Category Archives: City Hall

The links below will redirect you to a specific report within the larger PDF agenda. When accessed from a mobile device, these links may not function properly and will link to page one of the agenda document. Agendas routinely exceed 100 mb in size. It’s recommended that mobile users access the agendas only when connected to a wifi network. Monday, March 25, 2019 – 5:00 p.m. Council Chambers, Guelph City Hall, 1 Carden Street Closed Items Confirmation of Closed Minutes for the closed Council meetings held February 25, 2019 and Committee of the Whole held March 4, 2019 CS-2019-43 March 2019 Public Appointments to the Municipal Property and Building Commemorative Naming Committee and Water Conservation and Efficiency Public Advisory Committee IDE-2019-24 Guelph Innovation District (GID) – Q1… Continue reading City Council – March 25, 2019 – 5:00 p.m.

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

Task Force projects will begin this year Guelph, Ont., March 7, 2019– Three projects identified by the Mayor’s Task Force on homelessness and community safety will be implemented this year, thanks to funding approved by Guelph City Council and partners that include the County of Wellington, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin, Local Health Integration Network, and Guelph Police Service. The projects are: A Supported Recovery Room, which will offer five beds to meet sleep and recovery needs for people experiencing addiction or mental health crisis. The recovery room is funded with $150,000 from the City of Guelph, $150,000 from United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin, and $150,000 from the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). An Addiction Court Support Worker program, which provides a counsellor… Continue reading City, partners fund homelessness initiatives

Guelph, Ont., March 7, 2019—On March 5, the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) issued an order resulting in the City’s Downtown Zoning Bylaw being in full force and effect. The LPAT decision upholds Council’s decision with minor modifications. The zoning bylaw is the set of rules the City uses to implement the Downtown Secondary Plan. These rules allow appropriate development in downtown Guelph. The Downtown Zoning Bylaw update was completed and approved by Council in 2017. The update modernizes the City’s approach to development in the downtown, aligning zoning regulations with the community’s vision for this area of Guelph as established by the Downtown Secondary Plan, 2012. The updated bylaw encourages downtown development, and supports an active, urban environment south of the CN rail line… Continue reading Downtown Zoning Bylaw in effect

Guelph, Ont., March 5, 2018—Tonight, Guelph City Council approved the tax supported operating and the local boards and shared services budgets. The approved 2019 tax supported operating budget saw a 2.69 per cent net levy increase over last year’s budget for a total levy requirement of $244,126,832. This total includes a 0.80 per cent net levy increase over the 2018 local boards and shared services budget. The tax supported operating budget focuses on the programs and services residents and business owners pay for through property taxes such as waste collection, road maintenance, recreation programs, and emergency services. The local boards and shared services budget supports our community partners including Guelph Public Library, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, Social Services and Social Housing, Downtown Guelph Business Association, Guelph… Continue reading The City of Guelph’s 2019 budget is approved

Mayor Cam Guthrie is now accepting nominations for the 2019 Mayor’s Awards. The deadline is Friday, April 19, 2019 at 4 p.m. Continue reading Call for nominations: 2019 Mayor’s Awards

The City of Guelph was recognized earlier this month with two top honours at the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS), Hamilton Chapter’s 26th annual Pinnacle Awards. Continue reading Guelph recognized with two top awards for communications excellence

The City is developing new urban design standards for commercial developments and buildings that will include topics such as building design, landscaping and trees, vehicular circulation, pedestrian and cycling circulation, parking and property access. Based on the Guelph’s Official Plan, these built form standards will provide clear directions and criteria for the design of new commercial buildings across the City. Join us for a public open house to review project materials, meet the project team, and provide comments through roundtable discussions. Wednesday, March 6, 2019 6 to 8 p.m. Room 112, City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph Drop in anytime between 6 and 8; there will be no formal presentation. The resulting built form standards for commercial development will promote design excellence across Guelph. Establishing a standard for design excellence will ensure new development respects surrounding neighbourhoods,… Continue reading Open house: Help develop design standards for Commercial Developments

Queensland, Australia’s Department of Innovation announced its commitment to provide a letter of support for the City of Guelph and County of Wellington’s Smart Cities Challenge application Continue reading The City of Guelph and the County of Wellington join forces with Queensland, Australia to harness circular economy synergies and tackle global food challenges

