades Notice date: May 2, 2018 About the project The City is undertaking maintenance work at the Verney water tower including removing the existing coating of paints, repainting the interior and exterior of the tank, upgrading the tower safety systems, and installing new pipes and valves. Work is being completed by BGL Contractors Corp. Construction schedule Construction will take place from early May until October 2018, weather permitting. Minor traffic impacts There are no closures or lane reductions on adjacent roadways. It is anticipated that there will be increased construction vehicle traffic to the site.  Smaller staff vehicles will use the Verney Street entrance at 36 Verney Street to access the site.  Larger construction vehicles including materials deliveries will access the site… Continue reading Construction notice: Verney water tower upgrades

3,000 kilograms of garbage picked up  from parks and trails Guelph, Ont., May 1, 2018 – The 15th annual Clean and Green community clean up broke the record for the number of volunteers who came out to help green Guelph, despite challenging weather. “We couldn’t be more grateful for the number of people who turned out,” says Dave Beaton, supervisor of trails and natural areas stewardship with the City of Guelph. “We got iced out the previous weekend and we were worried the cold would keep people away, but our volunteers are a dedicated bunch.Thanks to them, our community is  greener and cleaner.” Over 1,300 volunteers participated, cleaning 57 parks and 61 trails and roadways, collecting a total of 3,000 kilograms of garbage.  A barbecue… Continue reading Over 1,300 volunteers made clean and green a breeze!

Check for signs on your street where parking will be impacted Guelph, Ont., April 23, 2018 – Our annual street sweeping program starts today and will be completed by the end of May, weather permitting. Guelph’s main roads will be completed first, followed by residential roads. Cars parked on signed streets across the city during scheduled sweeping will be towed. Visit guelph.ca/streetsweeping or see our map of on-street parking that will be effected during sweeping for more details. Street sweeping clears all 581 kilometres of City streets of sand and salt, deposited during our winter operations, and other debris. Aside from keeping our streets neat and tidy, spring street sweeping protects water quality and the environment by keeping pollutants out of Guelph’s ponds, rivers and… Continue reading Annual street sweeping starts April 23

Guelph, Ont., April 16, 2018 – The results are in! Out of the surveys received, 78 per cent of residents were in favour of a Howitt Park community garden. As a result, the garden will move ahead this summer. Residents who took the survey commented that the park was a “lovely idea”, especially for residents without a yard or garden of their own. They also believe it presents a greater opportunity to foster community togetherness and a love of local food. A few residents also shared their concerns, questions and comments about the proposed community garden including: impacts to the garden from pets and wildlife, vandalism, suitable location, infrastructure, and growing conditions, the development proposal for the property next door, the size of the garden,… Continue reading We asked, you responded: survey feedback is in favour of a Howitt Park community garden

Guelph, Ont., April 16, 2018 — The City of Guelph has received final soil testing results for Goldie Mill Park and is set to begin remediation work this summer. Site testing has confirmed earlier results; that chemicals in the soil are consistent with those typically found based on the site’s former manufacturing activities. Historically, the Goldie Mill property was used as a sawmill, foundry, cooperage, distillery, piggery and tannery. The west side of Joseph Wolfond Park was used for furniture manufacturing operations. Remediation work is part of the City’s plan to address soil conditions and sinkholes in the park, which is owned by the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) and managed by the City. A plan will be put in place to protect workers and… Continue reading City plans for remediation work at Goldie Mill Park

Guelph, Ont., April 13, 2018 – We are prepared for the forecasted freezing rain expected this weekend.  The following list will help you prepare too. Roads and sidewalks City crews will monitor the weather throughout the weekend and will apply salt and brine to the roads and sidewalks as needed. If you must drive, give yourself plenty of time to get around. You can follow our trucks at guelph.ca/snow. Report a road and sidewalk Trees Ice buildup can make trees heavy, causing branches to break and trees to fail. Even healthy trees that are structurally sound can fall under the weight of ice. Keep an eye on your private trees. Our forestry crews will be dealing with tree issues on City property, as they become… Continue reading Freezing rain is coming: here’s what you need to know

The Ontario Energy Board will use “no harm test” to decide whether customers would be harmed by the proposed merger between Guelph Hydro and Alectra Continue reading Guelph Hydro-Alectra merger being considered by Ontario Energy Board

Study objectives The City of Guelph has completed a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for proposed treatment upgrades to bring the Clythe well back into service.  The City’s Water Supply Master Plan (2014) identifies the need for additional water sources to support future demand.  A study conducted in 2011 concluded that water from Clythe well can be successfully treated with existing technologies. The study area includes the area surrounding the Clythe well, bound by the City’s eastern limit, York Road, the area just west of Starwood Drive and Eastview Road (as shown in the map below).  The preferred alternative is to construct a water treatment facility at 25 Watson Road, adjacent to the existing Clythe Well and Booster Station site, and associated water main upgrades… Continue reading Notice of study completion: Schedule ‘B’ Class Environmental Assessment for Clythe Well Treatment Upgrades

Leak forgiveness and sewer credit programs start this year Guelph, Ont., March 27, 2018 – Last night, City Council approved two new credit programs for Guelph water and wastewater customers. The new programs will provide forgiveness on high water bills from unknown residential leaks, and cost relief on wastewater charges for business customers who use or evaporate water during operation or production. “These credit programs will help address grey areas in our existing billing policies and reduce customer billing concerns,” explains Wayne Galliher, division manager with Guelph’s Water Services. “Now that we have Council’s approval, Guelphites and local businesses will be able to take advantage of water leak forgiveness starting April 1, and sewer abatement credit as of July 1.” The water leak forgiveness program… Continue reading City introducing water and wastewater credit programs

Guelph, Ont., March 23, 2018 – Beginning Monday, March 26, engineering consultants and contractors hired by the City of Guelph will be doing environmental investigation work at the Fountain Street Parking Lot and surrounding roadways. Drilling and groundwater samples will be done in the Fountain Street parking lot and along the surrounding roadways between March 26 and April 11. All work is being done on public (City of Guelph) property. During this time, workers and equipment will be located on some sidewalks and roadways. There are no road closures associated with the work. Two-way traffic will be maintained on all roadways. Traffic should drive with care around work areas adjacent to roads. Temporary closures of some sidewalks will be required to complete the work. Pedestrians… Continue reading Environmental investigation work being done in and around Fountain Street parking lot starting March 26

An appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) on a site-specific land use designation in the City of Guelph’s official plan amendment has been withdrawn after a settlement agreement was reached. The site under appeal, commonly known as the Niska Lands, is owned by the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA). Continue reading City settles outstanding land use appeal on official plan amendment