Category Archives: Economic Development

Guelph, Ont., March 28, 2025 – The Official Plan Amendment (OPA) is being brought back to City Council for a public meeting and decision (view the official notice) on April 8. You can have your voice heard at the public meeting by joining virtually or in person, or by sending in comments before April 4.   In the fall, we reached out to the community to learn about what taller buildings in the Downtown area would mean to you. Through those conversations and surveys, we heard that:  Increasing access to housing is important,  More people living and working in the Downtown is good for our economy, and Protecting Guelph’s heritage and charm is a shared value among much of the community.  We also heard a… Continue reading Share your thoughts on the proposed Official Plan Amendment relating to Downtown heights

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Guelph, Ont., March 24, 2025 – As part of the City of Guelph’s “Future in Focus: Building Guelph Together” advocacy campaign, and in advance of the of the upcoming federal election on April 28, the City is putting forward its priorities for attention and support for the next federal government.  As economic uncertainty threatens worker and business security, we continue to face broad systemic issues including rising housing prices, aging infrastructure, and municipal funding shortfalls. In response to these growing concerns, the City is prioritizing economic resiliency and collaborative growth. We urge the next federal government to:   Provide investments, guidance, and support to strengthen municipal economic resiliency Foster collaborative growth through funding and other support for housing and infrastructure Work with all levels of government… Continue reading Guelph releases top priorities for the federal election

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Guelph, Ont., March 4, 2025  –  The City of Guelph is pleased to announce Shanna O’Dwyer as General Manager, Finance – City Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. When asked about the role Shanna replied, “I am honoured to accept the role of General Manager, Finance – City Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. I moved to Guelph for my undergraduate studies at the University of Guelph, and I have lived and worked here ever since. I love our city, and I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the dedicated group of public servants and elected officials who serve Guelph. Together, we can achieve great things as we seek to meet the evolving needs of our community.” Shanna holds several credentials including a CPA designation… Continue reading City of Guelph appoints new general manager of finance

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Guelph, Ont., January 27, 2025 – We’re collecting the community’s feedback on the draft Official Plan Amendment (OPA) before the OPA is brought back to City Council this spring (view the official notice). We recently reached out to the community to learn about what taller buildings in the Downtown area would mean to you. Through those conversations and surveys, we heard that: Increasing access to housing is important, More people living and working in the Downtown is good for our economy, and Protecting Guelph’s heritage and charm is a shared value among much of the community. We also heard a lot of feedback specifically about how tall buildings should be permitted in specific blocks. Our team listened and learned from the collective voice of the… Continue reading Share your thoughts on the proposed Official Plan Amendment relating to Downtown heights

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Guelph, Ont., January 14, 2025 – Today, Council took an important step towards advancing the Southgate Business Park, which will allow more businesses to invest in Guelph and bring hundreds of jobs to the city. The property at 384 Crawley Road, designated for industrial use, requires substantial tree removals to support future development. Council met today to approve the removal of trees on the 88-acre plot, marking the first step towards supporting future development of the site. In exchange, there will be 17,000 trees and 4,000 shrubs planted on-site within one year of the removals. “By ensuring this land is development-ready, we are saying yes to new jobs and economic growth for our city,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie. “Allowing development to happen quickly will attract… Continue reading City of Guelph takes steps to advance property development in Southgate Business Park

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$86,300 awarded to tourism operators and events to enhance visitor experience Guelph, Ont., November 4, 2024 – The City of Guelph and Destination Marketing Guelph are thrilled to announce the successful implementation of the inaugural Tourism Funding Programs. This initiative has awarded a total of $86,300 to tourism operators and special events through a competitive application process for the Destination Animation Fund, the Gather Here Sponsorship Fund, and the Gaps and Needs Fund. These funds are aimed at investing in the tourism industry to position Guelph as a must-see visitor destination by developing new tourism experiences, supporting event attraction, and addressing key gaps in the tourism sector. “We were thrilled to be able to support enhancements to long-time and loved Guelph events,” said Hilary McCann,… Continue reading Guelph Tourism invests in local experiences to grow the visitor economy

