Category Archives: Emergency Services

Last night, the Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Service (GWPS) hosted its sixth annual celebration and awards dinner at the Italian Canadian Club. Continue reading Paramedics celebrated at annual dinner

“Make and practice your home fire escape plan”—a message that’s being delivered by fire departments, including Guelph, during Fire Prevention Week, October 6 to 12. Continue reading Be a fire safety hero in your home!

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

Guelph, Ont., May 25, 2018 – For a second year, elementary students in grades 3 to 5 took part in The Pillowcase Project—an interactive educational program that teaches children about safety, emotional coping skills, and personal emergency preparedness. “The Pillowcase Project is a fun and engaging way to get kids involved in preparing for an emergency,” says Dave Elloway, the City of Guelph’s community emergency management coordinator. This program, developed by the American Red Cross, teaches students to create their own 72-hour emergency supply kit by packing essential survival items in a pillowcase. Such items include: water, a first-aid kit, blanket, flashlight, batteries, spare clothes, and a toothbrush, and a special comfort item such as a stuffed animal. This makes an easy to grab and… Continue reading Students turn pillowcases into 72-hour emergency kits

Guelph, Ont., September 6, 2017 – The Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Service (GWPS) is hosting its fourth annual celebration and awards dinner on Thursday, September 7. The event, hosted at the River Run Centre, is an opportunity for the City of Guelph and Wellington County to recognize and celebrate the work that is done by paramedics locally. The GWPS will present certificates to Michelle Gow (paramedic field superintendent), Joanne Osborne (advanced care county paramedic), and Mike VanderMeulen (paramedic field superintendent)—this year’s recipients of the Governor General Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal. The trio will be honoured with medals in Ottawa on September 28. Twenty-nine paramedics will also receive pins that recognize their years of service to the community.  Members of the GWPS Ride for Heart bike… Continue reading Celebrating Guelph and Wellington County’s paramedics

Guelph, Ont., July 27, 2017 – Today, for the second time in its history, the Guelph Fire Department has successfully achieved accreditation status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. Achieving accreditation means the fire department has met international performance standards, is performing its services and duties well, and is aligned with best practices in the industry. “We’re thrilled that Guelph continues to be among a handful of fire organizations in Canada to achieve accreditation, which is an achievement that every member of the Guelph Fire Department and emergency services team can be proud of as it shows that we are a quality agency,” says Colleen Clack, deputy CAO Public Services. Earlier today, Clack, Fire Chief John Osborne, Deputy Chief Dave Elloway, and Accreditation Coordinator… Continue reading Guelph Fire Department maintains accreditation status

Guelph, Ont., March 6, 2017 — On February 21, 2017, the City of Guelph received the board’s decision on the interest arbitration between the City and the Guelph Professional Fire Fighters Association (GPFFA). The arbitrator awarded Guelph firefighters a 7.47 per cent increase in wages over three years (2.75% for 2015, 2.47% for 2016, and 2.25% in 2017), as well as a 1.99 per cent increase in benefits. The City respects the arbitration board’s authority to render its award, but the law provides that judicial review of an arbitral award is available in the appropriate circumstances. The City has reviewed the award and believes that this is an appropriate case to apply to the court for judicial review of the arbitral award. “Our application for… Continue reading City asks for a judicial review on fire interest arbitration award

Guelph, Ont., November 24, 2016 – Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Service is launching a new community program designed to help save lives in Guelph, and Wellington county. You are invited to learn more about the Public Access Defibrillator Loaner program—believed to be the first of its kind in Canada—and watch an automated external defibrillator (AED) demonstration at the launch event on Friday, November 25 at 11 a.m. at City Hall. Research shows that victims of cardiac arrest have the best chance of survival when there is early access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation. “We believe that providing AEDs at community events—where there is no easy or timely access to a defibrillator—can save lives,” says Stephen Dewar, chief of Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Service. What Public Access Defibrillator Loaner… Continue reading Defibrillator loaner program launches in Guelph

Guelph, Ont., November 3, 2016 – On Monday, November 7, the Guelph Fire Department will recognize local residents Donie Fogarty and Rafael Ramirez for their bravery in helping to rescue an elderly couple from their burning home. On September 23, shortly after 10 p.m., a fire broke out at a Northumberland Street home in Guelph’s downtown area. Neighbours, who noticed the blaze, called 911 and attempted to alert the homeowners that their house was on fire. With no response, Fogarty and Ramirez forced their way into the burning house. Ramirez found a male resident and guided him outside. At that time, the resident told Ramirez that his wife was still inside the house and not able to get out. Fogarty went inside the front of… Continue reading Guelph Fire recognizes two community members for bravery

The City and the Guelph Professional Firefighters Association head into interest arbitration. Arbitration hearing is open to the public. Continue reading Fire Service arbitration hearing is open to the public

