Category Archives: Mayor and Council

October 28, 2019 – It is with deep sadness that I have learned of the sudden passing yesterday of former member of Guelph City Council, Sean Farrelly. On behalf of Council and the City of Guelph, I extend heartfelt sympathies to Sean’s family and loved ones. Sean served his community for nine years as a Councillor for Ward 2, from 1994 to 2003. During his time on Council, he served on the finance committee and was dedicated to ensuring the City provided excellent services while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Sean will be greatly missed by Councillors and City staff who had the privilege of working with him. We join the community in mourning the loss of a dedicated and thoughtful champion for Guelph. Our thoughts are… Continue reading Statement from Mayor Cam Guthrie on the passing of former Councillor Sean Farrelly

Free event takes place October 10 at Guelph City Hall. Continue reading Suicide prevention the focus of 20th annual World Mental Health Day event

Affordable housing, Baker District development on the agenda. Continue reading Guelph delegation heads to Ottawa to meet with Provincial officials

City Council has approved a staff recommendation to create a Natural Heritage Advisory Committee (NHAC) with a focus on supporting environmental initiatives as part of Guelph’s Natural Heritage Action Plan. Continue reading City Council approves staff recommendation to create Natural Heritage Advisory Committee

Mayor Cam Guthrie will present Mayor’s Awards to six exceptional local volunteers tonight as part of the Guelph Awards of Excellence Gala. Continue reading Mayor Guthrie to honour six local citizens

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.

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., 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

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

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

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

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

After 33,732 total ballots were cast, Guelph residents have elected the next City Council and school board trustees. Continue reading Guelph’s official 2018 municipal election results are in

After 33,732 total ballots cast, the following are the unofficial 2018 Guelph municipal election results. Continue reading Guelph’s unofficial 2018 municipal election results

Mayor Cam Guthrie, Councillors Cathy Downer and Mark MacKinnon, and the City’s executive team return to Guelph today after three days of meetings with members of Ontario’s new government. Continue reading Guelph makes an impression with Ontario’s new government

Mayor Cam Guthrie will lead a delegation from Guelph for a total of 16 meetings with government ministers, parliamentary assistants, and opposition MPPs. Continue reading Guelph delegation heads to Ottawa for 16 meetings with provincial officials

Guelph, Ont., July 12, 2018 – Ward 5 Councillor Cathy Downer has been acclaimed to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) board of directors for a second term as a member of the Large Urban Caucus. “I am thrilled to continue to provide Guelph’s voice at the table on the important advocacy work of AMO – including issues such as affordable housing, infrastructure, waste management, and climate change,” said Councillor Downer. “The work of AMO is particularly important with the election of a new provincial government. We must ensure that municipalities have the chance to contribute to decisions made at the provincial level.” Councillor Downer was first acclaimed to the AMO board in August 2016. In her first term, she served as co-chair of… Continue reading Councillor Cathy Downer returns to Association of Municipalities of Ontario board

Guelph, Ont., June 27, 2018 – If residents ever needed proof that Guelph is a hive of activity, they’d need only look at the City of Guelph’s Bee City designation from Bee City Canada. Monday night, Council approved a staff-recommended Bee City application that commits to three pollinator-friendly goals: Creating, maintaining and improving pollinator habitat Educating the community about the importance of pollinators Celebrating pollinators during International Pollinator Week and other times of the year “Being officially designated as a Bee City complements all the great work our staff and the community are already doing to encourage pollinators into our city,”  says Dave Beaton, supervisor of Trails and Natural Area Stewardship. “Currently, the City maintains pollinator habitat in parks, trails and gardens,  hosts speakers from… Continue reading Guelph’s abuzz with Bee City designation

Guelph, Ont., June 25, 2018–  Mayor Cam Guthrie will present Mayor’s Awards to five local volunteers and community-builders on June 28 as part of the Guelph Awards of Excellence gala. Mayor’s Awards have been presented each year since 1997 to recognize individuals who are making exceptional contributions to the Guelph community. The 2018 honourees are: Anne Godfrey, a community leader, member of several local boards, mentor, and volunteer who served six terms on Guelph City Council from 1975-85. Anne played key roles in the establishment of the River Run Centre and the Willowdale day care centre and served on the boards of the Children’s Aid Society, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Big Sisters, the Guelph Arts Council, Women In Crisis, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Homewood… Continue reading Local citizens to be honoured with Mayor’s Awards

