Category Archives: Environment

Shortly after 2:40 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, Guelph Fire responded to a fire in the transfer station that houses collected garbage before being transported to the landfill. Continue reading Operations resume at City’s Waste Resource Innovation Centre after Saturday’s fire

Guelph has won an Exemplary Source Water Protection Award from the American Water Works Association Continue reading Guelph wins award for protecting local drinking water sources

Please report and help us prevent the spread of invasive plants like giant hogweed and dog-strangling vine. Continue reading Report and remove invasive plants

Guelph’s updated waste bylaw includes changes for multi-residential collection, grass clippings and medical waste collection Continue reading Guelph City Council approves updated Waste Management Bylaw

Come to an information session to discuss Guelph’s Clair Maltby Secondary Plan March 28, 2019 7-9 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall 1 Carden Street, Guelph Continue reading Planning for growth while protecting the moraine, water resources and natural heritage resources

Guelph, Ontario, February 21, 2019 – As part of the 2019 non-tax supported budget, City Council approved water, wastewater and stormwater rate increases. These increases ensure the City is able to continue providing essential services that meet the community’s expectations. The following rates come into effect on March 1, 2019. Water Description 2018 2019 Change Water volume (fee per cubic metre) $1.72 $1.72 $0.00 Water basic (fee per day) $0.26 $0.26 $0.00 Wastewater Description 2018 2019 Change Wastewater volume (fee per cubic metre) $1.84 $1.88 $0.04 Water basic (fee per day) $0.32 $0.32 $0.00 Stormwater Description 2018 2019 Change Stormwater service fee (per month) $4.60 $5.20 $0.60 For more information Water and wastewater rates guelph.ca/water 519-837-5627 Stormwater fees guelph.ca/stormwater 519-837-5604 extension 3486 2019 budget guelph.ca/budget.

We plan to be collecting waste from up to 30 multi-residential properties by the end of 2019. Continue reading Multi-residential waste collection February 2019 update

Guelph, Ont., January 21, 2019 —The City has received silver level recognition from the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) for its water efficiency programs. Guelph is the first Canadian municipality to achieve such recognition. “We’re thrilled to be recognized again for our water-saving programs,” says Heather Yates, the City’s supervisor for water efficiency. “The dedication of our staff and the ongoing participation of the community have helped us consistently meet, and often outdo, our water conservation and efficiency targets.” “We are pleased to recognize the City of Guelph’s innovative and successful water efficiency and conservation efforts through their addition to the AWE G480 Leaderboard,” notes Bill Christiansen, Director of Programs at AWE. Recognition on AWE’s G480 Leaderboard is based on how a municipality, or water… Continue reading Guelph first Canadian city recognized by the Alliance for Water Efficiency

We are on schedule to begin rolling out multi-residential waste collection in mid-2019. The first front-end collection truck has been purchased and we are on track to purchase the second truck in early 2019. We are working closely with multi-residential property owners and managers to develop waste management plans to transition smoothly to City waste collection services

The merger between Guelph Hydro and Alectra Utilities is complete. The company is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada. Continue reading Guelph Hydro-Alectra Utilities merger completed

The City is wrapping up planned maintenance work at the Verney water tower. Over the last seven months we: removed existing paint repainted the inside and outside of the tank upgraded safety systems, and replaced pipes and valves. BGL Contractors Corp. is currently completing the work and reinstalling fencing and gates. They will return in the spring to restore the grass cover and touch up remaining paint deficiencies. The City will be back to upgrade fencing around the water tower property in 2019, and we’ll issue a notice before we begin that work. For more information Patricia Quackenbush, Project Manager Water Services 519-822-1260 extension 2110 patricia.quackenbush@guelph.ca

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 22, 24 and 25 during the month of April. 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… Continue reading Sanitary sewer cleaning

City recognized for efforts to improve wastewater quality Guelph, Ont., December 20, 2018 —The City received silver level recognition for its wastewater treatment plant from the Grand River Conservation Authority Watershed Wide Optimization Program. The recognition comes from the City’s efforts to improve the wastewater that it returns to the Speed River through multi-level treatment. “We’re honoured to receive this recognition for our ongoing efforts towards excellence in wastewater treatment,” says Tim Robertson, Division Manager, Environmental Services. “Through the dedication of our knowledgeable staff, and working with our colleagues at the Grand River Conservation Authority, we continue to fine-tune our processes to get better performance and reduce the environmental impact of Guelph’s wastewater.” Based on data from 2017, the silver recognition is proof of how… Continue reading Guelph’s Wastewater Treatment Plant earns silver level recognition from the Grand River Conservation Authority