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Proposed Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan Subject lands The City of Guelph in its entirety. Public meeting Wednesday, November 13, 2024 This is a hybrid City Council meeting that can be watched online at guelph.ca/live or attended in-person in Council Chambers, City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph. Purpose of the report To present the Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan for public feedback and to be received by Council. Additional information Information about the project can be found on haveyoursay.guelph.ca/affordable-housing-cip. Documents relating to the proposed Community Improvement Plan and financial incentives for affordable housing projects will be available at guelph.ca/agenda on October 31, 2024. For more information, please contact: Christine Chapman, Manager Economic Development Economic Development & Tourism 519-822-1260 ext. 2823 TTY 519-826-9771 [email protected] How to… Continue reading Notice of public meeting: Proposed Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan

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      Strawberry Sunshine specializes in a variety of offerings including hand-poured soy wax candles, unique home décor, workshops, fundraising initiatives, and custom orders. The business has been operating for three years. You can find Strawberry Sunshine at 3-15 Surrey Street West in Guelph or online at strawberrysunshine.ca. Stephanie Scapinello, owner of Strawberry Sunshine           Stephanie Scapinello, the proud owner of Strawberry Sunshine, is a mom of three girls. Stephanie’s three daughters are her daily inspiration to inspire others to live the life you love and share your passion with others, which is how Strawberry Sunshine was created. Stephanie started her candle making journey to prepare for her middle daughters first communion as a thank you to family and friends… Continue reading Guelph Shops Business Spotlight Profile: Strawberry Sunshine

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DBL CRS Sim Lounge is a high-end golf simulator that specializes in providing entertainment for golfers of all skill levels. The business opened on April 13, 2024. You can find DBL CRS Sim Lounge at 589 Hanlon Creek Boulevard, Units 36 and 37, in Guelph or online at dblcrs.ca. DBL CRS Sim Lounge The team at DBL CRS, Guelph’s premier golf simulator experience, has created a place where Guelph and golf can connect. Ged Smyth grew up in Guelph and has been a part of the local golf community since he was 13 years old. Ged is passionate about Guelph and golf, which made this venture the perfect opportunity to combine passion and fun into a business idea. Ged is also passionate about technology, audio… Continue reading Guelph Shops Business Spotlight Profile: DBL CRS Sim Lounge

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Water barrier deinstall for downtown patios starting September 28 Guelph, Ont., September 28, 2024 – As the summer ends, the City is gearing up to collect all water barriers used for the Seasonal Patio Program. All businesses included in the Seasonal Patio Program are required to have their patio platforms, lighting, planters, debris, and any other equipment removed by Friday, September 27 at 11 p.m. On Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29 from approximately 3 a.m. to 8 a.m. the City will drain water barriers throughout the downtown core. Pedestrian walks ways, transit, and other city services will not be impacted. The removal is expected to be completed Sunday, weather permitting. Resources Seasonal patio program  Patio team – [email protected] For more Information Alex Jaworiwsky,… Continue reading Seasonal patio program

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Guelph, Ont., August 26, 2024 – On September 5, the City of Guelph will host two information sessions to share information about the development of Guelph’s affordable housing Community Improvement Plan (CIP). The proposed program will provide financial incentives for developers and homebuilders to rehabilitate the city’s existing housing supply into affordable purpose-built rentals and new affordable rental and ownership units. We want to connect with developers, homebuilders and others in the sector, as well as members of the Guelph community. Guelph’s Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan information sessions Date: Thursday, September 5 Time: Drop-in style, 1-3 p.m. or 4-6 p.m. Where: Marg Mackinnon Community Room, City Hall During the information sessions, staff will: Provide an overview of community improvement plans, how they work, and… Continue reading Learn more about Guelph’s development of an affordable housing Community Improvement Plan

