Guelph, Ont., September 9 – As students return to Guelph this fall, the City of Guelph is reminding those who are living on their own for the first time or returning residents about available services and resources, including transit, water conservation, waste collection, road safety, downtown construction, culture and recreation programs.
Guelph Transit
Guelph Transit offers several programs tailored to post-secondary students.
Late night service
In partnership with the University of Guelph’s Central Student Association and Graduate Student Association, Guelph Transit provides free late-night bus service from September to April. The service operates from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. every Tuesday night through Sunday morning. No student identification or bus pass is required.
Student Bus Pass
University of Guelph students can use their student identification cards when boarding Guelph Transit buses. More details are available on the Central Student Association’s Bus Pass website.
Eligible Conestoga College students attending the Guelph campus can also use their student identification cards for unlimited transit rides. The program is funded through a student ancillary fee of $162 per term. More details are available on the Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI) website.
Free transit to Guelph Storm home games
Transit is free for riders travelling to and from Guelph Storm home games at the Sleeman Centre. Riders must show a game ticket when boarding.
Service Updates
Service changes to several routes take effect on Sept. 6. Information about route changes, service advisories and detours is available on the Guelph Transit website and social media channels.
Transit users can also access trip-planning tools through the Transit App, Google Maps and the ‘Where’s My Bus’ text and phone service.
Water and wastewater
Guelph is the largest community in Canada that relies almost completely on groundwater for our water supply.
Drinking water
The City’s tap water is safe to drink, healthy and naturally filtered. It is treated with ultraviolet disinfection and chlorine to keep it bacteria-free as it moves through the pipes before reaching homes and businesses.
Because Guelph’s water comes from groundwater sources, it contains naturally occurring minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which contribute to hard water. Hard water minerals can be good for your health but might impact your appliances and how your hair and skin feel. Water softeners and water conditioners are devices that can change the effects of hard water.
Residents can refill reusable water bottles free of charge at participating businesses displaying the blueW symbol.
Water conservation
The City encourages residents to help protect local water resources by:
- Properly disposing of grease, oil, paint, medications and other hazardous materials.
- Taking unused medication to pharmacies and hazardous materials to the Household Hazardous Waste Depot.
- Preventing fuel spills when refuelling vehicles and equipment.
- Cleaning up pet waste and disposing of it properly.
- Helping keep litter out of parks, waterways and storm drains.
Waste Collection
Residents can download the Guelph Waste app to receive collection reminders.
Waste carts must be placed at the curb before 6:30 a.m. on collection day, or before 5 a.m. in the Downtown area. Carts should be removed by 7 p.m. and stored on private property.
City staff may conduct random inspections of curbside waste carts to monitor compliance with sorting requirements under the Waste Management Bylaw (2019)-20392.
Large-item pickup is available by appointment for furniture, appliances, bicycles, mattresses and other eligible items. Items left at the curb without a scheduled pickup may be subject to fines.
Downtown construction
Construction related to the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program (DTIRP) will continue north of the Metrolinx railway tracks.
On Labour Day, construction moved north along Wyndham Street between the Quebec Street/Douglas Street intersection and Woolwich Street.
During this phase:
- St. George’s Square will be closed to vehicle traffic.
- Quebec and Douglas streets will operate as temporary dead ends.
- Douglas Street will temporarily be a two-way street.
- On-street parking on Douglas Street will be removed.
- Updated detour maps will be posted in September.
Road Safety
The City is reminding drivers to exercise extra caution as students return to school.
Drivers are encouraged to:
- Drive safely, obey posted speed limits and all stopping-for-school-buses law and requirements.
- Use designated “kiss and ride” drop-off areas in school zones where available. These zones allow bus traffic to flow through lots and give a safe zone for students to depart away from other vehicles.
- Obey crossing guards, and slow down when approaching a school crossing zone or an intersection near a school. Pedestrians always have the right of way when crossing lawfully.
- Stop when a crossing guard enters the roadway with a raised stop sign. Drivers who fail to stop for the crossing guard may be fined up to $500 under provincial legislation.
- Remain stopped until all pedestrians, including the school crossing guard, have safely crossed.
Residents who witness unsafe driving behaviour near school crossings should report concerns to Guelph Police Service.
E-Scooters
The City of Guelph is participating in the Ontario Ministry of Transportation electric kick-style scooter (e-scooter) pilot to permit privately-owned e-scooters on City streets and designated multi-use paths within the city.
Under the City’s e-scooter bylaw, riders must:
- Be 16 years of age or older
- Always stand
- Ride alone
- Carry items securely in a bag, backpack or purse – your hands must be free to operate the e-scooter
- Wear a helmet if between 16 and 18 years old · must comply with all Highway Traffic Act rules of the road when riding
- Turn on lights on an e-scooter any time from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise and at any other time when there is insufficient light
- Adhere to speed limits and yield to pedestrians
- Be prohibited to ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Learn more about driving an e-scooter on the City’s website.
Culture and Recreation
The City of Guelph will be hosting a variety of arts and cultural events that are free to attend downtown this fall.
View the full list of updated programming on the Guelph Museums website.
River Run Centre’s 2026-27 season begins in October and will feature music, theatre, comedy, dance and other live performances. Discount pricing is available for select shows for those under the age of 30.
More information is available on River Run Centre’s website.
The City also offers a variety of programming for all ages and abilities, from swimming to fitness and pottery classes. Registration for the fall and winter are now open, with many drop-in options available.
Learn more and browse all programs on RecEnroll.
Through October, visitors can receive up to three hours of free parking in the Macdonell lot and Market Parkade through the “3-for-Free” program, offered in partnership with the Downtown Guelph Business Association.
Municipal election
Election Day is Monday, October 26, when Guelph voters will elect the positions of Mayor, City Councillors and School Board Trustees.
Information about candidates, polling locations and voting procedures is available through the City’s election webpage.
Residents who primarily reside outside of Guelph can use Elections Ontario’s voter information service to determine their electoral district.
Media contact
Strategic Communications
[email protected]
City of Guelph
