Category Archives: Finance and budget

The City of Guelph’s credit rating remains strong at AA+ for the seventh year in a row, as announced today by S&P Global Ratings (S&P). Continue reading City maintains AA+ credit rating for seventh year

Be heard on Bill 108. Submit your comments on the Bill’s regulations. On June 6, 2019, the Provincial Legislature passed Bill 108: More Homes, More Choice Act into law. Most of the concerns and proposed solutions expressed by municipalities and citizens were not reflected in the Act at the time of passing. We still have an opportunity to influence how this law is put into motion. The City will continue to work with ministries to design the rules, policies and related programs under Bill 108 as the regulations are being crafted. You can get involved by voicing your opinions on specific regulations during this consultation period. Background On May 2, 2019, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing released its More Homes, More Choice: Ontario’s… Continue reading Understanding Bill 108

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

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., 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

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

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

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

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

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

Guelph, Ont., August 15, 2018 – The City of Guelph’s credit rating remains strong at AA+ as announced today by S&P Global Ratings (S&P). “This is great news for ensuring the long-term prosperity of Guelph,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie. “This rating not only reflects the City of Guelph’s solid financial position and practices, it also speaks to our vibrant economy, ability to attract new residents, employers, and investment opportunities.” S&P is an independent company that looks at corporations around the world and analyses their capacity to meet financial obligations. The City of Guelph’s AA+ rating signifies its ability to meet its financial commitments is between very strong and extremely strong. Council and City administration’s management of its finances is a big part of why the… Continue reading AA+ credit rating reaffirms Guelph’s solid financial foundation

This isn’t a typical financial or performance report because it’s not just about us. It’s about residents, business, community groups, visitors, volunteers, and our own employees. It’s about people working together to make Guelph a great city, Continue reading City of Guelph releases 2017 Report to the Community

Our employees work hard and are committed to serving the citizens of Guelph. However, like any large employer, we sometimes find ourselves having to dismiss an employee from service. Continue reading City of Guelph severance payments

Council approved a $­232,965,140 tax-supported operating budget representing a 2.45 per cent increase over last year’s budget, and a one per cent infrastructure levy to be funded half through a tax levy and half through a transfer from reserves. Continue reading City Council approves tax-supported operating budget and infrastructure levy

Guelph City Council approved the 2018 non-tax supported operating budget and the 2018 capital budget. Continue reading Council approves 2018 non-tax supported operating budget and 2018 capital budget

2018 proposed tax-supported operating budget now available at guelph.ca Guelph, Ont., October 26, 2017 — The City has released the recommended 2018 tax-supported operating budget to Council and the community. The recommended budget will be presented to Council on November 8 at 2 p.m. in Council Chambers. Delegations for this budget will be heard on November 22. The City’s 2018 recommended base budget of $232,907,226 represents a 2.19 per cent increase over 2017. The tax-supported operating budget includes funds needed to address legislative requirements and other pressures from other levels of government, while addressing Council direction and continuing to support current levels of service and affordability. “This budget represents an earnest effort on the part of City staff to bring the base budget in as… Continue reading City presents operating budget to Council

2018 proposed non-tax-supported operating budget and capital budget now open for public comment Guelph, Ont., October 12, 2017 – The City has released the 2018 recommended operating (non-tax- supported) and the capital (non-tax and tax-supported) budgets to City Council and the community. The non-tax-supported operating budget focuses on the services residents pay for through rates, fees and charges such as stormwater management, water and wastewater. The capital budget and forecast outlines the budget required to sustain our current infrastructure and build for the future. New this year, the non-tax and tax-supported capital budget will be presented together. “The need is real when it comes to sustaining our critical infrastructure,” said Trevor Lee, deputy chief administrative officer, Corporate Services. “By presenting the non-tax-supported operating and the… Continue reading 2018 budget discussions start now

Have your say! Guelph, Ont., September 18, 2017 – Guelph taxpayers, including commercial and industrial property owners, are asked to weigh-in on the City of Guelph’s Vacant Unit Rebate program. The Vacant Unit Rebate program provides a tax rebate to commercial or industrial property owners who have vacancies within their building(s). Owners must apply and meet eligibility criteria before being awarded a rebate of 30 per cent (vacant commercial space) or 35 per cent (vacant industrial space). In 2016, a total of $807,000 in rebates was provide to 133 commercial or industrial properties in Guelph. Of that, $472,000 was the City’s portion. Provincial changes related to the administration of vacancy rebates allows the City to review its program and consider alternative options. “The goal is… Continue reading City considering changes to vacant unit tax rebate program