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

GLOBE Series recognizes Guelph for being at the forefront of action on climate change Guelph, Ont., Thursday, March 15, 2018—The City of Guelph was awarded the Large Municipal Trailblazer Climate Leadership Award from GLOBE Series at last night’s GLOBE Forum in Vancouver. The awards recognize exceptional Canadian organizations that are at the forefront of action on climate change. Mayor Cam Guthrie and Scott Stewart, deputy chief administrative officer for the City’s Infrastructure, Development and Enterprise service area, were on hand in Vancouver to accept the GLOBE award. The City of Guelph was selected for one of four awards from among 86 self-nominating applicants. The City was recognized for its multi-faceted and holistic approach to fighting climate change by a panel of judges with members from… Continue reading City wins Canadian Climate Leadership Award

Use of City’s model will provide Nestlé Waters Canada with latest science-driven data Guelph, Ont., March 7, 2018—The City of Guelph has signed an agreement to provide Nestlé Waters Canada with access to analysis from its science-based groundwater flow model through a consultant. The model was developed by the City with the Grand River Conservation Authority and Guelph-Eramosa Township and uses the best available science to determine the effects of water-taking impacts on groundwater availability. The City’s consultant will add Nestlé Waters Canada’s data into the City’s model and provide Nestlé Waters with the results from the model’s analysis. Nestlé Waters will use the results to inform their permit to take water renewal application to the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) expected… Continue reading City sharing groundwater modeling analysis with Nestlé Waters Canada to meet new provincial guidelines for water-taking permits

Attention: Homebuilders, architects, engineers, industrial/commercial/institutional contractors Continue reading Changes to water metering requirements for new developments – effective July 1, 2018

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has awarded the City of Guelph a Sustainable Community Award in the category of sustainable neighbourhood revitalization and design for the Guelph Innovation District secondary plan. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities praised the plan’s carbon-neutral vision and its efficient, sustainable design which reduces transportation needs. Continue reading City of Guelph’s Innovation District plan wins FCM sustainable community award

Update: Repair is complete. Wellington is now open. Guelph, Ont., January 13, 2018—A large water main break occurred on Wellington Street West in the eastbound lane, between Gordon Street and Edinburgh Road, across from Raymond and Holliday streets earlier this afternoon. There are no health risks as a result of the break. One eastbound lane and one westbound lane on Wellington Street in the area of the break is now closed. Crews have been on site since early this afternoon and hope to complete the repair this evening. The City will provide updates at guelph.ca and on Facebook and Twitter should anything change, or once repairs are complete. Media Contact Matthew Phillips, Supervisor of Water Supply Operations, Water Services City of Guelph 519-822-1260 extension 2152… Continue reading Update: Water main break on Wellington Street West, between Gordon and Edinburgh

December 20, 2017 Over the next three weeks, the City will be identifying and marking public trees in ash dominated wooded areas that are dead or have the likely potential to become a hazard. Only trees that could fall on trails, private property, sidewalks, or roads are affected. The identification and marking of hazardous public trees is part of the City’s regular, ongoing tree maintenance, and aligns with the Emerald Ash Borer plan. Hazardous trees located in wooded areas within local parks and woodlots across Guelph will either be marked with an orange ‘X’ for removal, an orange dot for pruning, and blue paint to identify a potential wildlife tree. Removals are scheduled to begin in 2018. Natural areas include: Ellis Creek Hadati Creek Margaret… Continue reading City identifying, marking hazardous trees for removal

As part of the 2018 budget, City Council approved a series of rate and fee increases to ensure that the City is able to continue delivering programs and services that meet the community’s expectations. Continue reading City’s 2018 rates and fees released