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Guelph, Ont., March 25, 2024 – In response to a mayoral direction issued on February 28, the City of Guelph is seeking private property donations to (potentially) establish a temporary structured encampment as part of its ongoing efforts to address unsheltered homelessness. Property owners within Guelph are invited to identify potential sites suitable for conversion into temporary structured encampments. These sites will serve as safe havens for those in need for a minimum period of three years. While properties within one kilometre of the downtown core are preferred, all submissions will be considered. Property owners interested in contributing to this initiative are encouraged to submit their name, contact information, and potential location address to [email protected] by April 26, 2024. The City emphasizes that this initial… Continue reading City of Guelph seeks property donations for a temporary structured encampment

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Club Pilates Guelph South provides a holistic fitness experience combining traditional reformer-based pilates techniques with innovative equipment like the TRX®, springboard, and EXO-chair. With a wide range of class offerings, these full-body, low-impact classes cater to all fitness levels and wellness goals. You can find Club Pilates at 10 Samuel Drive, Unit B or online at clubpilates.com/location/guelphsouth. Karen Mayfield, owner of Club Pilates Guelph South Karen Mayfield, Julia Cicuttin, and Anthony Cicuttin are the mother-daughter-son team behind Club Pilates Guelph South. Before Club Pilates Guelph South, Karen built eSolutionsGroup from the ground up and became the first female partner at an engineering consulting firm, CRA. After the firm sold the company, she embarked on a new journey, combining her passion for fitness and care for the… Continue reading Guelph Shops Business Spotlight Profile: Club Pilates Guelph South

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Key facts Conestoga College is ranked among Canada’s Top 15 research colleges. In 2021-22, almost 4,500 Conestoga students and 350 faculty members were engaged in applied research projects. The college serves more than 50,000 full and part-time learners each year through a growing network of campuses across Southwestern Ontario. The college has produced more than 170,000 graduates, who add more than $3.4 billion to Ontario’s economy each year. Release Guelph, Ont., April 13, 2023 – Conestoga College is building a new full-service programming campus in downtown Guelph. The new campus, first announced at a press conference, is set to open as early as September 2025 at 130 Macdonell Street as Co-operators move into a new head office in Guelph in 2024. The City of Guelph… Continue reading City of Guelph welcomes Conestoga College to the downtown core

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Iron Embers, incorporated in May 2011, specializes in manufacturing premium wood-burning fire pits and outdoor living accessories. You can find Iron Embers at 32 Airpark Place, Unit 1, in Guelph or online at ironembers.com. Eric Tamminga, owner of Iron Embers Eric Tamminga is Iron Embers’ owner, founded in 2011 with his two brothers. His background as a mechanical engineer and working in the automation field for several years have been significant assets in getting Iron Embers running efficiently.   Business background Iron Embers manufactures premium wood-burning fire pits and outdoor living accessories. All products are built locally at their facility in Guelph, Ontario. So keep yourself warm with a chiminea or grill up some fresh food with a BBQ grill on their Octagonal Cottager—they have you covered.… Continue reading Guelph Shops Business Spotlight Profile: Iron Embers

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Trek Nirvana began in 2019. Their passion lies in seeking authentic and sustainable travel experiences. You can find Trek Nirvana online at treknirvana.ca. Guruasish Singh, owner of Trek Nirvana Guruasish is a hiking enthusiast who discovered his love for curating adventures while exploring the Himalayas and the Bruce Trail. He enjoys exploring new food joints and trail finds and watching nature documentaries. Guruasish is a dog dad to Murphy, the Chief Paw Officer, and a husband to Jagminder, an invaluable asset to the business.   Business background Trek Nirvana is a Guelph-based travel design agency and community of outdoor adventurers. Passionate about seeking authentic and sustainable travel experiences, exploring local culture and heritage, connecting with new people and discovering indigenous art and cuisine. Trek Nirvana started… Continue reading Guelph Shops Business Spotlight Profile: Trek Nirvana

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