Nearly 157 years ago Thomas W. Cooper compiled a map of Guelph. Cooper’s 1862 map is on display at Guelph City Hall until early May. Continue reading City displays early Guelph maps to celebrate Heritage Week

Guelph, Ont., February 20, 2019 – Mayor Cam Guthrie has released a report on the conclusions of the Task Force on Homelessness and Community Safety. The Task Force, which Mayor Guthrie announced in his inaugural address, met twice in January and agreed on a list of five priorities that would have a positive impact on homelessness, substance use, and mental health issues in Guelph. The five priorities are: Develop permanent supportive housing to house 15 chronically homeless individuals with complex needs, with 24/7 staffing to support residents with addiction, mental health, or chronic health issues. Re-open a supported recovery room, which would meet sleep and recovery needs for clients for up to 72 hours. It would be staffed by a registered nurse, addiction counsellor, and… Continue reading Mayor releases homelessness task force report

Guelph City Council approve Development Charges Bylaw. New rates come into effect March 2, 2019. Continue reading Council approves Development Charges Bylaw

Cam Guthrie and Jeff Lehman named Chair and Vice-Chair Guelph, Ont., February 15, 2019 – Guelph’s Mayor, Cam Guthrie, was confirmed as the Chair of the Large Urban Mayors’ Caucus of Ontario (LUMCO) at the group’s first meeting of the term this morning. Jeff Lehman, Mayor of the City of Barrie, was elected Vice-Chair. LUMCO is comprised of mayors of 27 Ontario communities with a population of 100,000 or more. It advocates to the federal and provincial governments on policies and issues that affect large urban municipalities. “I am thrilled to be leading LUMCO for the next two years, and I look forward to working with my fellow mayors to raise the profile of issues that matter to Ontario’s biggest cities,” said Mayor Guthrie. “I’m… Continue reading Large Urban Mayors’ Caucus gathers in Guelph

Join the conversation in person or online February 26 to March 24 Guelph, Ont., February 14, 2019—Dreaming of your next home renovation? Is it a second story addition? Or maybe you want to widen your driveway. Are thinking of opening a home business or purchasing a store front? No matter what you want to do, you need to know your zone. We’re reviewing our existing Zoning Bylaw, which identifies your property’s zone and outlines what you can do on your property, so it aligns with our Official Plan and makes sense for the community. We’ll be looking at each and every property in Guelph, and that includes your property—residential or business. Join us Let us know what’s working for you, what’s not and what you’d… Continue reading Putting Guelph’s vision into place with your input

The links below will redirect you to a specific report within the larger PDF agenda. When accessed from a mobile device, these links may not function properly and will link to page one of the agenda document. Agendas routinely exceed 100 mb in size. It’s recommended that mobile users access the agendas only when connected to a wifi network. Monday, February 25, 2019 – 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers, Guelph City Hall, 1 Carden Street Closed Items Confirmation of Closed Minutes for the closed Council meetings held January 10, 21 and 28, February 4, 7 and 11, 2019 CS-2019-45 February 2019 Public Appointments to the Planning Advisory Committee Confirmation of Minutes Confirmation of Minutes for the Council meetings held January 10, 16, 21, 23, 28, 29, 30, February… Continue reading City Council – February 25, 2019 – 6:00 p.m.

Guelph, Ont., February 13, 2019—The City appointed Jeremy Laur as Guelph’s chief building official at the February 11 Council Planning Meeting. Laur has over 20 years of progressively senior experience in the building industry, including 16 years with the City. “Jeremy has excellent relationships with the local building and development industry,” said Todd Salter, the City’s general manager of Planning and Building Services. “With his strong focus on customer service and continuous improvement, Jeremy is well-positioned for his new role as Guelph’s chief building official.” Media contact Todd Salter General Manager, Planning and Building Services 519-822-1260 extension 2395 todd.salter@guelph.ca

The Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan project is being completed in three phases: Phase 1 – Completing background studies – Complete Phase 2 – Developing a Preferred Community Structure – Complete Phase 3 – Preparing the Secondary Plan and Master Environmental Servicing Plan – Underway We launched phase 3 with the release of a draft Directions Consultation Document and a public workshop on December 4, 2018. We also provided an opportunity for online consultation from December 5, 2018 to January 9, 2019. When we launched phase 3, we expected to release the final version of the Directions Document at the end of January. We now expect to present the final Directions Document to Council in May. We’re taking this additional time to: Carefully review and consider the feedback… Continue reading Clair-Maltby project update: phase 3 timing

