Category Archives: Community

Join in celebrating the benefits of recreation and parks in everyday life. Continue reading June is Recreation and Parks Month

The City of Guelph prohibits outdoor recreational fires (e.g. fireplaces, fire pits, and chimineas). Continue reading Outdoor recreational fires not permitted

Guelph Transit invites you to complete its Community Bus online survey by May 31. Continue reading Have your say on Guelph Transit’s Community Bus service

You’re invited to attend one of two open houses as we show how the community’s feedback, to date, has influenced the evolution of the Baker District redevelopment project. Continue reading Baker District open house shows updated library, urban square design

Guelph Junction Railway has hired licensed contractor DBI Services to complete chemical weed control on Guelph Junction Railway tracks. Continue reading Weed control work along rail tracks May 27–28

The City of Guelph is hosting Bike to Work Day on Monday, May 27, 2019 to kick off Bike Month in June. Continue reading Get ready to ride, Guelph!

Join us on Saturday, May 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for two public open houses in celebration of Public Works Week May 19-25, 2019. Continue reading Join us May 25 for our Public Works Week open houses

A record number of parks, trails and green spaces were cleared of 3,300 kilograms during Clean and Green this past Saturday. Continue reading Clean and green collects a hippo’s worth of garbage

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

Support your community and help keep kids safe We‘re looking for regular and spare crossing guards for school crossings in Guelph. Crossing guards work from September to June with time off when school is out, including weekends and holidays. Crossing guards receive: flexibility to suit your schedule paid training all needed equipment mentoring support (new guards) paid P.D. days on-call pay (spare guards only) paid mileage (spare guards only) summers off invitation to the annual guard appreciation event You are: self-motivated and friendly a great communicator committed and reliable Responsibilities work two shifts per day, Monday to Friday, between 7:45 to 9:00 a.m. and 2:45 to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday  (shift times vary by location and coverage requirements) help children cross roads safely on their… Continue reading We’re hiring!

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

Please report and help us prevent the spread of invasive plants like giant hogweed and dog-strangling vine. Continue reading Report and remove invasive plants

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

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

The City of Guelph has granted 55 community organizations with $301,100 in funding for activities that will enhance community wellbeing in 2019. Continue reading City announces 2019 Wellbeing Grant recipients

The Guelph Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors is pleased to announce the names of the 2019 inductees who will be celebrated at a ceremony this May. Continue reading Guelph Sports Hall of Fame welcomes five inductees

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

At Tuesday night’s meeting, Council unanimously endorsed 12 recommendations outlined in the final report for the Guelph Transit business service review. Continue reading Council endorses recommendations to improve transit service in Guelph

The final report for the Guelph Transit business service review will be presented to Council on Tuesday, January 29 at 6 p.m. Continue reading City shares Guelph Transit business service review final report

Maximize your visibility Take the time to scrape and clear your windows properly, both inside and out, before proceeding. Clean all your mirrors, lights and windshield wipers. Remove snow from the hood and roof so that it doesn’t blow or fall onto the windshield or rear window as you drive. Snow in the outside air vents or off of your boots on the floor will vapourize as the cab air temperature increases and may reform as frost on the inside of the cold windshield. Use the air conditioner, if equipped, as it will help to remove the moisture from the air. Find and keep traction Traction is what allows you to control your vehicle – starting, stopping or turning requires traction between your tires and… Continue reading Tips for driving in winter weather conditions

You’re invited to attend one of two drop-in workshops on January 15 as we gather community input to help shape the sustainability vision and goals for the Baker District redevelopment project. Continue reading Baker District workshop sets stage for vision, goals

Guelph City Council voted last night to opt in to cannabis retail stores within the city with authority to comment on storefronts. Continue reading City Council opts into cannabis retail stores

Ride Guelph Transit for free after 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve Continue reading Ring in 2019 with a free ride