Guelph, Ont., August 25, 2017 – Yesterday, S&P Global Ratings (S&P) announced the City of Guelph’s credit rating is strong and remains at AA+ with stable outlook. “This is an independent, third-party confirmation of the City’s solid financial position and practices. It sends a strong signal that our municipal finances are in excellent shape,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie. “For five years, the City has maintained the AA+ rating which reflects our strong financial position and staff and Council’s commitment to making strategic financial decisions,” says Derrick Thomson, chief administrative officer. According to S&P, the rating (AA+) reflects Guelph’s “healthy liquidity, robust budgetary performance, and very low debt burden.” The stable outlook reflects the expectation that the City will maintain its   liquidity position, the tax-supported debt… Continue reading City maintains AA+ credit rating for a fifth year

Guelph City Council voted to continue researching possible mergers between Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc. and other publicly-owned electricity utility companies. Continue reading Guelph continues exploring possible hydro mergers

MP Lloyd Longfield, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, announced today that the City of Guelph’s new public transit project has been approved. Continue reading $19.4 million to be invested in Guelph Transit infrastructure

Given that Guelph’s assessment growth has increased to $3.7 million, the City is recommending that Council approve a 2017 operating budget of $221,944,377 Continue reading Revised recommended budget reflects increased assessment growth

Immediate action taken to reverse losses and ensure unit delivers value for Guelph Guelph, Ont., November 4, 2016 – Operating losses in the most recent budget year have led senior City officials to direct that Solid Waste Services will undergo a full service and business review. In addition, division management has already started work to bring a projected $3 million negative year-end variance closer to zero, including launching an independent, external financial audit. A staff report, to be presented to Council as Committee of the Whole November 7, outlines specific work underway to correct the existing divisional budget, build an accurate budget for 2017, and mitigate the current year’s variance. “We’re taking decisive action to turn the corner on the performance of this business operation,”… Continue reading Senior City administrators put Solid Waste unit at top of list of service reviews

The recommended budget will be presented by City administration on November 9. Continue reading City presents operating budget for Council, community discussion

2017 Non-tax-supported budget receives Council approval Guelph, Ont., November 3, 2016—Earlier this evening, Council approved the City’s Water, Wastewater Services and Stormwater Services, Ontario Building Code Administration and Court Services budgets for 2017. This is the first year that Stormwater Services is included in the non-tax-supported budget. “We have seen what the strong financial policies of Water and Wastewater Services can do to close the infrastructure gap and ensure healthy reserves,” says James Krauter, acting city treasurer. “The approval of the stormwater service fee will provide stable and dedicated funding for this critical service much like we have for water and wastewater.” Approved 2017 water and wastewater rates, effective January 1, 2017 Recommended rates and fees 2016 2017 change Water volume – $/cubic metre (m3)… Continue reading Council approves four dollar monthly residential stormwater service fee

October 25, 2016 – Today, the City released the 2017-2026 recommended Tax-supported capital budget and forecast to City Council and the community. Continue reading Council and community to discuss 2017 investment in City assets

2017 non-tax-supported budget now open for public comment Guelph, Ont., October 14, 2016 – Today, the City released the 2017 recommended non-tax-supported operating and capital budget to City Council and the community. This budget focuses on the services which residents pay for through rates, fees and charges. Community members have an opportunity to address Council about the budget and proposed rate changes through a written submission or during the October 26 meeting in Council Chambers at City Hall. Today’s release is the first of four budget documents to be considered by Council. Over the coming weeks, the proposed tax-supported budgets (operating, capital, and local boards and shared services) will be released for Council consideration. New in the 2017 budget In the 2017 recommended non-tax supported… Continue reading Budget discussions start with water, wastewater rate changes and new stormwater service fee

Guelph, Ont., August 18, 2016 – Today, S&P Global Ratings (S&P) announced that the City of Guelph’s credit rating is strong and remains at AA+ with stable outlook. “This is the fourth year that Guelph’s credit rating has been issued at this level,” said Mark Amorosi, Deputy CAO, Corporate Services. “The reaffirmed AA+ rating not only reflects the City’s positive financial position but is a testament to staff and Council’s continued commitment to making strong financial decisions.” According to S&P, the rating (AA+) reflects Guelph’s “exceptional liquidity, very strong budgetary performance, and very low debt burden.” The stable outlook reflects the expectation that the City’s liquidity position will remain stable and that the tax-supported debt burden will remain manageable over the next two years. The… Continue reading City’s credit rating remains stable at AA+ for a fourth year