Guelph, Ont., February 8, 2019–Guelph City Council and its Chief Administrative Officer, Derrick Thomson, have mutually agreed to part ways. City Council and the CAO determined together that now is the right time for change. “I’m grateful for the stability Derrick has brought to City Hall in recent years, and for the strong team of employees he leaves us with,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie. “Council thanks Derrick for his service to our city, and we wish him well in the future.” During his two and a half years as CAO, Mr. Thomson is credited with successfully advocating for tens of millions in federal and provincial funding to support local investments and renew municipal infrastructure; establishing Guelph on Ontario’s Innovation Corridor; and creating new opportunities for… Continue reading The City of Guelph and CAO Derrick Thomson mutually agree to part ways

Guelph, Ont., February 7, 2019 – In his 5th annual State of the City address, Mayor Cam Guthrie spoke of the collaboration between City Council, staff, local businesses, organizations and citizens, which makes Guelph a better place to live and work. Taking his theme from the TV show “The Office,” the mayor premiered a made-in-Guelph version of the show’s opening credits, featuring Guelph City Council. He highlighted a number of initiatives that rely on partnerships and collaborations, including the Community Plan, Smart Cities challenge application, Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness and Community Safety, and the Baker Street redevelopment. “The role of cities has grown and become more complex over the years,” Mayor Guthrie said. “We’re not only building the roads, picking up the garbage, and… Continue reading State of the City highlights teamwork, collaboration

The City of Guelph’s Limitless Guelph program is receiving a 2019 PRO Award of Excellence from Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO). Continue reading Limitless Guelph receives PRO Award of Excellence

Please be advised that changes to the Development Charge By-law, including the rates, are scheduled for approval at the February 11, 2019 Council Meeting and would be effective March 2, 2019.

If approved, the new rates will apply to all building permits issued after March 1, 2019.  Therefore, respecting legislated building permit turnaround times of 10 business days, residential building permit applications are required to be submitted no later than February 14, 2019 in order to be eligible to receive the current rates. Continue reading 2019 Development Charge Rates (Residential)

Please be advised that changes to the Development Charge By-law, including the rates, are scheduled for approval at the February 11, 2019 Council Meeting and would be effective March 2, 2019.

If approved, the new rates will apply to all building permits issued after March 1, 2019.  Therefore, respecting legislated building permit turnaround times of 20 business days, all ICI building permit applications received after January 31, 2019 will be subject to the new rates. Continue reading 2019 Development Charge Rates (ICI)

The links below will redirect you to a specific report within the larger PDF agenda. When accessed from a mobile device, these links may not function properly and will link to page one of the agenda document. Agendas routinely exceed 100 mb in size. It’s recommended that mobile users access the agendas only when connected to a wifi network. Thursday, February 7, 2019 – 3:00 p.m Council Chambers, Guelph City Hall, 1 Carden Street Closed Items Chief Administrative Officer Contract For more information Refer to guelph.ca/agendas for the consolidated agenda. Minutes and audio will be posted following the meeting. Video will be posted if/when available.

Guelph, Ont, February 1, 2019 – As Mayor, I join the community of Guelph in mourning the passing of the Honourable William Winegard. Bill, as he was known to most of us, served as the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guelph from 1967 to 1975 and went on to become Guelph’s Member of Parliament, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, and Canada’s first Minister for Science. He was an honoured veteran of the Royal Canadian Navy, an Officer of the Order of Canada, and a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. Bill was extraordinary not just for what he accomplished, but how he did it. He was a generous volunteer throughout his life, a mentor to many, and a… Continue reading Statement from the Mayor of Guelph on the passing of the Hon. William Winegard

The proposed 2019 local boards and shared services budget is presented with a 0.91 per cent net tax levy increase over 2018 at a total of $2,127,104. This budget supports our community partners including Guelph Public Library, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, Social Services and Social Housing, Downtown Guelph Business Association, Guelph Police Services, and the Elliott. Continue reading 2019 Local boards and shared services budget book released

The $87.3 million budget covers 2019 capital projects slated to start or be completed this year. The 10-year $1.6 billion capital forecast looks ahead to 2028, and suggests appropriate capital project timelines according to anticipated budget needs and projected funding. The capital budget also requires about $1.9 million in operating costs that are reflected in the 2020 tax and non-tax supported operating budgets. Continue reading Council approves 2019 capital budget

