Category Archives: City Hall

City is asking the public’s opinion on the vacant and excess land tax discount program Continue reading City considering changes to vacant and excess land tax discount program

Guelph, Ont., May. 14, 2019—It’s official: Guelph and Wellington County learned late this afternoon they will receive $10 million from Infrastructure Canada to implement their Smart Cities vision: Our Food Future, Canada’s first circular food economy. The joint proposal from City of Guelph and Wellington County was submitted in early March after nine months of planning involving more than 150 community partners. The program will now forge ahead in tackling three bold goals: 50 per cent increase in access to affordable, nutritious food; 50 new circular food business and collaboration opportunities; and 50 per cent increase in economic revenues by reducing or transforming food waste. “We are proud and honoured to have been selected from amongst so many worthy and deserving communities,” said Guelph’s mayor,… Continue reading Guelph-Wellington awarded Smart Cities Challenge prize

Have your say on the future of the vacant and excess land subclass tax rate discount Continue reading Vacant and excess land subclass tax rate discounts

Guelph, Ont., May 2, 2019—Today the City released an updated preferred community structure for the Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan as part of a report to Council. The update is based on community feedback and additional studies the City has completed. In addition to the updated structure, the report presents the final policy directions document and provides a timeline for the remainder of the project. Putting the environment first The updated work on the Secondary Plan continues to put the protection of the Paris Moraine and the city’s natural heritage and water resources first. Further studies confirmed that planned urban development in the Clair-Maltby area will not interfere with the function of the Paris Moraine, the natural heritage system or water resources. The Paris Moraine is not… Continue reading City releases updated preferred structure for Clair-Maltby

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 Guelph’s Official Plan, these built form standards will provide clear direction and criteria for the design of new commercial buildings across the City. A preliminary design directions document has been developed based on feedback received so far which includes: how commercial sites are to be organized and laid out; how commercial buildings are to be designed and shaped; how main street areas should be designed; how neighbourhood-scale commercial should be designed to provide walkable retail and service uses; how to design vehicle-oriented uses including service stations, vehicle repair and… Continue reading Have your say: Commercial Built Form Standards Preliminary Design Directions

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,  May 13, 2019 – 6:00 p.m Council Chambers, Guelph City Hall, 1 Carden Street Items for Discussion  IDE.2019.02   Procedure to Request Temporary Suspension of Enforcement of Driveway Regulations: Draft Framework Presentation Council Support of Bill 71, the Paris Galt Moraine Conservation Act, 2019 IDE.2019.51  Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan: Phase 3 Project Update For more information Refer to guelph.ca/agendas for the consolidated agenda. Minutes and audio will be posted… Continue reading Council Planning – Monday, May 13, 2019 – 6:00 p.m.

Today the City of Guelph welcomes Jennifer Rose as the general manager of Environmental Services. Rose comes to the City with 15 years’ experience in the municipal sector, most recently as director of Environmental Services for the City of Vaughan. Continue reading Things looking rosy with City of Guelph’s new GM of Environmental Services

Attention news, photo and video editors Guelph, Ont., April 23, 2019—The City of Guelph will host a culminating community event following 18 months of research and community engagement to develop Guelph’s Community Plan. The “City Sprint” will be a high energy, creative afternoon designed to share the values and key themes identified during the Plan’s research and engagement phase. Participants will hear from community representatives and visit stations for each theme to provide feedback and help City Council and the community set priorities to advance the work. The Community Plan Discussion Paper is available online for those who are unable to attend the Sprint event. The Discussion Paper is an analysis and summary of directions following a comprehensive research and engagement process from October 2017… Continue reading Guelph’s Community Plan “Sprint”

Guelph, Ont., April 18, 2019—On Wednesday, April 24, all schools across the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) and Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) will participate in Waste-Free Lunch Day. The event is being held just two days after Earth Day in celebration of the environment and in support of Our Food Future, Guelph-Wellington’s vision to become Canada’s first food smart community. The UGDSB and WCDSB have a standing commitment to reduce their environmental impact and minimize waste, and to encourage students to become informed, engaged and empowered citizens. Participation in the Our Food Future Waste-Free Lunch Day is an extension of that commitment. “At the Upper Grand District School Board, we’ve been working hard to implement more sustainable processes at all levels, so… Continue reading School Boards support Our Food Future, encourage food-smart habits with Waste-Free Lunch Day

Please join us at City Hall on April 26 for a flag-lowering ceremony to observe the National Day of Mourning. Continue reading City observes National Day of Mourning

Have your say Want to have your say on how we protect the cultural heritage value of our neighbourhoods and historic places? You can by filling out the Cultural Heritage Action Plan feedback form. This feedback will be combined with the feedback given at the City-held sessions that took place on April 24 to help confirm and finalize the draft Cultural Heritage Action Plan, which was released for Council and community comment on April 8. The draft Cultural Heritage Action Plan will protect the cultural heritage value of our neighbourhoods and historic places through the: • implementation of policies in the Official Plan, • identification of cultural heritage landscapes within the city, • prioritization of actions related to heritage conservation, and • recommendation regarding incentives and the promotion of cultural… Continue reading Have your say on the Cultural Heritage Action Plan

The Commercial Policy Review is focused on protecting, intensifying and reconfiguring commercial space in Guelph to better serve the community’s shopping and service needs. The Commercial Policy Review Discussion Paper presents draft options for amendments to the City’s Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw to implement the Commercial Policy Review Preferred Framework. The discussion paper presents options for: Designating two new Community Mixed-use Centres and a new Mixed-use Corridor Increasing floor space maximums for three Community Mixed-use Centres Establishing a new maximum gross floor area for Neighbourhood Commercial Centres Incorporating floor space minimums in Community Mixed-use Centres, Mixed-use Corridors and Neighbourhood Commercial Centres Providing Commercial Function Study policies to protect against the loss of existing and planned commercial space. Let us know what you think about these and other revisions. The discussion paper will be released Friday,… Continue reading Commercial Policy Review Discussion Paper

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

Smoke alarms are required on all floor levels, in all bedrooms throughout the entire house and in the hallway(s) outside of bedrooms.  All smoke alarms are required to be interconnected.  Existing smoke alarms are acceptable provided they are compatible with the new alarms and can be interconnected.  All smoke alarms shall have a strobe light signaling component. Continue reading Smoke alarm requirements for accessory apartments

The City of Guelph, County of Wellington and key partners celebrated the submission of the Smart Cities Challenge application on March 25, 2019. Continue reading Guelph-Wellington submits “Our Food Future” Smart Cities Challenge application

Guelph-Wellington Smart Cities partners and collaborators will celebrate successful application, followed by a presentation to Council Continue reading Reception for Guelph-Wellington Smart Cities Challenge final submission

Guelph, Ont., March 21, 2019–More than 80 community members and food experts gathered at the Guelph Y on  Tuesday to explore our relationship with food and ways to eat healthier and reduce food waste. The event was part of the City of Guelph and County of Wellington’s Smart Cities Challenge project, Our Food Future. The evening kicked off with an introduction from Geoff Vogt, CEO of YMCA-YWCA of Guelph and event moderator. “The Y is about contributing to the wellness of individuals, groups, and the communities we serve. Food is a key part of that wellness,” he said, noting that the Y is responsible for feeding 1,500 children each weekday through its child care program. “We have learned a lot through the Smart Cities project… Continue reading Food nutrition, waste focus of community conversation

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

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

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