On March 2 and 3, 2019, the City of Guelph, Guelph Table Tennis Club and Guelph Wellington Seniors Association will co-host Guelph’s second annual table tennis tournament. Youth tournament (ages 12 to 18) Saturday, March 2, 2019 8:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Fee: $5 Code: 223824 Open doubles tournament (ages 12 and older) Saturday, March 2, 2019 8:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Fee: $7.50 Code: 223826 Open singles tournament (ages 12 and older) Sunday, March 3, 2019 8:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Fee: $7.50 Code: 223825 The two-day event will take place at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre, 683 Woolwich Street. Register online now! Registration is open to residents living in the city of Guelph or Wellington County. Deadline for registration is Friday, February 15, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. Maximum number… Continue reading Guelph Table Tennis Tournament

The City of Guelph, along with Windmill Development Group and Invizij Architects Inc., is hosting two open houses on Thursday, November 29 to provide our community with an overview of the Baker District redevelopment project. Continue reading Join us to hear about plans for the Baker District redevelopment

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

Our Food Future is a bold vision of a sustainable and thriving food economy. Continue reading Guelph-Wellington to create Canada’s first food smart community

September 10, 2018 The Canadian Armed Forces, with support from local colleagues, will conduct a military training event at the former Guelph Correctional Centre. Residents are advised that there will be higher noise levels for the duration of these training activities. Training will take place between September 11 and 14, 2018. Though there are heritage buildings on site, none of the training will be done at or near designated structures. To ensure safety, it is advised that the public stay out of the immediate vicinity while Canadian Armed Forces personnel conduct their training.

The City of Guelph is hosting an open house to present a trail concept for the Speedvale Underpass on September 13 at 6:30 p.m. Continue reading Join us at the Speedvale Underpass open house on September 13

The City of Guelph is accepting applications to the 2019 Wellbeing Grant program until October 11. Continue reading 2019 Wellbeing Grant applications now available

Parking lot and sidewalk repairs begin July 2 UPDATE: Paving at Evergreen Seniors Community Centre will be delayed by two days. The parking lot will open on or about August 9, weather permitting. Guelph, Ont., June 18, 2018 – Starting July 2, the City of Guelph will begin repairs of the parking lot and sidewalk at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre, located at 683 Woolwich Street. The work includes: Parking lot repairs and repaving Sidewalk replacement Lighting installation Garage waterproofing repairs As a result of this work, the parking lot and facility will close to the public for about six weeks. The Evergreen Restaurant will also temporarily close as of June 28 at 1 p.m. During the facility closure, the City will do general maintenance… Continue reading Evergreen seniors facility to close for six weeks

The average Canadian household throws away about $1,400 of edible food every year Guelph, Ont., July 27, 2018—Nationally, $31 billion in useful food ends up in landfills every year. This food waste has an environmental impact approximately equal to the emissions of two million cars on the road, according to social entrepreneur Chef Jagger Gordon, founder of Feed it Forward. About half of this waste happens in homes, the equivalent of $25 to $30 per week per household, and could support people who are not food secure. Our convenience lifestyles and lack of understanding about food waste are key reasons for this waste, notes University of Guelph Associate Professor Dr. Kate Parizeau. These are just a few of the compelling statistics that experts, entrepreneurs, innovators… Continue reading Local experts gather to tackle food challenges in Guelph-Wellington

City invites community to have their say on Leash Free Policy by August 27, 2018, Continue reading Have your say on the future of leash free dog facilities

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

Guelph, Ont., July 17, 2018 – The City of Guelph is pleased to announce Windmill Development Group as the preferred partner to lead the planning, design and development for the Baker District project. The Ottawa-based real estate development company was named last night during a special meeting of Council at which staff presented an update on the project. “Windmill’s proven development experience, financial strength, ambition and award-winning design excellence align with the City’s vision and objectives for this important downtown project,” says Scott Stewart, deputy CAO of Infrastructure, Development and Enterprise. He adds, “Awarding this project marks a critical milestone in the Baker District redevelopment project as we’re able to move forward with development concepts, getting us closer to revitalizing this underused urban space.” “We… Continue reading City announces partner for Baker District redevelopment