The City has released the proposed 2019 tax supported operating budget to City Council and the community. Continue reading 2019 budget discussions continue with the tax supported operating budget

A global report released by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation at the World Economic Forum annual meeting highlights Guelph-Wellington as one city marshalling a transformation towards a circular food economy. Continue reading Report unveiled at World Economic Forum in Davos features Guelph-Wellington in its global call for change to address the world’s food challenges

In accordance with Section 36 of the Planning Act R.S.O 1990 c.P.13., Guelph City Council intends to pass a Zoning By-law Amendment to remove a Holding ‘H’ symbol from the City of Guelph Zoning By-law (1995)-14864. The lands affected by the proposed amendment are municipally known as 128 Starwood Drive and legally described as Part of Lot 4, Concession 3, Division C, Part 5 on Plan 61R-21038, City of Guelph. The lands are currently zoned “Residential Single Detached with Holding Provisions” (R.1D(H28)), according to Zoning By-law (1995)-14864, as amended. The zoning for the subject lands was approved by the Ontario Municipal Board on August 25, 2015 through Board Order for file PL150062. The Holding ‘H’ symbol requires that prior to the removal of the ‘H’ symbol, the following conditions shall be met to the satisfaction of… Continue reading Notice of intention to pass an amending bylaw: removal a Holding (H) symbol – 128 Starwood Drive

Guelph, Ont., January 23, 2019 – Today City Council approved the 2019 non-tax supported operating budget totalling just under $79.1 million. The City of Guelph’s non-tax supported budget includes Stormwater Services, Water Services, Wastewater Services, Ontario Building Code Administration, and Court Services. The budgets for these services are not funded through property taxes, but rather through user fees, rates, and other non-tax supported revenues. This budget continues to build on financial sustainability, predictability, continuous service improvement and cost competitiveness. “Safety is always a priority for the City, and this non-tax supported budget ensures we have the right resources in place to meet health, safety and regulatory requirements to keep our people, our environment and our community safe,” said Derrick Thomson, chief administrative officer for the… Continue reading Council approves 2019 non-tax supported operating budget

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

Guelph City Council will hold a public meeting in accordance with the Planning Act to consider the following planning and development applications. The meeting will take place: February 11, 2019 6:30 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph About the planning application 855 and 927 Victoria Road South (File: OZS18-007) — Wards 5 and 6 The subject lands are comprised of two separate parcels of land located at the north-west corner of Victoria Road South and MacAlister Boulevard. The northern parcel is municipally known as 855 Victoria Road South and is approximately 2.25 hectares in size and has approximately 204 metres of frontage along Victoria Road South. The southern parcel is municipally known as 927 Victoria Road South and is approximately 2.58 hectares in size and has… Continue reading Proposed development meeting: 855 and 927 Victoria Road South

The final report for the Guelph Transit business service review will be presented to Council on Tuesday, January 29 at 6 p.m. Continue reading City shares Guelph Transit business service review final report

The City is now accepting building permit applications for New Buildings, Additions and Renovations for Industrial, Commercial and Institutional projects through Building Services Online. Continue reading Electronic Submission of Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Building Permits

A decision by the Superior Court of Justice supports the integrity of the City of Guelph’s process for the Niska Road and bridge construction project. Continue reading City process for Niska Road project holds up in court

You’re invited to attend one of two drop-in workshops on January 15 as we gather community input to help shape the sustainability vision and goals for the Baker District redevelopment project. Continue reading Baker District workshop sets stage for vision, goals

The City has received applications for variances from the City of Guelph Sign By-law (1996)-15245, as amended. The requests for variances at the subject property are as follows: 160 Chancellors Way Request for variances from Section 2(2) and Section 7(1)(f ) of the City of Guelph Sign By-law (1996)-15245, as amended, to permit one (1) illuminated freestanding sign with a sign face area of .77m2 and a height of 1.77m above the adjacent roadway within a 7m by 5m driveway sightline triangle at the west driveway of 160 Chancellors Way. Request for variances from Section 2(2) and Section 7(1)(f ) of the City of Guelph Sign By-law (1996)-15245, as amended, to permit one (1) illuminated freestanding sign with a sign face area 3.79m2 (changeable copy of 1.08m2) with a height of… Continue reading Notice: Sign Bylaw variance applications

The City of Guelph has released the 2019 non-tax supported operating budget and the 2019 capital budget and forecast Continue reading 2019 budget discussions start now

