Category Archives: Planning and Building

Have your say between until May 3 The next phase of the Parkland Dedication Bylaw review is underway. We invite you to read the draft Parkland Dedication Bylaw and provide comments. The Parkland Dedication Bylaw requires developers to either transfer land to the City to be used as parkland or offer payment in lieu of the land. This bylaw is the City’s way of making sure that as Guelph grows, our parks and open spaces grow with it. Your feedback will help staff develop the final draft bylaw that will go to Council in summer 2018. You can mail or email your comments to Jyoti Pathak, Park Planner with the City of Guelph. Read the draft bylaw For information on the Parkland Dedication Bylaw review,… Continue reading The draft Parkland Dedication Bylaw is now ready for review

We are currently undertaking a Commercial Policy Review in order to develop an updated Commercial Policy framework for the City. The study will result in updated Official Plan policies and Zoning Bylaw provisions to guide commercial development. The Official Plan policies will address the horizon years of 2031 and 2041 in order to align with the Official Plan which deals with the 2031 horizon year and the next Official Plan update addressing development to 2041. We would like your input to help evaluate draft commercial policy alternatives. Your input will remain anonymous, although a summary of the survey results will be made publicly available. Take the online survey to provide your feedback on the commercial policy review. For more information Joan Jylanne, Senior Policy Planner Planning… Continue reading Have your say on the Commercial Policy Review

The City has received applications for variances from the City of Guelph Sign By-law (1996)-15245, as amended. The requests for variances at the subject properties are as follows: 1515 Gordon Street Request for variances from Sign By-law Number (1996)-15245, as amended, to permit an illuminated freestanding sign to have a sign area of 4.53m2 and a height of 4.65m above the adjacent roadway. Delegate or submit comments These reports will before the Committee of the Whole in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 7, 2018. If you wish to speak to either of these applications or provide a written submission, please contact the Clerk’s Office at 519-837-5603 (TTY 519-826-9771) or at clerks@guelph.ca by Friday, May 4, 2018 at 10 a.m. For more information Reports… Continue reading Notice: Sign Bylaw variance application

Public meeting for planning application Guelph City Council will hold a public meeting in accordance with the Planning Act to consider the following planning and development application. The meeting will take place: Monday, May 14 6:30 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall, 1 Carden Street About the planning application 233-237 Janefield Avenue (File: OP1702 and ZC1702) – Ward 5 The subject site is 1.1 hectares in size and is located on the south side of Janefield Avenue between Torch Lane and Scottsdale Drive. This application has been revised. An Official Plan amendment is proposed to redesignate the medium density residential portion of the site to high density residential. A Zoning Bylaw amendment is proposed from the existing R.4A-1 (Specialized Apartment Residential) Zone and SC.1-4 (Specialized Service Commercial) Zone to an R.4B (High Density… Continue reading Proposed development meeting: 233-237 Janefield Avenue 

Public meeting for planning application Guelph City Council will hold a public meeting in accordance with the Planning Act to consider the following planning and development application. The meeting will take place: Monday, May 14 6:30 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall, 1 Carden Street About the planning application 300 Water Street (File: OP1707 and ZC1712) – Ward 5 The subject property is located on the southwest corner of Water Street and Denver Road. The  property is approximately 0.2 hectares in size and has an exterior frontage of approximately 63.6 metres along Water Street and a frontage of approximately 57.3 metres along Denver Road. The purpose of the Official Plan Amendment is to re-designate the property to the “Low Density Residential” land use designation and add a site-specific policy. The purpose… Continue reading Proposed development meeting: 300 Water Street

Public meeting for planning application Guelph City Council will hold a public meeting in accordance with the Planning Act to consider the following planning and development application. The meeting will take place: Monday, May 14 6:30 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall, 1 Carden Street About the planning application City initiated Zoning Bylaw Amendment to address service animals The City is initiating an amendment to Zoning By-law Number (1995)-14864, as amended, to address service animals. The proposed amendment would add a new regulation to the Zoning Bylaw under Section 2 —Interpretation and Administration that would permit service animals on residential properties in the city of Guelph. The planner to contact for this application: Lindsay Sulatycki, Senior Development Planner 519-837-5616 x 3313 lindsay.sulatycki@guelph.ca Speak at the meeting or provide written comments If… Continue reading Proposed development meeting: City initiated Zoning Bylaw Amendment to address service animals

