Category Archives: Community

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 and Wellington County are in a strong position to become Canada’s first circular food economy, which could realize tens-of-millions in savings and related benefits, according to a report from UK-based Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a global thought leader in circular economies. Continue reading Guelph-Wellington is poised to lead circular food strategies: new report from London, UK Foundation

A new community garden is in the works for Water Street Park. We want to hear what you think about the garden proposal by March 20. Continue reading Have your say on a new community garden in Water Street Park by March 20

Register by April 21 for the 16th annual Clean and Green community clean up. Early bird gets the worm for your choice of parks, trails and greenspaces. Continue reading Register for Clean and Green by April 21

Maltby Road East is closed due to changes in temperature that affect road stability and grade. The road will reopen late spring 2019. Continue reading Maltby Road East closed until further notice

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

Cold weather safety tips and emergency shelters. Continue reading Extreme cold weather

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

On Saturday, December 15, your police, firefighters and paramedics are collecting non-perishable food and cash donations in support of the Guelph Food Bank. Continue reading Help stuff an emergency vehicle on December 15

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

Give back to your community and keep kids safe Do you want to give back to your community? Do you want to keep children and pedestrians safe? Do you enjoy working outside? Become a school crossing guard! Crossing guards are provided only when schools are open (September to June). Time off when school is out, including weekends, PD days, and all holidays. Daily shifts are scheduled between 7:45 to 9:00 a.m. and 2:45 to 4:00 p.m. Responsibilities Ensure the safe crossing of pedestrians and children as they travel to and from school. We are accepting applications for crossing guards and spare crossing guards for various locations. Self-motivated, and personable and able to communicate effectively, you will ensure elementary school children cross safely at designated school… Continue reading Apply to become a crossing guard today!

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 skating rink is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. weather permitting. Check this page regularly for ice rink status. Continue reading Market Square ice rink 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

The City of Guelph prohibits outdoor recreational fires (e.g. fireplaces, fire pits, and chimineas). Failure to comply with open air burning regulations is an offence and carries a fine of up to $50,000 and/or one year in jail. Under the Ontario Fire Code, propane fuelled or natural gas fuelled appliances that simulate a campfire or fireplace are permitted, provided they meet the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000. Cooking outdoors Open air burning is allowed if a person is cooking food on a grill, barbecue or spit. Such burning consists of a small, confined fire that is supervised at all times. Once cooking is finished, the fire must be put out. Please note: Cooking does not include roasting marshmallows or hot dogs. If the fire… Continue reading Outdoor recreational fires not permitted

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!

Apply now to be a volunteer Want to make a difference in your community this summer? Come spend a day or week with us at camp! The City of Guelph’s summer camps include pottery, circus arts, extreme adventure, swimming, games, crafts and more! Volunteers need to be 14 years of age or older. Volunteering with the City’s summer camp program is an excellent way to do something great for the community, while having fun. High school students can earn credit towards their community involvement hours. What’s provided Volunteer training T-shirt What you need to know Summer camps run daily from July 3 to August 31.  Volunteer training is June 13 or June 21 at 4:30 p.m. at the West End Community Centre, 21 Imperial Road South. For more information… Continue reading Summer camp volunteers needed

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 30, 2018 – National Emergency Preparedness Week is May 6 to 12, and the City of Guelph is kicking off the week on May 2 with a day of fun and information to help you prepare your family for any emergency. “This year’s theme—Be Emergency Ready—highlights the importance that everyone has a role to play in being prepared for an emergency; and being prepared means having the knowledge and equipment necessary to better cope during an emergency,” says Dave Elloway, the City’s community emergency management coordinator. Join us Wednesday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the West End Community Centre, 21 Imperial Road South, and spend the day browsing displays from community groups, local utility companies and emergency first… Continue reading Are you emergency ready?

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

Guelph, Ont., April 16, 2018 – The results are in! Out of the surveys received, 78 per cent of residents were in favour of a Howitt Park community garden. As a result, the garden will move ahead this summer. Residents who took the survey commented that the park was a “lovely idea”, especially for residents without a yard or garden of their own. They also believe it presents a greater opportunity to foster community togetherness and a love of local food. A few residents also shared their concerns, questions and comments about the proposed community garden including: impacts to the garden from pets and wildlife, vandalism, suitable location, infrastructure, and growing conditions, the development proposal for the property next door, the size of the garden,… Continue reading We asked, you responded: survey feedback is in favour of a Howitt Park community garden

Under the City of Guelph’s Delegation Bylaw (2013) – 19529, the City has granted the University of Guelph an exemption from the City’s Noise Control Bylaw. The exemption will allow for night work from May 11-13, 18-22, 25-27 and June 1-3 at 95 Stone Road West for the replacement of boilers and pumps. If you may be impacted by this exemption, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at clerks@guelph.ca or 519-822-1260 extension 5603 no later than April 20, 2018 to request a review of the approval. For more information David Wiedrick, Manager, Bylaw Compliance, Security and Licensing Operations 519-822-1260 extension 3475 david.wiedrick@guelph.ca

The City of Guelph is developing a park master 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 needs and aspirations. What we’ve heard Phase 1 of the community engagement is now closed. Thank you to residents who participated in reviewing the two concept designs and voting on playground components for the neighbourhood park. In late 2017, residents provided comments and voted on two park concept plans. More residents voted for Concept B: Natural Slopes. As a result, the preferred concept plan was based on that concept. Resident input was used to… Continue reading Cedarvale Avenue Park Master Plan engagement summary

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