Category Archives: Mayor

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

Guelph, Ont., March 7, 2018 – Nominations are now open for the 2018 Mayor’s Awards, which recognize people who make the city a better place through volunteer service. Nominations can be submitted online at guelph.ca/mayorsawards, or by contacting the Mayor’s Office at 519-837-5643 or mayor@guelph.ca to request a nomination form. The deadline is 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 20, 2018. While it is not mandatory for nominees to live or work in Guelph to be eligible for the Mayor’s Award, they must volunteer in Guelph. Nominees’ achievements may include a mix of volunteer and paid efforts. Self-nominations are not eligible. The Mayor’s Awards have been presented every year since 1997, when they were established by Mayor Joe Young. Honourees have been recognized for volunteer contributions… Continue reading Call for nominations: 2018 Mayor’s Awards

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 20, 2017– Mayor Cam Guthrie will host the first-ever Mayor’s Dialogue on Poverty at Guelph City Hall on Wednesday, October 25 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The featured speaker will be Guelph-Wellington Bridges Out of Poverty facilitator and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health nurse Elaine Weir. Bridges Out of Poverty, under the umbrella of Circles Guelph Wellington, is an innovative local program that educates individuals from the middle or upper class on what it means to live in poverty. As part of the event, information tables from local organizations will be set up in the Galleria. The event is free but registration is required at http://mayorspovertydialogue.eventbrite.ca What Mayor’s Dialogue on Poverty Who Mayor Cam Guthrie Bridges Out of Poverty facilitator and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health… Continue reading Mayor Guthrie to host dialogue on poverty October 25

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

Attention news, photo and video editors Guelph, Ont., October 13, 2017– Join Mayor Cam Guthrie and community agencies for a Mayor’s Forum on Substance Use on Monday, October 16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Guelph City Hall. This is a free event; all are welcome and no RSVP is required. In the midst of a national opioid crisis, substance use in our city concerns us all. Learn about what’s being done in the areas of community safety, treatment, harm reduction, and prevention. An open question and answer session will follow. What Mayor’s Forum on Substance Use Who Speaker list: Mayor Cam Guthrie Adrienne Crowder, Manager, Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy Guelph Police Chief Jeff DeRuyter Guelph Wellington Paramedic Service Chief Stephen Dewar Colin McVicker, Program… Continue reading Mayor to host forum on substance use October 16

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

18th annual event to mark World Mental Health Day takes place October 12 Attention news, photo and video editors Guelph, Ont., September 21, 2017– The public is invited to attend a free presentation about seniors and mental health on Thursday, October 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre. Jody Weiler, a specialized geriatric clinician at the Canadian Mental Health Association of Waterloo Wellington with 20 years’ experience working with seniors, families, and care teams, will debunk some of the common myths about mental health and aging. Ross Knechtel, a local Senior of the Year who has lived with a mental health issue for most of his life, will share his personal story and strategies for positive mental health. Ross serves… Continue reading Mayor Guthrie to host forum on seniors and mental health

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

Council unanimously approves development of Community Plan for Guelph Guelph, Ont., July 24, 2017 – Guelph City Council received its first update on the City’s progress on implementing the Corporate Administrative Plan (CAP), introduced in September 2016, and further progress towards the Council Shared Agenda (CSA), introduced in 2015. The full CAP and CSA updates can be seen in the Council report. This report is the beginning of a program of improved corporate performance reporting and continuous improvement practices that will result in increased accountability to citizens and better results. “On behalf of Council, I’m very pleased to see the integration of the Corporate Administrative Plan and Council Shared Agenda,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie. “Over the past year we’ve made tremendous progress on multiple fronts.… Continue reading Council updated on City’s Corporate Administrative Plan and Council Shared Agenda

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

Best-selling author Lawrence Hill among first speakers announced Register for the conference Visit the conference website Guelph, Ont., April 6, 2017 – The City of Guelph has announced an early roster of speakers, including best-selling author and Order of Canada recipient Lawrence Hill, for the Municipal Innovators Community (MiC) 2017 Conference at the Guelph Delta this September 27 to 28. The combination of keynote speakers, workshops and panels at MiC conferences offers attendees chances to learn new tools, share innovation challenges, hear about best practices in other communities, and network with colleagues interested in municipal innovation. “Guelph has a well-deserved reputation as an innovative city. It’s something I hear whenever I travel outside our borders,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie. “We’re thrilled to have this chance to welcome… Continue reading City of Guelph to host 2017 Municipal Innovators Community Conference—September 27 to 28

Guelph, Ont., March 23, 2017 – Nominations are now open for the 2017 Mayor’s Awards, which recognize people who make the city a better place through volunteer service. Nominations can be submitted online at guelph.ca/mayorsawards, or by contacting the Mayor’s Office at 519-837-5643 or mayor@guelph.ca to request a nomination form. The deadline is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2017. “Whenever people from other cities ask me what makes Guelph so special, I always say it’s the people. Guelph is truly a city that cares – and Mayor’s Awards honourees are the perfect example of that,” said Mayor Guthrie. “These awards are a great way to recognize those who go above and beyond and make us ‘Guelph Proud.’” While it is not mandatory for nominees… Continue reading Call for nominations: 2017 Mayor’s Awards

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

Visit “I want to” at guelph.ca to access City’s most popular online services Guelph, Ont., Thursday, December 15, 2016 – Today, the City of Guelph introduced a new way to access its most popular digital services and released two new online tools. In January, 2016, the City asked Guelph citizens what online services would make their lives or businesses better. Of the 44 ideas that citizens contributed, the following were selected based on feasibility, departmental readiness and cost. I want to: A central hub to find more than 40 of the City’s most popular online services. The services listed will change each season based on what’s new and used the most. “I want to” is available on the homepage of guelph.ca. Waste reminder: This tool sends… Continue reading City improves online access to more than 40 services

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

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

Rick and Heather Osborne present their story of resilience and redemption Guelph, ON, October 3, 2016– Members of the public are invited to a free presentation hosted by Mayor Cam Guthrie to mark World Mental Health Day on Thursday, October 13, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Guelph City Hall. The presentation will feature Rick and Heather Osborne, a husband and wife team who have together spent decades delivering outreach services for youth in need. Rick, one of Canada’s leading gang experts, was traumatized as a teenager and began a journey into drug addiction and street gangs that led to incarceration at the age of 21. He spent the next 25 years in 33 different federal prisons. In 1993, after breaking free from drug addictions,… Continue reading Mayor Guthrie to host 17th annual event for World Mental Health Day

Last night the City of Guelph’s Executive Team presented a new medium-term Corporate Administrative Plan to City Council. Continue reading City of Guelph releases Corporate Administrative Plan

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., 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

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.

Mayor Cam Guthrie encourages Guelphites to nominate outstanding volunteers for the 20th annual Mayor’s Awards. Continue reading Call for nominations: 2016 Mayor’s Awards

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, January 12, 2016 – Guelph’s Mayor, Cam Guthrie, will bring Guelph’s perspective to the table as the Vice Chair of a newly formed group of Southwestern Ontario Mayors. The group aims to ensure Southwestern Ontario’s voice is heard at the provincial and national levels on issues such as economic development opportunities, regional transportation linkages, and infrastructure. Chaired by London Mayor Matt Brown, the group’s members include the Mayors of Sarnia, Woodstock, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Windsor, Brantford, St. Thomas and Stratford. “There is strength in numbers, and it benefits all our communities when we work together on issues that affect us all,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie. “I want to see the ripple effects of successful initiatives in one city spread into the others. And… Continue reading Mayor Guthrie elected Vice Chair of new Southwestern Ontario Mayors` group