Guelph Council’s Committee of the Whole will consider amendments to the Schedule of Building Permit and Administration Fees in accordance with section 7 of the Building Code Act, S.O. 1992, c.23 (as amended) on Monday, May 7, 2018. Building permit fees are proposed to increase by 2.94 per cent, except for flat fees which are not proposed to increase. The full staff report outlining the proposed fee increases will be available online in the 2018 Committee of the Whole schedule beginning April 26. Join us Monday, May 7 2 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall, 1 Carden Street Register to delegate or submit written comments Any person may attend the meeting and/or provide written or verbal comments about the proposed amendments. If you wish to address City Council regarding this… Continue reading Proposed changes to building permit fees

Urban design concepts for Gordon Street also endorsed by Council Guelph, Ont., April 10, 2018—Last night Council approved new built-form standards for mid-rise building and townhouses. The standards are part of the City’s Urban Design Manual and provide clear direction on the design  of new residential and mixed-use mid-rise (four to six storeys) and townhouse (cluster, stacked and street-oriented) developments in Guelph. The standards address how a site will function  and be designed to implement the vision established in the City’s Official Plan. The document also provides recommendations for a future zoning bylaw review. “These new standards provide a thoughtful and consistent approach to evaluating building design while allowing for innovation and supporting design excellence,” says David de Groot, Senior Urban Designer. “The standards will… Continue reading Council approves new design standards for Guelph

Guelph City Council will hold a public meeting in accordance with the Planning Act to consider changes to the Brownfield Redevelopment Community Improvement Plan (CIP). Monday, April 9, 2018 6:30 p.m. City Hall, Council Chambers 1 Carden Street, Guelph About the Brownfield Redevelopment CIP The existing Brownfield Redevelopment CIP provides financial incentives for the remediation and redevelopment of contaminated properties, to encourage remediation of soil and groundwater, make more efficient use of vacant or underutilised land and improve neighbourhood conditions. The Brownfield Redevelopment CIP applies to all lands within the City. CIP update The City conducted a review of the CIP’s performance over the last five years, and is proposing minor revisions to improve clarity and ease administration. One major improvement would allow late payments… Continue reading Public meeting: Brownfield Redevelopment Community Improvement Plan update

The City of Guelph is hosting a public open house to share and discuss three concept designs for a pedestrian bridge over the Speed River from St. Patrick’s Ward to downtown. The bridge will run parallel to the Guelph Junction Railway (GJR) train tracks, located just east of Wellington Street. Thursday, April 12, 2018 2–4 p.m. and 5:30–7:30 p.m. City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph Why come to the open house? This is your opportunity to view and provide input on three bridge concepts. The City is looking to better understand what concepts are preferred, how the bridges will be used, and any impacts the bridge may have on individuals or the neighbourhood. City Staff and project consultants will be available to answer your questions.… Continue reading Open House: Have your say on three concept designs for the Ward to Downtown Bridge

An appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) on a site-specific land use designation in the City of Guelph’s official plan amendment has been withdrawn after a settlement agreement was reached. The site under appeal, commonly known as the Niska Lands, is owned by the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA). Continue reading City settles outstanding land use appeal on official plan amendment

Public meeting for planning applications Guelph City Council will hold a public meeting in accordance with the Planning Act to consider the following planning and development application. The meeting will take place: Monday, April 9 6:30 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph About the planning application 671 Victoria Road North (File: ZC1606)—Ward 2 The subject site is 1.25 hectares in size and is located on the northeast corner of the intersection of Victoria Road North and Wideman Boulevard. A revised Zoning Bylaw Amendment is proposed to rezone the existing NC-9 (Specialized Neighbourhood Shopping Centre) Zone to an R.3A-? (Specialized Cluster Townhouse Residential) Zone to permit the development of 31 cluster townhouse units together with a small commercial plaza. The planner to contact for this application: Katie Nasswetter,… Continue reading Proposed development meeting: 671 Victoria Road North

