Category Archives: Community

Hours and status of Market Square skating rink/wading pool Continue reading Market Square status

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Holiday hours for City of Guelph facilities and programs. Continue reading Holiday hours for City of Guelph facilities and services

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Guelph, Ont., November 29, 2024 – Come on down to Downtown Guelph for two-hour complimentary parking in the Market, East, West Parkades, and the East, Macdonell, and Fountain Surface lots from December 2, 2024, to January 4, 2025.  When and where to get complimentary Downtown parking  West, East, and Market Parkades and Macdonell, Fountain, and East Surface lots  Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturdays and evenings are free  Parking on evenings and Sundays in these areas is always free. For the full list of Downtown parking lots and rates, visit guelph.ca/parking.   How it works  Drivers will press the button at the entrance gate and take a ticket to enter the applicable parking area. When leaving, they’ll submit their ticket at the exit… Continue reading Two-hour free parking in select Downtown areas this December

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Guelph, Ont., November 1, 2024 — Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week runs November 1-7 and Guelph Fire Department is reminding everyone to recognize the health risks and danger CO poses with advice on how to protect your family and stay safe. “Having a working CO alarm in your home is the best way to know you and your family are protected from exposure and injury from a CO leak,” says Fire Chief Brian Arnold. “CO is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas making it impossible to detect without a working CO alarm.” Since January 1, 2022, Guelph Fire Department has received 53 calls where CO was detected in a dwelling. Statistically, that is 1.5 detections of CO in a dwelling per month, throughout the last… Continue reading City of Guelph observes Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week

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Guelph, Ont., October 29, 2024 – Daylight Savings Time (DST) will officially end on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, at 2:00 AM. At this time, clocks should be set back one hour to return to Standard Time. This transition marks an extra hour of rest, as well as earlier sunsets in the evenings.   As part of this seasonal change, the Guelph Fire Department urges everyone to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. This is an ideal time to ensure these devices are in proper working order by doing the following:  Replace batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.   Test each device to confirm it is functioning correctly.   Replace any alarm that is 10 years old or older.   Properly functioning alarms are critical for early warning… Continue reading Daylight savings time ends: Change your batteries when you change your clocks

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This fall, Guelph residents have four ways to get rid of their leaves and yard waste: Mulch leaves and leave them on your lawn for healthy grass next spring or use leaves – whole or mulched – to insulate and protect your garden beds over winter. From now until December 1, bag leaves or put them in an appropriate container labelled “yard waste” and place them at the curb on your grey cart collection day. Learn more about getting your yard waste ready for curbside collection at guelph.ca/yardwaste, and remember: leaves, grass clippings, and yard waste can’t go in your green cart. If you live in a neighbourhood with mature trees, rake your loose leaves to the curb no earlier than November 8, 2024 for pick up… Continue reading Tips for managing fall yard waste in Guelph

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The City of Guelph is looking for a community organization interested in taking on the planning, coordination and execution of an annual Canada Day event, beginning in 2025. Expressions of interest are being accepted until November 14, 2024. Continue reading City of Guelph seeking organization interested in hosting Canada Day event

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Most recent fatal fire serves as urgent reminder for residents to take fire safety seriously Guelph, Ont., October 16, 2024 – Over Thanksgiving weekend on October 12, 2024, Guelph Fire Department responded to a house fire at 12 Mayfield Avenue. The first firefighters on scene were met with flames and smoke coming from the front of the house and were informed that an occupant was still inside. Firefighting crews made entry and proceeded to begin their search while another crew worked to locate, control and extinguish the fire. Guelph Fire Department reports that one man was found deceased inside the residence and another person was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation. The condition of the second person was not considered to be serious. The on-scene phase of the investigation into the fire’s origin,… Continue reading Guelph Fire Chief urges residents to install and test smoke alarms

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Guelph, Ont., ​October 15, 2024​ – The City of Guelph is now receiving applications for the Community Grant and the Equity in Action Fund programs. Applications open on Tuesday, October 15 and close on Friday, November 22 at 4 p.m. EST. Grant descriptions Community Grant: Community Grants offer financial support to not-for-profit organizations for operating expenses, events, special programs or projects, and small capital items, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Guelph residents. Eligible organizations can apply for funding up to $15,000. Grant applications are evaluated based on the following criteria: benefits to Guelph residents community support for the applicant organization and its programs, projects and events sustainability and need for funding Equity in Action Fund: This fund will support programs and… Continue reading Call for Community Grant and the Equity in Action Fund applications

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Guelph, Ont., October 8, 2024- Residents are invited to apply for the Activating Community micro-grant this fall. This opportunity offers small grants to fund great ideas that strengthen Guelph’s community through innovation, art and action. Individuals, artists, groups and organizations are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity; the deadline for applications is Friday, November 8 at 4:00 p.m. EST. If you’re a small organization, a group, or an individual working at the community level, you can apply for micro-grant funding of up to $1,000. Grant applications will be reviewed and awarded in collaboration with the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition and the Guelph Arts Council. Micro-grant options The Activating Community micro-grant will fund initiatives that focus on either activating art or activating neighbourhoods. The Activating… Continue reading The Activating Community micro-grant fall application is now open!