The bylaw comes into effect ahead of 2018 municipal election Guelph, Ont., April 26, 2018 – Council passed an Election Sign Bylaw that regulates the use of election signs  to minimize  interference along roadways.  The new bylaw will be in effect for the start of municipal election nominations on May 1. “This new election sign bylaw sets out clear guidelines for placement and size of signs to ensure pedestrian and vehicular sight lines are free of obstruction, ” says David Wiedrick, manager of Bylaw Compliance, Security and Licensing. The approved bylaw regulates: The size of election signs to a maximum of 0.47 square metres and a maximum display height of 2.13 metres The placement of election signs to the ward in which the candidate is… Continue reading Council passes Election Sign Bylaw

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has awarded the City of Guelph a Sustainable Community Award in the category of sustainable neighbourhood revitalization and design for the Guelph Innovation District secondary plan. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities praised the plan’s carbon-neutral vision and its efficient, sustainable design which reduces transportation needs. Continue reading City of Guelph’s Innovation District plan wins FCM sustainable community award

Toronto Mayor John Tory will bring a message of economic opportunity across the entire Toronto-Waterloo corridor when he comes to Guelph as the keynote speaker at the 2018 Regional Economic Summit. Continue reading Toronto Mayor John Tory to bring Innovation Corridor message to Guelph

Guelph, Ont., October 19, 2017 – The City of Guelph, University of Guelph and area regions have come together to support the Toronto Region’s bid for Amazon HQ2. Amazon, the U.S. tech giant in the business world, sought bids from across North America in search of a location for its second headquarters. Toronto Region’s bid provides 10 sites as possible locations for Amazon HQ2. “This is an unparalleled opportunity for the entire Innovation Corridor. Guelph is pleased to bring our strengths to the table to make Toronto Region’s bid even more competitive. Those strengths include a pool of highly skilled talent and the research strengths of the University of Guelph,” said Guelph’s Mayor, Cam Guthrie. Guelph provides a unique offering of skilled local talent with… Continue reading Guelph supports Toronto Region’s bid for Amazon HQ2

Guelph, Ont., October 12, 2017– Mayor Cam Guthrie and University of Guelph President Franco Vaccarino convened a meeting this morning with City, University, emergency services, Guelph General Hospital, public health, and student leaders to debrief on what occurred during Homecoming 2017 and discuss strategies for the future. “The President and I convened this group of leaders because we are committed to working together to address the noise and disruption in our neighbourhoods, caused by a small number of people,” said Mayor Guthrie. “The e-mails and phone calls I received after Homecoming were some of the most upsetting I have received in my time on Council. This situation is not good for anybody – for neighbours and families; for students who take pride in being a… Continue reading Mayor, University President host meeting to discuss Homecoming

City’s Executive Team shared new reporting tools with Guelph’s business community Key Facts: Visit the City’s performance reporting dashboard Learn more about Guelph’s Community Plan Guelph, Ont., September 22, 2017– At an event hosted by the Guelph Chamber of Commerce yesterday morning, the City’s Executive Team launched a new performance reporting dashboard and the beginning of a community planning exercise for Guelph. “The City’s new performance dashboard provides accessible, straightforward indicators of how we’re doing across seven broad categories,” said Chief Administrative Officer, Derrick Thomson. “The dashboard is still in its initial beta stage, and we invite our citizens and business leaders to let us know how it could be improved and what data they would like to see included.” “The Guelph Chamber of Commerce… Continue reading City releases performance dashboard and launches Community Plan process

Guelph, Ont., August 16, 2017– Mayor Cam Guthrie and a delegation of City Councillors and staff return home today after three days of meetings with Provincial leaders at the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in Ottawa. In meetings with government cabinet ministers, ministry staff, and opposition party leaders, the Guelph delegation brought forward local issues and initiatives, including the Guelph Innovation District property on York Road; the remediation of the former IMICo site at 200 Beverley Street; the need for more affordable housing in the city; maximizing use of Guelph’s Provincial Offences court; and planning for high-speed rail and two-way, all-day GO rail service. “The AMO conference is a great opportunity to get Guelph’s priorities in front of key Provincial ministers and… Continue reading Guelph’s priorities on the agenda at Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference

Download the guide Ottawa, Ont., August 15, 2017 – Today, the City of Guelph released “Navigating the sharing economy: A 6-decision guide for municipalities” in Ottawa at the Association of Municipalities Ontario annual conference. “Many of the opportunities and issues associated with the sharing economy fall within the purview of municipal government,” said Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie. “I’m proud of the leading role Guelph has played in creating a tool that will help local councils and communities analyze the impact of various sharing economy services on their own residents and businesses so they can make decisions based on local needs.” “Sharing economy initiatives are being shaped by zoning codes, hotel and taxi licensing regulations, transit and all manner of distinctly local policy,” said the City… Continue reading City releases municipal guide to navigating the sharing economy