Public meeting for planning application Guelph City Council will hold a public meeting in accordance with the Planning Act to consider the following planning and development application. The meeting will take place: Monday, April 9 6:30 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph About the planning application 119 Ingram Drive and 35 Wideman Boulevard (File: ZC1713)—Ward 2 The subject site is on two separate blocks, each approximately 0.34 hectares in size. The first block (the “North Block”) is bound by Ingram Street to the north, Victoria Road North to the east and Wideman Boulevard to the south. The second block (the “South Block”) is bound by Wideman Boulevard to the north, Victoria Road North to the east and Simmonds Drive to the south. A Zoning Bylaw Amendment is proposed… Continue reading Proposed development meeting: 119 Ingram Drive and 35 Wideman Boulevard

Public meeting for planning application Guelph City Council will hold a public meeting in accordance with the Planning Act to consider the following planning and development application. The meeting will take place: Monday, April 9 6:30 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph About the planning application 278 College Avenue West (File: ZC1801)—Ward 5 The subject property is approximately 0.112 hectares in size and lands are located on the south side of College Avenue West; between Vanier Drive and Centennial Road. A Zoning Bylaw Amendment is proposed from the existing R.1B Residential Single Detached Zone to a R.3A-? Townhouse (Specialized) Zone to permit a 4 storey residential building containing a total of 6 residential units in a back-to-back format. The planner to contact for this application: Rino Dal Bello,… Continue reading Proposed development meeting: 278 College Avenue West

The City of Guelphhas received applications for variances from the City of Guelph Sign By-law (1996)-15245, as amended. Continue reading Notice: Sign Bylaw variance applications

Public meeting for planning application Guelph City Council will hold a public meeting in accordance with the Planning Act to consider the following planning and development application. The meeting will take place: Monday, March 19 6:30 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph About the planning applications 98 Farley Drive (File: ZC1711)—Ward 6 The subject site is 0.89 hectares in size and is located on a through lot fronting onto both Farley Drive and Gordon Street, west of the intersection of Farley Drive and Eugene Drive. A Zoning Bylaw Amendment is proposed to rezone the existing CC-17 (Specialized Community Shopping Centre) Zone to an R.4A-? (Specialized Apartment Residential) Zone to permit the development of a five storey apartment building containing 92 dwelling units. The planner to contact for this… Continue reading Proposed development meeting: 98 Farley Drive

Guelph City Council will hold a public meeting in accordance with the Planning Act to consider this planning and development application. Continue reading Proposed development meeting: 1533-1557 Gordon Street and 34 Lowes Road

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

Public meeting for planning application Guelph City Council will hold a public meeting in accordance with the Planning Act to consider the following planning and development application. The meeting will take place: Tuesday, February 27 6 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph About the planning application 75 Dublin Street North (City File: OP1706)—Ward 3 The subject site is 0.15 hectares in size and is located at the north-east corner of Cork Street West and Dublin Street North. An Official Plan Amendment is proposed to permit the development of a five storey apartment building where four storeys is the maximum permitted height. The site was subject to a City-initiated Official Plan Amendment in 2016 that was refused by Council, as well as a site-specific zoning amendment that… Continue reading Proposed development meeting: 75 Dublin Street North

The City has received applications for variances from the City of Guelph Sign By-law (1996)-15245, as amended. The requests for variances at the subject properties are as follows: 120-130 Silvercreek Parkway North Request for a variance from Table 2, Row 2 of Sign By-law Number (1996)-15245, as amended, to permit an illuminated freestanding sign to be located 34m from a freestanding sign on the same property. 111-193 Silvercreek Parkway North Request for a variance from Table 2, Row 13 of Sign By-law Number (1996)-15245, as amended, to permit a menu board with a height of 2.43m above the adjacent roadway and sign face of 4.5m2. Delegate or submit comments These reports will before the Committee of the Whole at 2 p.m. on Monday, January 15,… Continue reading Notice: Sign Bylaw variance applications