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Guelph, Ont., August 28, 2024 – Back-to-school is upon us again with challenges that include higher traffic in school neighbourhoods. We can all do our part to ensure a happy and safe school year by walking and biking to school safely, parking in designated areas only and slowing down near schools. Where to park If you’re not walking or biking to school, there are a few places where it’s safe to park near schools to get kids where they need to be. Kiss and ride zones Kiss and ride zones in front of schools are not parking spaces. You may pull in to drop off a student, but do not park and leave your car. These spaces are designed to keep cars moving and make… Continue reading Your road map to a safe and ticket-free parking experience

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Guelph, Ont., August 27, 2024 – After an extensive national recruitment process, the City of Guelph is pleased to announce the appointment of Tara Baker as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). This appointment takes effect on September 16. Baker will replace former CAO Scott Stewart who retired earlier this summer.   Baker brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in municipal administration with 13 years at the City of Guelph, most recently serving as City Treasurer and General Manager of Finance since 2016. In her time here, she has transformed the city’s financial management practices through modernized policies, enhanced reporting transparency, and the introduction of multi-year budgeting. She has demonstrated an authentic leadership style that encourages innovation and collaboration and drives forward-thinking change where… Continue reading City of Guelph appoints new Chief Administrative Officer

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Guelph, Ont., July 17, 2024 — The City of Guelph and the University of Guelph are pleased to announce the renewal of their joint initiative, the Guelph Lab, for another three years.  Launched in 2014, the Guelph Lab has been an important catalyst for research, collaboration and experimentation. It brings together the University, City and community partners to create innovative solutions for shared challenges across Guelph.  The Guelph Lab has played a pivotal role in developing new policies and programs. Recent projects include using data to enhance equity and road safety across Guelph by targeting road safety improvements in marginalized areas, and establishing a Council advisory committee framework to enable more civic participation and stronger local democracy in Guelph. The Lab supported the examination of… Continue reading City of Guelph, U of G renew long-standing Guelph Lab initiative

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Guelph, Ont., July 16, 2024 – City Council ratified the recommendations for Phase 2 of the City of Guelph’s Single-Use Items Reduction Strategy as part of the Solid Waste Management Master Plan (SWMMP). With the amendment coming into effect March 1, 2025. In February 2024, food service businesses were surveyed about their waste reduction practices and support for waste reduction of single-use items, with supporting input from the community. Based on the feedback and survey results from food service businesses, City staff proposed three items to Council. The amendments to Phase 2 of the Single-Use Items Reduction Strategy include: Businesses must accept a customer’s clean reusable drink cup for beverage orders made in-store store for beverages consumed on or off a business’ premises unless served through a… Continue reading City bylaw amendment reducing single use items begins March 1, 2025

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Twenty neighborhood focused projects and seventeen arts projects were awarded Guelph, Ont., July 11, 2024- The City of Guelph is pleased to announce the 2024 Activating Community micro-grant recipients. After receiving 143 applications during this round, the City has awarded $25,250 in grant funds to support community-driven projects across Guelph. All applications were reviewed by two review panels led by the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition and Guelph Arts Council. Twenty projects that focus on engaging and animating neighbourhoods will receive funding. These projects will aim to strengthen our community and foster collaboration among Guelph’s residents. Additionally, 17 arts-focused projects have also been selected. These projects celebrate creativity, cultural expression, and community engagement through various artistic endeavors. All recipients were notified at the end of June… Continue reading 2024 Activating Community micro-grant recipients announced

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Guelph, Ont., June 21, 2024 – Today, the City of Guelph releases its 2024 satisfaction survey results, which show that residents continue to be happy with life in Guelph, and with City services.   The survey, conducted between March 22 and April 8, asked residents to share information about satisfaction with the current level of City programs and services, views toward property taxes, overall decision-making and priority-setting within the City, equity in service delivery, customer service, communication, and their perception of quality of life in Guelph.   “The survey results show that the pressures of inflation, increased cost of living, and housing affordability are impacting Guelph residents, as is the case in communities all across Canada,” says Jodie Sales, general manager, Strategy Initiatives and Intergovernmental Services. “Despite… Continue reading Satisfaction survey: Nearly nine in 10 residents feel they have a good quality of life in Guelph