Guelph, Ont., June 28, 2017 – Guelph City Council has approved a series of recommendations brought forward through the Envida Asset Review. The review is in response to Council direction received on October 24, 2016 to transfer oversight and management of Envida to the City, with support from Guelph Hydro, who will report to Council. “City staff, with support from Guelph Hydro, have spent the last nine months reviewing Envida’s assets to maximize shareholder value and create more direct oversight by the shareholder, City Council,” said the City’s chief administrative officer, Derrick Thomson. “We’ve had success with some revenue generating assets, and collectively we have to work through several issues with respect to Guelph’s district energy nodes.” As a result of Council’s decision, the Eastview… Continue reading City Council approves redistribution of Envida’s energy assets

Guelph, Ont., June 8, 2017 – Mayor Cam Guthrie will recognize five Guelphites for their volunteerism and community service, as he presents the 21st annual Mayor’s Awards at the Guelph Awards of Excellence gala on June 22. The 2017 honourees are: Jaya James, who founded the Guelph Refugee Sponsorship Forum to coordinate the many local efforts to sponsor and support Syrian refugee families in Guelph. Jaya took a six-month leave of absence from work to run the Forum full-time as a volunteer. She set up systems for the recruitment, training, and police screening of more than 800 volunteers; offered information sessions; and served as a community voice and “go-to” person on refugee sponsorship. She has been called one of the unsung heroes of Guelph’s headline-making… Continue reading Five citizens to be honoured with Mayor’s Awards on June 22, 2017

City’s Water Services and Planning departments to test new tools Guelph, Ont., February 23, 2017 – The City of Guelph’s Civic Accelerator, which turns the City into a research, development and commercialization lab for civic technology, closed its first round with a Demo Day held yesterday at the University of Guelph. The event hosted representatives of the federal and provincial government, other municipal governments, angel investors, corporate leaders, Accelerator participants and partners, academics and students. Civic Accelerator Demo Day hosted on February 22, 2017 at the University of Guelph Alert Labs and Milieu Technologies showcased products that won each a spot in the Civic Accelerator for their unique ability to solve challenging City issues. “The Civic Accelerator turns local government into the first customer, and… Continue reading Pilot programs announced as Guelph wraps first round of Civic Accelerator

Guelph, Ont., January 27, 2017– Mayor Cam Guthrie presented his third State of the City address this morning, touching on the many reasons the community has to be “Guelph Proud.” He spoke about the progress that’s been made in the first two years of Council’s term in creating a new tone inside and outside City Hall; focusing on infrastructure that makes life better in the city; and providing efficient and affordable programs and services. “When I was elected your mayor, I wanted to bring a renewed focus to addressing what I call the ‘front porch issues’ – the issues that really make a difference in people’s lives. Two years in, I am proud to say that these issues are at the top of the agenda,”… Continue reading Mayor’s State of the City highlights #guelphproud moments

Guelph is among Ontario’s most liked, most followed cities online Continue reading Guelph is among Ontario’s most liked, most followed cities

As of October 24, 2016, residents can visit the Energizing Tomorrow website (hydro.guelph.ca) to learn more about the process and to ask questions. Continue reading Background: Strategies and Options Committee

City launches Energizing Tomorrow website to ensure community is informed and can participate in the process. Continue reading City of Guelph committee to explore options for its energy assets

August 17, 2016– Guelph’s Mayor Cam Guthrie and a delegation of Councillors and senior staff wrap up four days of meetings with Provincial leaders today. Continue reading Guelph makes an impression at Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference

Windsor, Ont., August 16, 2016 – The Mayors of Southwest Ontario (MOSO) met with Ontario Conservative Leader Patrick Brown, Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath and Provincial Cabinet Ministers yesterday to ensure policy development at the provincial level coincides with local needs. MOSO hosted a Ministers Forum in concert with this year’s Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in Windsor in an effort to further strengthen the relationship between municipal and provincial governments. The Minister of Municipal Affairs Hon. Bill Mauro; Minister of Housing and Minister Responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy Hon. Chris Ballard; Minister of Infrastructure Hon. Bob Chiarelli; Minister of Transportation Hon. Steven Del Duca; and Minister of Economic Development and Growth Hon. Brad Duguid took part in the forum. The main… Continue reading Mayors of Southwest Ontario meet with Provincial officials

Guelph, Ont., August 15, 2016– Ward 5 Councillor Cathy Downer has joined the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Board of Directors as a member of the Large Urban Caucus. She was acclaimed to the position today at the annual AMO conference taking place in Windsor. “I look forward to being a strong voice on the AMO board on issues that matter to cities like Guelph – financial sustainability; Ontario Municipal Board reform; and the arbitration system for emergency services workers,” said Councillor Downer. “I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to work with my fellow councillors and mayors from across Ontario to strengthen our relationship with the Province.” The 41-member AMO board is comprised of municipal elected officials who represent different caucuses: large urban; small… Continue reading Councillor Cathy Downer joins Association of Municipalities of Ontario board