Initial concept plan for Guelph’s southernmost neighbourhood Guelph, Ont., December 19, 2017 – Last night, Council approved the Conceptual Community Structure for the Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan Study. “The conceptual community structure gives us a general blueprint for where land uses will be throughout the Clair-Maltby community,” explains Stacey Laughlin, senior policy planner with the City of Guelph. “It shows potential locations for housing, roads, trails, parks, schools and more for this southernmost area of Guelph.” The approved conceptual community structure: balances the protection of the natural heritage system and natural land features like the Paris Moraine with future development of the area; proposes a transportation network that supports all modes of travel with roads, bicycle infrastructure, recreational trails and pedestrian walkways that provide strong connections… Continue reading Council approves blueprint for Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan

In the matter of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter 0.18 in the City of Guelph, in the Province of Ontario. Take notice that the Council of the Corporation of the City of Guelph has passed the following bylaw to designate portions of the property as being of cultural heritage value or interest under Part IV, Sec. 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter 0.18: Bylaw Number (2017–20227) to designate portions of the property known as 13 Stuart Street dated at Guelph, Ontario, November 27, 2017. Stephen O’Brien, City Clerk City Hall, 1 Carden St. Guelph, ON N1H 3A1 November 30, 2017 For more information Stephen Robinson, Senior Heritage Planner 519-822-1260 extension 2496 stephen.robinson@guelph.ca

Provide feedback on your shopping experiences and preferences Guelph, Ont., November 23, 2017– Join us for a public workshop on Wednesday, November 29 to help create a vision for Guelph’s commercial spaces, including shops and services. “We are reviewing and updating our commercial policy to reflect recent changes in shopping and service patterns,” explains Joan Jylanne, senior policy planner with the City of Guelph. “We want to hear from Guelph residents, businesses and service providers to help us develop a commercial vision and principles for Guelph.” The public workshop will include: A presentation about the project and highlights from the Commercial Analysis and Background Report An opportunity for participants to provide feedback on their personal shopping and service experiences and preferences Interested participants are asked… Continue reading Help shape the vision for Guelph’s commercial development

Volumes 1 and 2 now available Guelph, Ont., November 14, 2017 – Last night, City Council approved two volumes of Guelph’s Urban Design Manual—Volume 1: Urban design vision and Volume 2: Urban design action plan. “The Urban Design Manual will provide a thoughtful and consistent approach to urban design in Guelph,” says David de Groot, senior urban designer with the City of Guelph. “As more people come to live and work in Guelph, urban design plays an increasingly important role in planning and developing more intensified and complete mixed-used neighbourhoods.” Volume 1 describes the urban design vision that will create a complete and distinctive community for Guelph citizens and visitors. Volume 2 details the action plan for shaping urban design in Guelph and is divided… Continue reading Council approves Guelph’s urban design manual

The City has received applications for variances from the City of Guelph Sign Bylaw (1996)-14864, as amended. The requests for variances at the subject properties are as follows: 367 Woodlawn Road West Request for variances from Sign By-law Number (1996)-15245, as amended, to permit a freestanding sign with a sign area of 16.7m2 and a height of 7m above the adjacent roadway to be set back 1.6m from the nearest public road allowance. 383 Woodlawn Road West Request for variances from Sign By-law Number (1996)-15245, as amended, to permit a freestanding sign with a sign area of 14m2 and a height of 6.25m above the adjacent roadway to be set back 0.1m from the nearest public road allowance. 389 Woodlawn Road West Request for variances… Continue reading Notice: Sign Bylaw variance applications

The City of Guelph has recently received a request for the removal of 700 trees on private property located at 120 Huron Street. The removals have been requested to allow for the cleanup of contaminated soil. The site currently includes a wooded area dominated by Balsam Poplar, White Ash, Manitoba Maple and Eastern White Cedar. This wooded area has been studied and while it provides canopy cover, it is not a protected natural heritage feature. Furthermore, the soils underneath this wooded area are contaminated and the trees need to be removed for it to be cleaned up. There is no redevelopment application at this time. Future development proposals will include opportunity for public input. The requested tree removals have been approved by the City and… Continue reading Notice of tree removals: 120 Huron Street