At the end of 2018, the City will no longer collect damage deposit fees with building permit and swimming pool permit applications. Continue reading Damage Deposits

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

Guelph City Council voted last night to opt in to cannabis retail stores within the city with authority to comment on storefronts. Continue reading City Council opts into cannabis retail stores

Proposed development charges remain competitive with rates in nearby cities, such as Kitchener and Cambridge.
Continue reading Guelph releases proposed Development Charges and background study

Starting January 1st, 2019 the City of Guelph, Building Services will be requiring Home Builders to submit all building permit applications electronically and book all inspections through Building Services Online. Continue reading Mandatory electronic permits and online inspections for home builders

Watch live streaming of Council and Committee of the Whole meetings on guelph.ca/live. Continue reading Live streaming of Council and Committee of the Whole meetings now available

Check the signs on your street! Starting December 1, the overnight on-street parking restrictions take effect for winter. Continue reading Overnight on-street parking restrictions begin December 1

The links below will redirect you to a specific report within the larger PDF agenda. When accessed from a mobile device, these links may not function properly and will link to page one of the agenda document. Agendas routinely exceed 100 mb in size. It’s recommended that mobile users access the agendas only when connected to a wifi network. Monday, December 10, 2018 – 6:30 p.m Council Chambers, Guelph City Hall, 1 Carden Street Council Consent Agenda IDE-2018-131 Decision Report 278 College Avenue West Zoning By-law Amendment File: ZC1801 Ward 5 CS-2018-27 2018 Third Quarter Operating Variance Report Public Meeting to Hear Applications under Sections 17, 34 and 51 of the Planning Act IDE-2018-138 Statutory Public Meeting Report 361 Whitelaw Road Proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law… Continue reading Council Planning – December 10, 2018 – 6:30 p.m.

The links below will redirect you to a specific report within the larger PDF agenda. When accessed from a mobile device, these links may not function properly and will link to page one of the agenda document. Agendas routinely exceed 100 mb in size. It’s recommended that mobile users access the agendas only when connected to a wifi network. Monday, December 10, 2018 – 5:00 p.m Closed Meeting Items: CS-2018-69 December 2018 Public Appointments to Advisory Committees, Local Boards, Agencies, Commissions, and Associations Open Meeting:  5:30 p.m. Council Chambers, Guelph City Hall, 1 Carden Street CS-2018-68 December 2018 Public Appointments to Advisory Committees, Local Boards, Agencies, Commissions and Associations CS-2018-67 2018-2022 Council Appointments For more information Refer to guelph.ca/agendas for the consolidated agenda. Minutes and audio will… Continue reading Council as Striking Committee – December 10, 2018 – 5:00 p.m.

The links below will redirect you to a specific report within the larger PDF agenda. When accessed from a mobile device, these links may not function properly and will link to page one of the agenda document. Agendas routinely exceed 100 mb in size. It’s recommended that mobile users access the agendas only when connected to a wifi network. Thursday, December 13, 2018 – 6:00 p.m Meeting Room C, Guelph City Hall, 1 Carden Street Special Council  Workshop-Council Orientation- Service Area Night Corporate Services  Corporate Services Presentation   Key Projects  Development Charges Background Study and By-Law Multi-year Budgeting Council Composition, Employment Status and Ward Boundary Review Labour Relations Public Services Public Services Presentation Key Projects: Municipal Accommodation Tax Cannabis Animal Control Review Transit Service Review Guelph-Eramosa Contract Community… Continue reading Special City Council Meeting – December 13, 2018 Council Orientation – Service Area Night Corporate Services and Public Services

The Swimming Pool By-law is currently under review. You are invited to help us draft the revised bylaw by identifying what’s working in the current bylaw, what’s not, and what’s missing at a public meeting. Continue reading Swimming Pool and Hot Tub Bylaw review

The links below will redirect you to a specific report within the larger PDF agenda. When accessed from a mobile device, these links may not function properly and will link to page one of the agenda document. Agendas routinely exceed 100 mb in size. It’s recommended that mobile users access the agendas only when connected to a wifi network. Thursday, December 6, 2018 – 6:00 p.m Meeting Room C, Guelph City Hall, 1 Carden Street Special Council Workshop – Council Orientation – Night 2 2018-2022 Council Orientation For more information Refer to guelph.ca/agendas for the consolidated agenda. Minutes and audio will be posted following the meeting. Video will be posted if/when available.