Guelph, Ont., July 22, 2016 – Today, Mayor Cam Guthrie and Guelph Storm Partner and Governor Rick Gaetz announced a new 10-year agreement that will keep the team in Guelph until 2026. “This is great news for Storm fans, and great news for our entire city,” said Mayor Guthrie. “This agreement means that Guelph will continue to be known as ‘Storm City’ for at least the next decade.” The Council-approved agreement solidifies the strong partnership between the City and Guelph Storm Hockey Club. It also ensures an anchor tenant for the Sleeman Centre, home to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team since 2000. “The Guelph Storm are a vibrant part of our city in so many ways, economically, socially, wonderful entertainment and perhaps most of… Continue reading City, Guelph Storm announce new 10-year agreement

The Mayors of Southwest Ontario will meet in Cambridge on Friday, June 24 2016 to discuss strategic priorities for the region. Continue reading Media Advisory: Mayors of Southwest Ontario

Mayor Cam Guthrie presented Mayor’s Awards to 5 outstanding local volunteers at the Guelph Chamber of Commerce’s annual Awards of Excellence gala. Continue reading Mayor Guthrie recognizes five community champions

Each year the Guelph Chamber of Commerce hosts a Mayor’s State of the City breakfast. Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie presented his State of the City Address on May 6, 2016. The Mayor’s speech outlined expectations, successes, focus areas and future goals. Continue reading Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie’s State of the City Address

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., March 24, 2016 – On April 7, the City’s Governance Committee will discuss a proposed meeting structure change that could move Council into a Committee-of-the-Whole governance model. The recommendation will then be heard and discussed by Council on April 25. After some Councillors raised the idea of a new governance model during the Meeting Management Review process, City staff conducted a review of governance models across comparator municipalities. Staff is recommending that Council adopt a Committee-of-the-Whole governance model, eliminating a number of standing committees. Under the proposed model, all Councillors would sit as one committee allowing all members to participate in agenda item discussions, address delegations and staff, and vote on decisions while an item is at the committee stage. Under the current structure,… Continue reading Council to consider new governance structure

Guelph, Ont., March 8, 2016 – The Guelph Municipal Holdings Inc. (GMHI) Board of Directors has appointed Pankaj Sardana to the position of Chief Executive Officer of Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc. and Envida Community Energy Inc., effective immediately. Day-to-day operations of Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc. (GHESI) will remain under the leadership of Kazi Marouf, who will continue in his role as GHESI Chief Operating Officer reporting to the new CEO. “With more than 30 years of experience in the energy sector and an impressive set of skills in finance and treasury operations, accounting, regulatory affairs, commodity trading, load forecasting and other aspects of the electricity distribution business, the GMHI, GHESI and Envida Boards of Directors have great confidence that Pankaj Sardana is ideally… Continue reading New Chief Executive Officer Appointed for Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc. and Envida Community Energy Inc.

Guelph, Ont., March 8, 2016 – Guelph City Council is announcing governance changes to Guelph Municipal Holdings Inc. Guelph Municipal Holdings Inc. is a company set up by Guelph City Council to manage select city assets for the purpose of maximizing revenue potential and strengthening community prosperity. City Council is streamlining its oversight of GMHI, providing elected officials with increased oversight of decisions that directly affect the community. “The change reflects this Council’s philosophy about governance. Direct Council oversight of GMHI decisions that affect the City of Guelph will ensure better alignment of City assets, resources and strategic planning” says Guelph’s mayor, Cam Guthrie. The changes are expected to serve City Council for a period of up to 18 months, at which point progress and… Continue reading City Council restructures Guelph Municipal Holdings Inc.

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

myGuelph is modernizing City services Go to open.guelph.ca to discuss ideas for the City’s online services Continue reading City of Guelph seeks public input on new digital services

Guelph, ON, November 19, 2015—The City of Guelph is presenting Council with a report on the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for improvements to Niska Road, including the bridge over the Speed River. The EA report will be shared in a special Council meeting at City Hall on Thursday, December 3 at 6 p.m. “At this point the EA has been completed and staff are presenting the results to Council with the preferred options identified through the EA process,” noted Don Kudo, Deputy City Engineer. “Throughout this lengthy process, the consultants heard from many stakeholders—from the local neighbourhood to neighbouring townships—and are recommending an option that meets the safety and transportation needs of the city.” Environmental assessments evaluate options using multiple criteria including the natural… Continue reading City to present Niska Road, bridge report to Council December 3