149 war casualties honoured as of November 2017 The City is proud to announce two new veteran-named streets in Guelph. Ambrous Crescent and Skinner Drive were named in honour of Archibald Charles Ambrous and Arthur Skinner. Guelph’s first known Veteran street name is McCrae Avenue, named in 1941 after World War I hero, John McCrae, and later renamed McCrae Boulevard in 1956. Since 1990, more war casualties have been honoured by naming 75 per cent of new city streets after Veterans. To date, 149 city streets have been named after Guelph’s war heroes, people of historical significance, and City staff who died while employed by the City. If you would like further information or to suggest a street name, please contact Planning Services at 519-837-5616.… Continue reading Streets named after Veterans in 2016-2017

Open house and downtown walking tour planned for November 8 Guelph, Ont., November 3, 2017—In celebration of World Town Planning Day, City planning staff invite the community to an open house and downtown walking tour on Wednesday, November 8. The open house will be held in the City Hall Galleria from noon until 2 p.m. with the walking tour scheduled to depart from City Hall at 1 p.m. “This is a great opportunity to learn what goes into planning a vibrant community like Guelph,” explained Melissa Aldunate, manager of Policy Planning and Urban Design. “We’re looking forward to connecting with people from Guelph to share how we plan and explain the vision for growth and development in the City to 2031.”” Open house guests can… Continue reading Join city planners to celebrate World Town Planning Day

Take notice that the Council of the Corporation of the City of Guelph intends to designate 122 Cardigan Street as a property of cultural heritage value or interest under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter 0.18. Continue reading Notice of Intention to Designate: 122 Cardigan Street

Take notice that the Council of the Corporation of the City of Guelph intends to designate 43 Arthur Street South as a property of cultural heritage value or interest under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter 0.18. Description of property The property at 43 Arthur Street South is situated on the east side of the Speed River and south of the Guelph Junction Railway tracks in the City of Guelph. The legal description of the subject property is: Part of the Grist Mill Lands East side of River Speed, Plan 113, more particularly described as Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 13 & 14, Reference Plan 61R-21139. Statement of cultural heritage value or interest (Why the property is being designated) The subject… Continue reading Notice of Intention to Designate: 43 Arthur Street South

The City is unveiling urban design concept plans at an open house for key sites along the Gordon Street corridor between Harvard Road and Clairfields Drive. Join us to view project materials, meet the project team, ask questions and provide comments. The open house will take place on: Tuesday, October 24, 2017 3:30-5:30 p.m. (presentation at 3:45 p.m.) or 6:30-8:30 p.m. (presentation at 6:45 p.m.) Salvation Army Guelph Citadel 1320 Gordon Street The Gordon Street Visioning Document, including more detail on the location of keys sites of the intensification corridor will be available for review on October 17, 2017 at guelph.ca/urbandesign. For more information Please contact us if you have questions, comments, would like to be added to the Gordon Street Intensification Corridor mailing list,… Continue reading Notice of open house: Concept plans ready for the Gordon Street Intensification Corridor

Help shape southern Guelph Guelph, Ont., September 19, 2017 – Join us for our second community visioning workshop for the Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan and Master Environmental Servicing Plan. Participate in a group-based, hands-on community planning and mapping exercise to help develop plans for a new Guelph neighbourhood. The workshop exercise will include identifying the best locations for: different land uses (residential, employment and commercial); community focal points (schools, parks, community centres, shops and services); trails, roads and transit; parks and open space; and above-ground infrastructure (e.g. water tower). To join the workshop, please register by Friday, September 22. If you require assistance with registration please call Planning Services at 519-837-5615 extension 2459. When Tuesday, September 26, 2017 6:30–8:30 p.m. Where City Hall, Meeting Room C 1 Carden… Continue reading You’re invited to a workshop to help plan the Clair-Maltby neighbourhood

Building heights, bike parking among updated regulations                     Guelph, Ont., July 25, 2017– On July 24, Guelph City Council approved the updated downtown zoning regulations in line with Guelph’s Downtown Secondary Plan. “We’ve modernized our approach and aligned our zoning regulations with Guelph’s vision for downtown as established through the Downtown Secondary Plan,” says Stacey Laughlin, senior policy planner at the City of Guelph. “Now, fewer development proposals will require zone changes as part of the development approval process.” The changes made to permitted land uses and regulations are meant to encourage development downtown, and support a more active, urban environment south of the CN rail line. The Downtown Secondary Plan was approved  in 2012 with… Continue reading Updated zoning bylaw supports investment and development in downtown Guelph