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The City’s 2024 Guelph Satisfaction Survey results show that our residents continue to be happy with life in Guelph and with City services. Between March 22 and April 8, we surveyed a random sample of Guelph residents to learn about satisfaction with the current level of City programs and services, views toward property taxes, overall decision-making and priority-setting within the City, equity in service delivery, customer service, communication, and their perception of quality of life in Guelph. Satisfaction surveys help us to understand if we’re meeting our mission to deliver responsible and responsive public service to Guelph’s growing and diverse community. The results also help us to identify opportunities where we can continue to make improvements to ensure the city is future-ready and a great… Continue reading 2024 Guelph Satisfaction Survey results

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77 per cent of all strategic initiatives were either completed or significantly advanced as of December 2023 Guelph, Ontario, June 13, 2024 – The City of Guelph is pleased to share its final report on the 2019-2023 Guelph. Future Ready Strategic Plan.. This aligns with the City’s values of transparency and accountability and its commitment to plan, budget, and report. Approved in 2019, the Guelph. Future Ready Strategic Plan guided Council priorities and staff’s work towards making Guelph an inclusive, connected, prosperous city where we look after each other and our environment. The plan’s implementation period ended in December 2023. The final report presented to Council on June 12 at the Committee of the Whole highlights the City’s achievements along the five strategic pillars. It… Continue reading City of Guelph shares final Future Ready Strategic Plan progress report

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Drop into the Italian Canadian Club any time between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 27 to learn about the project and share feedback. Continue reading Open house for the Ward West Heritage Conservation District Study

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Kiinwi gda’aawmi Chi Naakinigwewin Bemaadizijik”   Translation: We are all Treaty People  “Dakokiiwin Maamwi”  Translation: Taking Steps Together  Guelph, Ont., ​May 30, 2024​ – In celebration of National Indigenous History Month this June, the City of Guelph is excited to unveil a new and exciting partnership with the Moccasin Identifier Project. This initiative will see the transformation of our historic Floral Clock at Riverside Park to include moccasins, representing the treaty partners of this area.   The Riverside Floral Clock will display two large moccasins in the Anishnaabe design with the words “We are all Treaty People” along the bottom. This message encapsulates the spirit of unity and recognition of treaties. It also serves as a reminder of the living history and ongoing contributions of Indigenous Peoples… Continue reading Guelph’s Riverside Park Floral Clock blooms with Indigenous Heritage this June

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The ball’s in your court and we need your feedback Have your say on the Outdoor Sports Facility Strategy Guelph, Ont., May 15, 2024 – We’re seeking community input to guide the Outdoor Sports Facility Strategy until June 30. Whether you are a frequent user of our current facilities or have never used them before, your input is crucial in helping us understand the needs and preferences of our community when it comes to outdoor sports. Your participation and feedback will help us to: Identify where improved or different sports fields and courts may be needed within the City. Share information about new, emerging, or international sports that should be considered in the strategy. Let us know what’s working, what’s not, and how we can… Continue reading Get your head in the game and have your say in the Outdoor Sports Facility Strategy by June 30

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Guelph, Ont., May 13, 2024 – The Rotary Club of Guelph has informed the City that, effective this year, it will not host a Canada Day festival and fireworks program in Guelph. The Rotary Club of Guelph has executed Canada Day events and fireworks with the support of funding established in a Community Benefit of Agreement with the City since 2015. Due to operational capacity and adjustments to fundraising efforts, it is no longer feasible for the Club to execute a large-scale event for Canada Day and the City will not renew the Club’s Community Benefit Agreement. The City may explore the possibility of accepting proposals from community organizations interested in executing a civic celebration for Canada Day in 2025 with particular consideration for themes… Continue reading Rotary Club will not host Guelph’s Canada Day celebrations

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The City of Guelph launched its Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) micro-grant program. Micro-grants range from $1,500 to $6,500 and are available for youth ages 15 to 24 to design and implement climate change solutions. Apply online by 4 p.m. on June 21, 2024. Continue reading Guelph opens micro-grant program for youth-led climate action

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Tell us how you feel about firework use in Guelph by June 2 Guelph, Ont., May 7, 2024 – We’re reviewing our Fireworks bylaw to see if it’s still meeting Guelph’s needs for the use of fireworks in our city, or if it’s time for an update. We want to know if and how residents use fireworks to celebrate, and if there are specific dates and events that should be considered for firework sales and use, or if their use should be prohibited or restricted. How you can participate Share your thoughts on firework use in Guelph Let us know how you use fireworks to celebrate by participating in our online survey between May 7 and June 2. You can also attend one of the… Continue reading Do we need to update our Fireworks bylaw? Help us decide!

