Category Archives: Environment

Local businesses open and accesssible Guelph, Ont., June 24, 2018—A large water main break occurred on Victoria Road near Elizabeth Street early this morning. There are no health risks as a result of the break. Traffic impacts and business access Victoria Road is closed to all through traffic between Elizabeth Street to just north of Simcoe Street. The driver detour is via Elizabeth Street and York Road. Local business access is maintained on either side of the water main break. PartSource and Troy’s Toys can be accessed from either side of the closure through interconnected parking lots. All pedestrian sidewalks remain open and there is no impact to Guelph Transit. Repair timing Crews are on site and repairs are expected to be complete some time… Continue reading Victoria Road closed Elizabeth to Simcoe for water main break repair

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 1,6 and 8. 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 a few… Continue reading Sanitary sewer cleaning

Holiday hours for the City of Guelph facilities and programs. Continue reading Canada Day holiday hours for City facilities and services

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

Rain barrel sale part of open house activities Attention news, photo and video editors Guelph, Ont., May 23, 2018—The City of Guelph is hosting its annual Water Services open house at 29 Waterworks Place on Saturday, May 26. What Water Services open house and rain barrel sale Who City of Guelph staff from Water Services will be providing tours and answering questions. The Guelph Enabling Garden, Guelph-Wellington Master Gardeners and Nature Guelph Wildflower Society will be hosting a plant sale (cash only). 10C Shared Space will be hosting a hands-on workshop on how to build low-maintenance planter containers. Where City of Guelph Water Services 29 Waterworks Place When Saturday, May 26 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Family–friendly event! Take a tour to see how water gets from… Continue reading Water Services open house coming May 26

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

Arkell Road near Summerfield Drive About the project The City is working with Kusiar Project Services Inc. to undertake infrastructure work to construct and install sewer pipe for the Burke Well property. Lane reduction starts June 4 Construction is expected to begin on or about Monday, June 4, and take approximately one week to complete, weather permitting. There will be a lane reduction throughout the project and traffic will be maintained in both directions with a temporary traffic light. Pedestrian access There will be no impact to the sidewalk on the south side of Arkell Road. There is no sidewalk on the north side of the road. Property and business access Every effort will be made to maintain access to driveways in the construction area during… Continue reading Construction notice: Arkell Road sewer pipe installation

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

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

Free Guelph Waste app helps you sort too Download the free Guelph Waste app or sign up for reminders Guelph, Ont., March 8, 2018 – The City of Guelph is making it easier for residents to get information about waste sorting and collection schedules through a new mobile app. The free, easy-to-use Guelph Waste app for Apple and Android devices is now available in app stores. Residents who can’t use the app can still sign up for waste collection reminders at guelph.ca/waste. “This new app is great for anyone living or working in Guelph,” says Heather Connell, manager of Integrated Services with Solid Waste Resources. “It takes just one minute to sign up for waste reminders, and the app gives you on-the-go sorting info at… Continue reading Never miss your waste collection day again!

Update: Water main repairs are complete and all traffic lanes are open. … Lane reductions on Westwood Road between Willow and Rhonda Roads Guelph, Ont., March 5, 2018—A water main break occurred at 150 Westwood Road, St. Peter Catholic School, early this morning. Crews will begin repair work around 2 p.m. today and expect to be done by this evening. The City has notified the school, local businesses and residential properties about the break. People living and working in the area around the water main break may notice minor disruptions in water service and changes in water pressure. Traffic and transit impacts Lanes will be shifted along Westwood Road between Willow Road and Rhonda Road with two-way traffic maintained. Guelph Transit buses will continue to run… Continue reading Water main break at 150 Westwood Road being repaired this afternoon

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

February’s cold temperatures could cause plumbing problems for some Take action to protect your pipes Media release Guelph, Ont., February 8, 2018—The City is ramping up efforts to reduce the impacts from frozen water pipes this winter. Residents and businesses can visit guelph.ca/frozenpipes to get simple tips for protecting their pipes. “We’re monitoring environmental triggers, including Environment Canada weather forecasts, which indicate a cold February much like we experienced in 2015,” explains Emily Stahl, manager of Technical Services, Water Services. “We’re already working with a number of homes and businesses where frozen City pipes have caused problems in the past to make sure their water keeps flowing.” Running water As part of the City’s frozen water pipe policy, customers who had frozen water pipes in the… Continue reading Now is the time to protect yourself from frozen pipes