Guelph, Ont., July 14, 2017 – The City will issue a tree permit allowing the property owner of 35-40 Silvercreek Parkway South, also known as the LaFarge lands, to begin tree removal in July. The tree permit, to be issued in accordance with Guelph’s Tree Bylaw, allows for the removal of 1,950 trees. Those trees along the Howitt Creek stream corridor and the railway lines will remain untouched and the large bur oak on the site will be protected. “We are working with the property owner to ensure compensation is provided for the removed trees,” explains April Nix, environmental planner with the City of Guelph. “Throughout the process, we will continue to ensure the property owner complies with Guelph’s tree bylaw, while providing protection of… Continue reading Tree removal at 35-40 Silvercreek Parkway South starts late July

Guelph is making it easier for business to do business with city hall. The City offers more support, better tools, and easier processes for businesses moving to Guelph and applying for planning and development approvals Continue reading City hall focuses on building partnerships with business community

On July 4, 2017 the Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan Phase 1 report and recommended vision and guiding principles will be presented to the Committee of the Whole. Phase 1 of the Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan began in early 2016 and concludes with the presentation of the Secondary Plan vision and guiding principles to Council. The recommended vision and five (5) guiding principles focus on spaces that are: Vibrant and urban Green and resilient Healthy and sustainable Interconnected and interwoven Balanced and liveable Work completed throughout Phase 1 includes: Refinement of the study timeline; Finalization of the secondary plan boundary; Development and refinement of background reports and technical work plans for all components of the study; Development of a problem/opportunity statement for the Master Environmental Servicing Plan (MESP);… Continue reading Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan Phase 1 report, recommended vision and guiding principles

Guelph, Ont., April 24, 2017 – Join us at the first information session and workshop for the Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan and Master Environmental Servicing Plan: Drop in anytime between 6:30 and 9 p.m. to review project information, meet the project team, ask questions or provide comments. Attend a formal presentation, from 7 to 7:30 p.m., to learn more about the project and work completed to date. Register in advance for a workshop to develop the vision and guiding principles for the Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The vision and guiding principles for the project will inform our future decisions about the secondary plan, including potential land uses, transportation connections, infrastructure, parks and trails, and overall development for Guelph’s southernmost lands. Where Bishop… Continue reading What’s your vision for Guelph’s last greenfield area?

Join us for a Public Information Centre (PIC) and Visioning Workshop about the Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan and Master Environmental Servicing Plan.  Thursday, April 27, 2017 6:30-9 p.m. Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School, Gymnasium 200 Clair Road West, Guelph Attend the visioning workshop to help establish a vision, goals and guiding principles for the study. These will inform future decisions regarding the secondary plan. 6:30-7 p.m. Sign-in and display board viewing 7-7:30 p.m. Presentation 7:30-8:30 p.m.  Workshop exercise Individual top priorities Group visioning Group guiding principles Group precedent ranking 8:30-9 p.m. Report back and next steps How to Participate Drop-in anytime from 6:30-9 p.m. to review project information, meet the project team, ask questions or provide comments. To participate in the workshop exercise, registration by Tuesday, April… Continue reading Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan: Notice of Study Commencement, Public Information Centre No. 1 and Visioning Workshop

When buildings in Guelph are evacuated because of a flood or fire, the City’s Building Services staff assesses the property and determines whether it’s safe for occupancy. Continue reading Status of building inspection notices for evacuated properties

Join us for a public workshop Guelph, Ont., March 16, 2017 – The City is developing new standards for townhouses and midrise buildings that will include building design, building height, landscaping, public and open spaces, parking and property access. Attend a public workshop to help us establish these draft design directions. Workshop participants will have an opportunity to work in smaller groups to discuss and provide input on key design elements for townhouses and midrise buildings. Join for one of two sessions: Wednesday, March 22 3:30-5:30 p.m. or 6:30-8:30 p.m. Guelph City Hall, Room 112 Please register your attendance by Tuesday, March 21. If you require assistance with registration, please call Planning Services at 519-837-5615 extension 2459. The resulting built form standards will enable design… Continue reading Help develop design standards for townhouses and midrise buildings