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The City is updating Guelph’s Private Tree Protection Bylaw and is asking the community to provide feedback on options for the update. Continue reading City shares options for updating Guelph’s private tree protection bylaw

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Join us for a community tree planting event! Guelph, Ont., April 8, 2024 – The City of Guelph is cohosting its second annual Earth Day tree planting event in partnership with the Rotary Club of Guelph and Trees for Guelph. The event will feature an environmental fair with booths, food and entertainment. Event details Date: Saturday, April 27, rain or shine Location: Hanlon Creek Forest, 335 Laird Road. Parking (including for bikes) site access and environmental fair will be at this location. Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Trees, shovels, mulch, pails and planting instructions will all be provided. All you need to do is come out ready to plant! We’ll have our Water Wagon onsite so you can stay hydrated while you plant. Please… Continue reading Give back to the Earth for Earth Day

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New library also the first stand-alone library certified under the Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard Guelph, Ont., March 25, 2024 – Guelph is set to receive a federal investment of $13.5 million to help support construction of the new central library. Announced today by Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield and Mayor Cam Guthrie, this funding will contribute to the creation of a vibrant new community hub in Guelph. “Libraries are the trademark of educated, equitable and democratic societies. Cities across Canada are turning to these inclusive building types to revitalize their downtowns, boost visitors, and enhance access to information and resources. Guelph’s new central library will help contribute to a thriving community as a hub that will inspire residents to learn and explore for years… Continue reading City of Guelph to receive federal investment for new central library

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Guelph, Ont., March 25, 2024- Residents are invited to apply for the Activating Community micro-grant. This opportunity offers small grants to fund great ideas that strengthen Guelph’s community through innovation, art and action. Individuals, artists, groups and organizations are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity; the deadline for applications is Friday, April 26. If you’re a small organization, a group, or an individual working at the community level, you can apply for micro-grant funding of up to $1,000. Up to $50,000 in micro-grants will be awarded in 2024. Grant applications will be reviewed and awarded in collaboration with the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition and the Guelph Arts Council. Micro-grant options The Activating Community micro-grant will fund initiatives that focus on either activating art or… Continue reading The Activating Community micro-grant application is now open!

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Community feedback will help improve City programs and services Guelph, Ont., March 20, 2024—We want to hear from you Guelph! Tell us if we’re meeting the mark with City programs and services, customer service and communication with you. Your feedback matters. Between March 22 and April 8, Forum Research will conduct a telephone survey on our behalf. Since you may not receive a call – we won’t be calling everyone – we’ll have an online survey available for the residents we don’t reach by phone at haveyoursay.guelph.ca starting March 22. The online survey will close April 8. To avoid duplicate responses, please do not complete the online survey if you have already participated by telephone. This survey helps us measure if we’re meeting our mission… Continue reading Guelph satisfaction survey launches March 22

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It’s time for an important conversation about construction timing for the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program Guelph, Ont., March 18, 2024 – As we prepare for Downtown infrastructure renewal, we want to hear from Guelph residents and businesses about how to best plan for this construction in the Downtown. We’re looking at different options on construction timing and phasing that can mean either shorter or longer timelines over the course of this multi-year project, and we need the community’s input to make sure we get it right. Between now and April 7, share your thoughts online about how you’d like to see Downtown construction take shape over the next few decades. You can also visit our public open house to have your say: Date: Wednesday, March… Continue reading Share your thoughts: Help shape Downtown construction

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We supply the bags, you supply the help Register for Clean and Green Guelph, Ont., March 18, 2024 – Registration for this year’s Clean and Green spring community cleanup is open. Give back to the spaces that have given us so much by signing up to clean Guelph’s parks, trails and open spaces during the month of April. We invite you to join in this collective effort this spring: individuals, teams, businesses, neighbourhood and community groups, adults, and children – all are welcome. Let’s make this year our biggest clean up yet! Register by selecting a space from our map; this will help ensure we’re not all cleaning the same places. If you’re feeling keen to clean, you can sign up to clean more than… Continue reading Give back to Guelph parks: Sign up for Clean and Green