Attention news, photo and video editors Guelph, Ont., July 4, 2018 – Join us for a commemorative plaque unveiling as we rename City Hall’s Room 112 in honour of the late Marg MacKinnon. Marg MacKinnon was Guelph’s second female councillor, serving from 1973 to 1986. MacKinnon was influential in the establishment of the Guelph Arts Council in 1975 and served as chair of the Citizens’ Committee for the development of River Run Centre. As a mentor, she encouraged young and recently arrived Guelphites to get involved in civic life. What Commemorative naming in honour of Marg MacKinnon Who Mayor and members of Guelph City Council City of Guelph Commemorative Naming Committee MacKinnon Family When Monday, July 9 3:30-4:30 p.m. Where City Hall, 1 Carden Street,… Continue reading City honours the late Marg MacKinnon with room dedication

Market Square water feature is closed for the season. Check this page regularly for ice rink status. Continue reading Market Square water feature status

Guelph, Ont., June 27, 2018 – It’s official. Bus rides to and from ticketed events at River Run Centre and Sleeman Centre will continue to cost riders $1 for each one-way trip. On Monday night, City Council voted unanimously in favour of making the Special Event Fare program permanent. The program was introduced last September as a pilot program to increase ridership and assist in alleviating parking and traffic pressures in Guelph’s downtown core. To receive the $1 special event fare, riders must show their event ticket to the transit operator at the time of boarding. This is a savings of $2 per trip. The special event fare begins three hours prior to the event start time and continues until end of bus service on… Continue reading Guelph Transit’s Special Event Fare program here to stay

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 26, 2018 – Last night, City Council approved staff recommendations from the Boulevard Maintenance business service review final report keeping boulevard maintenance service levels at current standards, and implementing new processes for efficiencies. The report recommended no changes to the types or frequency of boulevard maintenance. Improvements will be made to gain efficiencies in maintaining City boulevards. The impacts of those recommendations include: Improved process and data consistency Enhanced processes to help staff forecast Increased collaboration of staff from different departments in the planning, development and inspection of boulevards Improved data collection and performance reporting Homeowners will continue to maintain the cul-de-sacs, front boulevards and side boulevards on their streets. What is a boulevard? Resources About the business service reviews Media contact… Continue reading Council approves Boulevard Maintenance business service review

Canada Day weekend fun in Margaret Greene and Exhibition parks Guelph, Ont., June 25, 2018 – Get ready kids, the City is expanding its popular Park Activation program by introducing two activation stations in Margaret Greene and Exhibition parks. “Park activation introduces new and unique ways for families to use park spaces, makes it easier for children to get active, and helps to improve a child’s physical and mental well-being. We’re excited to add the activation stations for a truly interactive park experience,” says Rachel Guerin, project specialist with Energize Guelph. The activation stations—modified shipping containers—arrive later this summer and when they do they’ll be open to the public, weather permitting, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.… Continue reading Activating Guelph’s parks

Guelph, Ont., June 19, 2018 – The community has selected the final design for the Ward to Downtown Bridge. Option one, featuring a bench, wide deck for river viewing, and a lookout area was voted as the favourite design option. “We’re very excited to see this project come to life,” says Luke Jefferson, manager of Open Space Planning with the City of Guelph. “Our community has waited a long time for a safe and vibrant bridge that connects one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods with the downtown.” Three designs were presented at a community open house on April 12, 2018 and 37 residents filled out a survey in person and online to select their favourite option. Option one was the most popular, with over 60… Continue reading Final design selected for the Ward to Downtown Bridge

June 8, 2018 The City has posted an update on the detail design project of the South End Community Centre. The update includes an artist’s interpretation of what the inside and outside of the building may look like once built. Report