We’re creating built form standards for townhouses and midrise buildings to promote design excellence across the city. Join us for a public workshop to help establish draft design directions. Participants will be asked to work in small groups to discuss and provide input on key issues related to townhouses and midrise buildings, including building height and massing, landscaping and open space, amenity space, and parking and access. Attend one of two public workshops: Wednesday, March 22 3:30-5:30 p.m. or 6:30-8:30 p.m. Room 112, City Hall, Guelph Please register by Tuesday, March 21 if you plan to attend. If you require assistance with registration please call Planning Services at 519-837-5615 extension 2459. Unable to attend? Check out the materials on guelph.ca/urbandesign available after March 28 and email… Continue reading Public workshop: Built Form Standards for townhouses and midrise buildings

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., February 9, 2017 – The City is recruiting members to form a community working group to provide guidance on the Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan. “We’re looking for individuals who want to help turn the last unplanned area of Guelph into a vibrant and healthy community,” says Stacey Laughlin, senior policy planner with the City of Guelph. “The Community Working Group will provide one forum for community input into the Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan to ensure it reflects balanced opinions and considerations from all stakeholders.” The deadline to apply is midnight on Wednesday, February 22. Interested individuals are encouraged to send their name, contact information and the stakeholder group—from the list below—that they represent to clair-maltby@guelph.ca  or City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph, Ontario, N1H 3A1.… Continue reading City seeks Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan Community Working Group members

Guelph, Ont., November 18, 2016 – The City of Guelph invites members of the community to provide feedback on the draft Urban Design Manual at a public workshop on Thursday, December 1. “Good urban design is crucial to building an attractive, well-functioning and sustainable Guelph,” says David de Groot, senior urban designer with the City of Guelph. “We’re asking the community to share with us how urban design in our city can be improved, to inform Guelph’s Urban Design Manual.” The public workshop is scheduled for Thursday, December 1, at City Hall in room 112. Participants are asked to register by November 30, to attend one of the two available sessions that run 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Participants who require… Continue reading Help create Guelph’s urban design manual

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

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs is gathering feedback from municipalities, the public, Indigenous communities and other stakeholders on proposed changes to four provincial land use plans: The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe The Greenbelt Plan Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Niagara Escarpment Plan The City of Guelph will provide comments to the Ministry on the proposed Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2016, the one plan of the four under review that impacts Guelph’s growth management, planning, zoning and development activities. The City will group its comments using the following eight themes, identified by the Ministry: Building complete communities Supporting agriculture Protecting natural heritage and water Growing the Greenbelt Addressing climate change Integrating infrastructure Improving plan implementation Measuring performance, promoting awareness… Continue reading Provincial land use planning review

The City of Guelph’s new Civic Accelerator, which turns the City into a research, development and commercialization lab for civic technology, has selected winners for the Planning Notifications and Water Data challenges issued on June 20. Continue reading Alert Labs and Milieu selected by Guelph’s Civic Accelerator

City releases development guidelines Guelph, Ont., July 26, 2016–Guelph is taking action to support the redevelopment of properties that are suspected or known to have some environmental contamination. “We’re updating our process to make development of contaminated or potentially contaminated properties more efficient,” said Terry Gayman, manager infrastructure, development and environmental engineering for the City of Guelph. Guelph released new guidelines for development of contaminated or potentially contaminated sites to help developers restore the sites according to provincial and/or municipal regulations, current industry standards and best management practices. The City is using the guidelines to: Protect the City’s water resources Ensure the condition of the land is appropriate for the proposed use Avoid inappropriate restrictions on land use Identify the need for site remediation/risk assessment… Continue reading Guelph supports redevelopment of contaminated sites

On July 5, 2016, City staff presented the Integrated Operational Review annual report.

The report described our accomplishments so far, outlined next steps, and emphasized the need to continuously modernize and improve the City’s approach to planning and development applications. Continue reading Integrated Operational Review annual report July 5

Guelph City Council supports the idea of a mixed-use commercial, residential and affordable housing development at 200 Beverley Street—the former International Malleable Iron Company (IMICo) property. Continue reading Local brownfield could become affordable housing