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Unveils new Vision Zero Collision Dashboard, Key Actions and interactive Storymap  Guelph, Ont., ​February 22, 2024​ – The City of Guelph is taking a leap forward in road safety with the launch of the Vision Zero Collision Dashboard, Key Actions, and Storymap. These comprehensive, interactive and data-driven platforms are designed to enhance transparency, and engagement, and inform on the City’s initiatives to improve road safety across Guelph.  The Vision Zero Collision Dashboard offers a comparative analysis of traffic collision data within the city over a six-year period. Through intuitive visualizations and detailed maps, residents, policymakers, and researchers can gain a comprehensive understanding of traffic incidents, contributing factors, and hotspots.  Key features of the Vision Zero Collision Dashboard include:  Collision data summary  Comparative analysis of collision… Continue reading City of Guelph is revolutionizing road safety with new Vision Zero tools

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Have your say by February 28 February 7, 2024 – A community garden has been proposed for Skov Park, located near the intersection of Eramosa Road and Victoria Road. There are two options being considered for the garden’s layout and location. Have your say on the proposed community gardens What is a community garden? Community gardens are vibrant spaces that not only offer an opportunity for residents to engage in providing a local food source, but also foster a sense of community and connection with nature. They also promote biodiversity by providing additional habitat for wildlife like insects and birds. The Skov Park community garden would be used by volunteers to grow and harvest vegetables, culinary herbs, pollinator-friendly plants and may include some small fruiting… Continue reading New community garden proposed for Skov Park

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Scott Stewart will complete his five-year term as CAO in July Guelph, Ont., January 25, 2024 – The City of Guelph’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Scott Stewart, has announced that he will retire this summer. Stewart was appointed Chief Administrative Officer in July 2019; he will retire at the end of his five-year term in late July. A dedicated civil servant throughout his 38-year career, Stewart held various senior leadership positions in municipal governments including the Region of Peel and the Cities of Hamilton and Burlington before joining the City of Guelph in December 2015 as Deputy CAO of the Infrastructure, Development and Enterprise service area (now called Infrastructure, Development and Environment). During his time as CAO, Stewart oversaw the development and implementation of the… Continue reading City’s Chief Administrative Officer announces plan to retire

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Construction planned for summer 2024 Guelph, Ont., January 24, 2024 – The community has spoken! Margaret Greene Park is going even greener with the addition of a natural–themed splash pad design, which was the preferred option selected by Guelph residents. Splash pad design features  We considered all of the comments submitted by the community and the Accessibility Advisory Committee to inform the final concept design for the splash pad, which includes:  A large shade structure in a natural leaf theme  Two accessible paths from the parking lot and one to the existing playground  A variety of seating options including accessible picnic–style tables  A seat wall near the splash zone to allow inclusive interaction with the water  A variety of highly-visible water features  View the Margaret… Continue reading See the final splash pad design for Margaret Greene Park

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 Guelph, Ont., January 17, 2024 – Guelph’s vision is to be an inclusive, connected, prosperous city where we look after each other and our environment – and that means having a diverse range of housing types available, including affordable housing options.   But what does affordable housing truly mean for Guelph? We need your help to not only have this conversation, but also to explore approaches and actions that the City can take to protect existing affordable housing stock and to increase the supply of new affordable housing.    Increasing Guelph’s housing supply  The 2024 Housing Affordability Strategy (an update to the 2017 Affordable Housing Strategy) will identify actions like policy changes, tools and incentives, advocacy, and partnership approaches to address private-market housing gaps in the short,… Continue reading Join Guelph’s housing affordability focus group

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Funding will increase Guelph’s housing supply Guelph, Ont., January 12, 2024 – Today in Guelph, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the City of Guelph will receive $21.4 million to help increase housing supply through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). This fund is a $4 billion initiative from the Government of Canada that provides local governments with funding to fast track the creation of new homes. The funds will help the City incentivize the creation of 739 new housing units above the City average over the next three years. This work will reduce housing barriers and increase housing in Guelph, while supporting the development of affordable, inclusive, equitable and diverse communities. “Today’s announcement is a big leap forward for Guelph in addressing the housing crisis… Continue reading City of Guelph to receive federal funding to help build more homes, faster

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Guelph, ON, December 8, 2022: The Council-endorsed Strategic Advisory Group on downtown Guelph, a subcommittee of the Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness and Community Safety, has supported a request to Guelph City Council for an extension of daytime services for people in need at the Royal City Mission. There is a gap in daytime space available between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. and Council’s support of the request would make the space available for an additional four hours a day over the next year. This measure is intended to be a short-term solution and the group is now focused on identifying longer-term solutions to daytime service options for people in need. These services will include health and community services, as well as hygiene and storage options. Funding… Continue reading Strategic Advisory Group advocates for extension of daytime services at Royal City Mission; plans for what’s needed next

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