Guelph, Ont., July 21, 2016 – Work to develop the City’s 2017 budget is underway. From an internal kick-off to a capital budget information session, City staff and Council are working together to create a budget that provides a solid financial foundation for the delivery of outstanding services for the community. “Building a municipal budget is difficult. We need to balance the delivery of services the community needs with available resources,” says Guelph CAO Derrick Thomson. “This year we’ll present a budget that is a realistic financial plan. It will enable us to live within our means today—while taking care of what we own—and plan for the future.” At the July 13 capital budget information session, City staff explored the funding challenges Guelph and other… Continue reading 2017 budget process underway

Guelph City Council agreed to the list of projects recommended for federal infrastructure funding. Continue reading City prioritizes 12 projects for federal infrastructure funding

Liz Sandals, MPP for Guelph, announced the City of Guelph will receive $2.6 million dollars from the Province’s Connecting Links Program for construction on York Road. Continue reading City receives $2.6 million funding boost from province for York Road construction

Guelph, Ont., February 25, 2016 – The City of Guelph regrets to announce that Janice Sheehy, General Manager, Finance and City Treasurer, will leave the City next month to join the Region of Peel as its Commissioner of Human Services. “Janice informed me of her decision a few days ago,” says Guelph’s Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Corporate Services Mark Amorosi. “We’re extremely sorry to see her go, but understand her desire to pursue a rare opportunity and an expanded portfolio at the Region of Peel.” Janice joined the City of Guelph in March of 2015. She led the City through the development of the 2016 municipal budget and a Financial Condition Assessment Review. “My time at the City of Guelph has been both rewarding… Continue reading City’s treasurer accepts expanded role at Region of Peel

Guelph City Council and administration are working together to prepare for infrastructure funding opportunities expected to be announced by the federal government. Continue reading City of Guelph prepares for potential federal infrastructure funding

A look at some of the budget details On December 10, 2015, City Council approved a $216 million operating budget and a $61 million capital budget for 2016. This represents a 2.99 per cent tax increase over 2015. In approving the budget, Council approved $3.6 million in reductions to the base budget which included adjustments to purchased goods and services, revenue including a 15 per cent increase to vendor fees at the Guelph Farmers’ Market, and service level changes for Guelph Transit (described below). Within the capital budget, Council approved 124 projects including but not limited to Transit fare box replacement, vehicle and equipment lifecycle replacements, bridge replacements/upgrades (including Niska Bridge), South End Community Park continued implementation, and downtown parkade construction. The following identifies the… Continue reading 2016 budget highlights

BMA assessment of Guelph’s financial condition released Guelph, ON, September 25, 2015 – On Monday evening, City Council heard highlights from the 2014-15 Financial Condition Assessment report which evaluates the City’s financial health and identifies future challenges and opportunities. The assessment was conducted by BMA Management Consulting Inc. “By proactively seeking this assessment from BMA, City Council, administration and the community receive an objective third-party view of our current and future financial state. This is especially helpful as Council approaches the end of its first year in office, and considers the 2016 budget,” says Janice Sheehy, city treasurer. The BMA assessment concludes that the City’s overall financial condition is favourable and trending upward. However, like other municipalities, the City is facing a number of challenges that… Continue reading City in positive financial position

Project funding (City Hall and Provincial Offences)   Approved budget          $54,850,100 Plus: unbudgeted additional funding            $1,783,248 A. Total project funding          $56,633,348 Project expenses (City Hall and POA)   Project cost          $56,968,414 Settlement costs: Urbacon Limited            $6,635,000 HST                $495,450 Input Tax Credit              ($451,186) Aviva Insurance Company of Canada                $100,000 Moriyama & Teshima Architects              ($150,000) Money paid back from lien claims ($828,427) Total settlement costs            $5,800,837 Legal fees            $2,300,484 B. Total project cost          $65,069,735 Additional cost to the City (B – A)            $8,436,387 Funding the additional cost Settlement Legal/OMB Reserve            $1,693,100 Capital Tax Reserve            $1,500,000 Capital Asset Renewal Reserve            $5,243,287  Total $8,436,387 Resources View the staff report and final accounting of… Continue reading Guelph City Hall and courthouse financial overview

To ensure Guelph’s updated DC rates reflect the population forecasted in Ontario’s Places to Grow Act—43,000 new residents and 32,000 new jobs by the year 2031—the City conducted a background study including a peer review by two individuals selected by the development community with expertise in growth and demographic forecasting, and engineering. Continue reading Development Charges Background Study