Options for Guelph businesses and residents Guelph, Ont., December 15, 2017 – Starting January 1, 2018, the City will offer Guelph businesses and residents credits and rebates for making changes to private property that help manage stormwater runoff. The new program includes rebates for residential properties and credits for businesses and multi-residential properties of six or more units. Residential program The residential program includes an enhanced seasonal rainwater harvesting rebate that offers a one-time rebate to residential property owners who purchase and install an approved tank to capture and manage stormwater runoff on site. Residents will be able to claim a rebate of $0.50 per litre of storage capacity for new, approved systems installed in 2018, up to a maximum of $1,000, and up to… Continue reading Stormwater credit and rebate program starts January 1

After more than a year of industry research, financial analysis, and community engagement, Guelph City Council voted in favour of a merger between Guelph Hydro Electric Systems and Alectra Inc. Continue reading Guelph City Council Approves Guelph Hydro Merger with Alectra

Guelph, Ont., December 11, 2017—On Thursday, December 7, a fire broke out at the City’s Organic Waste Processing Facility. The Guelph Fire Department attended the scene and extinguished the fire. Staff was safely evacuated and no injuries were reported. Final clean up from the fire was completed on December 7, and an engineering inspection confirmed that there was no structural damage. Minor repairs were made to a damaged tunnel door, and the City began processing organic waste again on Friday. Media contact Peter Busatto, General Manager Environmental Services 519-822-1260 extension 3430 peter.busatto@guelph.ca

Guelph, Ont., December 7, 2017—Around noon today a fire broke out at the City’s Organic Waste Processing Facility, located at 110 Dunlop Drive. The Guelph Fire Department attended the scene and extinguished the fire. Staff was safely evacuated and no injuries are reported. Although only one of the facility’s four processing lines was affected by the fire, the City has shut down the whole facility until the affected area can be cleared out and damages assessed. Scheduled organics collection for Guelph residents will not be affected and public access to the Waste Resource Innovation Centre remains open. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire and to assess damages before the facility is brought back into operation. An update will be provided… Continue reading Fire at City’s organics facility extinguished by fire department

Eastview Road has reopened to through traffic after four months of construction. The completed construction between Starwood Road and Watson Parkway North offers a number of new amenities for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and even wildlife, including some changes which cannot be seen. Continue reading Eastview Road features multi-use path and wildlife crossings

A report that shares the details about the proposed merger between Guelph Hydro and Alectra is now available on the City’s website. Continue reading City completes negotiations, shares details about Guelph Hydro-Alectra merger

  News release from Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph Guelph, Ontario, November 17, 2017—Investing in local infrastructure helps create good middle class jobs, tackle climate change and improve Canadians’ quality of life. That’s why the Government of Canada is partnering with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities—and municipalities such as Guelph—to help achieve these national objectives. Today, Member of Parliament Lloyd Longfield, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,  Mayor Cam Guthrie and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Scott Stewart highlighted $175,000 in federal funding for an update to Guelph’s Community Energy Initiative (CEI). This project is funded through a new funding program delivered through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities: the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program (MCIP). The project is… Continue reading Improved energy commitments for Guelph residents

The City of Guelph has announced it will begin merger negotiations between Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc. and Alectra Inc. Continue reading Guelph Hydro begins merger talks with Alectra Inc.

Study objectives The City of Guelph is initiating 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 the Clythe well can be successfully treated with existing technologies. The process Planning for this project is proceeding as a Schedule “B” undertaking in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process (MEA, June 2000, as amended in 2007 and 2011), prepared by the Municipal Engineers Association. The Class EA is an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act and includes public and review agency consultation, an evaluation of alternatives, an… Continue reading Open house: Schedule ‘B’ Class Environmental Assessment for Clythe Well treatment upgrades

Final recommendations coming March 2018 City Council approved a revised timeline for the Solid Waste Resource Business Service Review final recommendations report. The November 20, 2017 Council meeting and report are rescheduled to March 2018. The new timeline will: allow the project team to account for coming changes to the Waste Free Ontario legislation in the final recommendations; and give the project team time to do the additional research and analysis requested by Council at the September 18 meeting. This includes research on: Social and environmental factors impacting Guelph’s waste services Detailed Material Recovery Facility (MRF) review, including Simcoe and Guelph materials and capture rates Related contract reviews Commodity streams and market trends Additional financial analysis In the meantime, the City will work to address… Continue reading Revised timeline for Solid Waste Resource business service review