KIAM looking for images of the six wards for #YourWard project Guelph, Ont., June 4, 2018 – Kiel and Amanda Wilson-Ciocci (KIAM) have been named this year’s Artist in Residence team. KIAM’s project, titled #YourWard, will use images of each of Guelph’s wards to create six large-scale paintings that explore transitions in the urban environment. Their artistic style uses thick layers of acrylic paint and gel mediums, photographs and washes to create mixed-media paintings that draw attention to the contrasting perspectives on one canvas. “KIAM’s proposal ticked all of the boxes,” says Stacey Dunnigan, manager of culture and tourism for the City of Guelph. “Their project will foster collaboration and connection with Guelph’s historic wards.” To complete the pieces, KIAM is asking the community to… Continue reading Artists selected for 2018 Artist in Residence program

Council approves City’s continuing partnership with task force Guelph, Ont., May 29, 2018—Last night, Guelph City Council acknowledged, in principle, the role of Our Energy Guelph as the implementer of the Community Energy Initiative going forward, and approved the City of Guelph’s continued association with Our Energy Guelph as a primary stakeholder and partner. Council also approved Our Energy Guelph’s recommendations for the community as outlined in the updated community energy plan, including a target for Guelph to become a net zero carbon community by 2050. The 2007 Guelph Community Energy Plan, now the Community Energy Initiative, was the first of its kind in North America. In 2016, Council directed staff to initiate an update. A community-based task force was recruited to lead the update… Continue reading Council unanimously accepts Our Energy Guelph’s community energy recommendations

Guelph, Ont., May 28, 2018 – It’s time to celebrate, get active and try something new as June marks Recreation and Parks Month, International Trails Day, and Seniors’ Month in Guelph. Throughout the month, we’re offering free activities so you can discover all that Guelph has to offer indoors at our recreation facilities and outdoors in our beautiful parks. Practice your serve at one of our many tennis/pickleball courts, spark imagination and creativity at your neighbourhood park, have fun with your little one at our preschool drop in, participate in a kettlebell or aquafit class, or join in a free swim at one of our indoor pools. June also marks the opening of our splash pads, wading pools and Lyon Leisure Pool. On Saturday, June… Continue reading Get active, try something new

Join City staff on May 24 to celebrate Public Works Week Guelph, Ont., May 18, 2018 – In celebration of Public Works Week, we’re hosting an open house at 45 Municipal Street on Thursday, May 24. The family-friendly event will run from 3–7 p.m. featuring: City equipment and vehicles including an ambulance, Guelph Transit bus, zamboni and collections flusher City bylaw display including demonstrations of license plate recognition Construction and forestry teams explaining their work Traffic signal displays Food trucks providing food and drinks Please bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Guelph Food Bank. About National Public Works Week Since 1960, the American Public Works Association (APWA) has sponsored Public Works Week across Canada and the United States. This year’s theme… Continue reading Come see what we do!

3,000 kilograms of garbage picked up  from parks and trails Guelph, Ont., May 1, 2018 – The 15th annual Clean and Green community clean up broke the record for the number of volunteers who came out to help green Guelph, despite challenging weather. “We couldn’t be more grateful for the number of people who turned out,” says Dave Beaton, supervisor of trails and natural areas stewardship with the City of Guelph. “We got iced out the previous weekend and we were worried the cold would keep people away, but our volunteers are a dedicated bunch.Thanks to them, our community is  greener and cleaner.” Over 1,300 volunteers participated, cleaning 57 parks and 61 trails and roadways, collecting a total of 3,000 kilograms of garbage.  A barbecue… Continue reading Over 1,300 volunteers made clean and green a breeze!

Guelph, Ont., April 24, 2018 – City of Guelph flags have been lowered in tribute to the victims of yesterday’s horrific incident in Toronto, when a van drove into pedestrians, killing at least 10 people and injuring 15. “Our hearts are in Toronto today. Guelph is united with Toronto in grief in the face of this senseless attack on innocent people,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie. “Guelph is thinking of our neighbours in Toronto today as they deal with this terrible tragedy. Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. We are also thinking of the first responders who rushed to the scene, and the bystanders who witnessed this shocking attack,” said Chief Administrative Officer Derrick Thomson. City of Guelph flags at… Continue reading City of Guelph flags lowered to half-mast to honour victims of Toronto vehicle attack