Category Archives: Community

The City of Guelph will postpone a discussion about the Baker District redevelopment after learning that projected costs for the current library design are higher than they were understood to be when a staff report was placed on City Council’s agenda for Monday, July 22. Continue reading City postpones library discussion in wake of new financial information

The City’s new Leash Free Policy changes how dog owners use sports fields as leash-free areas and paves the way for fenced dog parks. Continue reading City’s Leash Free Policy now in effect

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Guelph. A heat event will continue into Saturday. Continue reading Heat warning for Guelph

Holiday hours for the City of Guelph facilities and programs. Continue reading John Galt Day holiday hours for City facilities and services

Free public swims sponsored by Tim Hortons Continue reading Tim Hortons free swims at City pools

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

Learn about fire safety and accident prevention. Meet emergency responders. Check out fire trucks, police cars and ambulances. Continue reading Hot Summer Nights – chill out with the Guelph Fire Department

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 is updating its Parks and Recreation Master Plan to guide how it plans for the future development of recreational services and infrastructure in Guelph. Continue reading Your parks. Your recreation. Your voice.

The Market Square wading pool will open for the season on June 8. The hours are different due to changes to the Health Protection and Promotion Act. Continue reading Market Square wading pool hours are changing this summer

Be heard on Bill 108. Submit your comments on the Bill’s regulations. On June 6, 2019, the Provincial Legislature passed Bill 108: More Homes, More Choice Act into law. Most of the concerns and proposed solutions expressed by municipalities and citizens were not reflected in the Act at the time of passing. We still have an opportunity to influence how this law is put into motion. The City will continue to work with ministries to design the rules, policies and related programs under Bill 108 as the regulations are being crafted. You can get involved by voicing your opinions on specific regulations during this consultation period. Background On May 2, 2019, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing released its More Homes, More Choice: Ontario’s… Continue reading Understanding Bill 108

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hours and status. Continue reading Market Square wading pool 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., March 26, 2018 – Earlier today, the City of Guelph was honoured with a 2018 Ontario Age-Friendly Community Recognition Award at the inaugural Age Friendly Community Symposium held in Toronto. The awards celebrate the work of Ontario communities that are striving to become age friendly. “Guelph is a great place to live and age well, and I’m proud our efforts to become an age-friendly community have been recognized with this notable provincial award. It’s an award our entire community can celebrate,” says Mayor Cam Guthrie. On hand to accept the award were Manon Germain, project specialist with Age-Friendly Guelph, and Adam Rutherford, programming and community development supervisor with the City. The recognition program, introduced last year by the Ministry of Seniors Affairs, includes… Continue reading City receives provincial award for its age-friendly initiatives

Guelph, Ont., January 25, 2018 – The City of Guelph has introduced  a single-application process for residents who are applying for a subsidy program like the Affordable Buss Pass, Fee Assistance in Recreation (FAIR) and animal licensing. “This new process makes it much easier for our residents when filling out the paperwork,” says Alex Goss, manager of Community Investment. “The one application saves time and reduces the need for our residents to share sensitive information over and over again.” Residents can apply for the City’s subsidy programs online at guelph.ca under the How can we help you? tab. Residents can also download the application, fill it out and return it to Service Guelph at City Hall, the West End Community Centre, Victoria Road Recreation Centre,… Continue reading City improves application process for subsidy programs

After more than a year of industry research, financial analysis, and community engagement, Guelph City Council voted in favour of a merger between Guelph Hydro Electric Systems and Alectra Inc. Continue reading Guelph City Council Approves Guelph Hydro Merger with Alectra

Guelph, Ont., December 11, 2017 – The City of Guelph is asking residents to help develop a master plan for Cedarvale Avenue Park, located at 32 Cedarvale Avenue in the city’s east end. The park master planning process is an opportunity for residents to share ideas and assist the City in creating a master plan that reflects the community’s outdoor recreational need and aspirations. Until January 1, 2018, residents can review two concept designs and vote on playground components for the neighbourhood park. From January 29 to February 11, residents can review and comment on the preferred park concept design. Design concepts can be viewed at guelph.ca/cedarvaleavenue and comments can be submitted online or by emailing Helen White at helen.white@guelph.ca. Feedback received will inform the park… Continue reading City seeks input on Cedarvale Avenue Park