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

Update January 11, 2018 – The water main break has been repaired and the road is open. Guelph, Ont., January 10, 2018—A water main break occurred at the 2 Quebec Street apartment building around 10 a.m. today. Building residents continue to have access to running water.  There are no health or safety risks as a result of the water main break. To minimize traffic impacts and business disruptions, the water main repairs will be done overnight between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. Yarmouth Street, north of Norfolk Street, will be closed to all vehicular traffic during this time. The five-point intersection of Norfolk Street, Paisley/Quebec Street and Yarmouth Street will remain open, with no access to Yarmouth Street. Some noise and light due to construction… Continue reading Yarmouth Street closed tonight for water main break repair

Two-way traffic maintained with yield to oncoming Update, January 7, 2018, 6:10 p.m.—The water main break has been repaired. Road repairs are underway and Westwood will be fully reopen after 6:30 p.m. Guelph, Ont., January 7, 2018—A water main break occurred on Westwood Road early this morning. There are no health risks as a result of the break. The eastbound lane of Westwood Road will be closed around Margaret Greene Park. Two-way traffic will be maintained with drivers asked to yield to oncoming traffic. Delays should be expected, including on Transit route 10 Imperial. Visit guelph.ca/transit for any changes or updates to this route during the water main break repair. Repairs are expected to be completed today. Minor changes in water pressure may be experienced by residents… Continue reading Water main break on Westwood being repaired today

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

Sign up for reminders and never miss your waste collection day again! Register online to receive weekly reminders by text, email or phone. You’ll get a reminder the night before your collection day that tells you what carts will be collected. Remember to have your carts at the curb by 6:30 a.m. on your collection day! 2018 Curbside Waste Collection Guide The City’s 2018 Curbside Waste Collection Guide is also available online at guelph.ca/waste and at City facilities. The Guide includes the annual waste collection calendar, sorting lists and more. Copies are available at: City Hall, 1 Carden Street Evergreen Seniors Community Centre, 683 Woolwich Street Guelph Public Library, visit guelphpl.ca for branch information Victoria Road Recreation Centre, 151 Victoria Road North Waste Resource Innovation… Continue reading Don’t miss your waste collection day in 2018

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 recently received a request for the removal of 700 trees on private property located at 120 Huron Street. The removals have been requested to allow for the cleanup of contaminated soil. The site currently includes a wooded area dominated by Balsam Poplar, White Ash, Manitoba Maple and Eastern White Cedar. This wooded area has been studied and while it provides canopy cover, it is not a protected natural heritage feature. Furthermore, the soils underneath this wooded area are contaminated and the trees need to be removed for it to be cleaned up. There is no redevelopment application at this time. Future development proposals will include opportunity for public input. The requested tree removals have been approved by the City and… Continue reading Notice of tree removals: 120 Huron Street

Residents and businesses may experience fluctuations in water pressure Guelph, Ont., November 9, 2017– The Verney water tower will be out of service for about three weeks beginning November 14 while City staff conduct planned maintenance of the tower. Maintenance work includes draining the tower and inspecting the inside and outside in preparation for full maintenance and upgrades planned for 2018. During the work, residents and businesses in the area may experience temporary water pressure fluctuations. Water service interruptions are not expected. Properties with built-in fire protection systems connected to the water supply are encouraged to notify their alarm company as pressure fluctuations may trigger the system’s alarm. For more information about the water system maintenance activities, please contact Water Services at 519-837-5627 or waterworks@guelph.ca… Continue reading Verney water tower undergoing maintenance this month

Guelph, Ont., October 23, 2017 – Starting this week, the property owner of the former LaFarge lands, located at 35-40 Silvercreek Parkway South, will begin the first phase of compensation plantings and restoration work in areas adjacent to Howitt Creek. The work will include: removing invasive buckthorn shrubs, including the roots; improving the existing soils to help new plants establish and grow; and planting new native shrubs and trees. It is expected the work will take about three weeks to complete, weather permitting. “We’re working with the property owner to make sure the new shrubs and trees survive on the site,” explains April Nix, environmental planner with the City of Guelph. “We’ll be working with the property owner to monitor the plantings over the next… Continue reading Tree planting and restoration work at 35-40 Silvercreek Parkways South starts this week

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