Public access defibrillators presented to schools, County and City Guelph, Ont., September 21, 2016 – On September 16, the Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Service (GWPS) hosted its third annual celebration and awards dinner at Guelph’s River Run Centre. During the evening, GWPS presented a certificate recognizing primary care paramedic Whipper Watson as a recipient of the Governor General Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal. This honour was awarded to Watson for performing his duties to the public in an exemplary manner, characterized by the highest standards of good conduct, industry and efficiency. Watson will receive his medal from Honorary Lieutenant General Richard Rohmer at the Ontario Paramedic Chiefs Association gala being held later this month in Collingwood. Seventeen paramedics were recognized for their years of service to… Continue reading Paramedics honoured at annual celebration

Guelph, Ont., September 13, 2016 – The Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Service (GWPS) will host its third annual celebration and awards dinner on Friday, September 16. During the evening, GWPS will present a certificate recognizing the recipient of the Governor General Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal. Service pins will be handed out to paramedics to recognize years of service to the community. GWPS will also recognize individuals who have made contributions to the Community Health Assessment Program, part of the Community Paramedicine initiative. In addition, members of the GWPS Ride for Heart bike team will present public access defibrillators to Maryborough Community Centre, University of Guelph, John McCrae Public School, where a student experienced a cardiac arrest last year, and to the City’s Operations department, located… Continue reading Paramedics to be honoured at awards dinner on September 16

Outdoor, recreational fires not allowed in Guelph Guelph, Ont., July 5, 2016 – In the interest of public safety, the Guelph Fire Department is encouraging residents—when cooking outdoors—to use appliances (e.g. barbecue) that are connected to propane, natural gas or electricity. Even though open air burning for cooking is allowed, with the hot and dry weather that Guelph and much of the province is experiencing there is an increased risk of a fire burning out of control. Cooking over an open flame can cause wind-blown embers to land on nearby grass and plants, which can start a fire. The Guelph Fire Department also reminds residents that the use of outdoor fire pits, chimineas and other devices are not allowed in Guelph at any time of… Continue reading Guelph Fire asks residents to use caution if cooking outdoors

Update – 4:30 p.m. The Guelph Fire Department has extinguished the fire and is assessing the damage. A structural assessment will be conducted tomorrow. Public access to yard waste disposal, the household hazardous waste depot, the public drop off and transfer station reopens tomorrow. Curbside waste collection continues without disruption.   Guelph, Ont., July 5, 2016 – Around 10:30 this morning a fire broke out at the City’s Material Recovery Facility, located at 110 Dunlop Drive. Staff was safely evacuated and no injuries are reported. Public access to the Waste Resource Innovation Centre including the public drop-off, is temporarily closed. Telephone service is also unavailable at this time. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire. The extent of the damage is not yet… Continue reading Update: Fire at Guelph’s Material Recovery Facility closes 110 Dunlop Drive

Colleen Clack, who has served as the City of Guelph’s general manager, Culture, Tourism and Community Investment for the past six years, has been appointed by the Executive Team as the City’s newest deputy chief administrative officer (DCAO) of Public Services. In her new position, Clack will oversee Culture, Tourism and Community Investment, Emergency Services, Guelph Transit, Operations, and Parks and Recreation. Continue reading Colleen Clack appointed as City’s newest Deputy Chief Administrative Officer

Guelph, Ont., May 4, 2016 – Tomorrow, the Guelph Fire Department will recognize two local individuals for their efforts in promoting fire safety in the community. Brady Valeriote, a Grade 5 student at St. Patrick Catholic School, will be recognized for promoting fire safety in the home—the topic for his speech that garnered a third place finish at the all school speech finals in Guelph. Valeriote’s amplification of fire safety messaging reached hundreds of people. John Gibson, a Guelph resident, will be recognized for putting into practice fire safety after the fire alarm in his building was activated on March 12 as a result of a fire in an upper hallway. His quick action in locating a portable fire extinguisher led to the fire being… Continue reading Guelph Fire recognizes two community members for fire safety efforts

Guelph, Ont., May 2, 2016 – On Wednesday, May 4 the City of Guelph will host its annual Emergency Preparedness Day event at the West End Community Centre. This free event, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is open to the public. Residents are invited to check out Guelph Fire’s aerial truck, rescue vehicles and equipment, as well as displays from first response organizations, utilities and volunteer groups. The Canadian Red Cross will set up a small demonstration evacuation shelter for people to view. Taking place during the 21st annual national Emergency Preparedness Week, May 1 to 7, Guelph’s Emergency Preparedness Day is an opportunity for the public to learn about emergency management and personal preparedness from the City’s Emergency Services personnel. This year’s national… Continue reading City hosting annual Emergency Preparedness Day event

Guelph, Ont., April 21, 2016 – Today, at a groundbreaking event, the City of Guelph and Guelph Police Service (GPS) announced the official start of construction on the police headquarters renovation. The $34.1 million renovation project, slated for completion in spring 2019, will equip Guelph with a police headquarters that meets the needs of the community’s police services today and into the future. The current police headquarters was built in 1960 when Guelph’s population was 38,000. In 1989, the building was retrofitted and a west wing added. “This groundbreaking event is another step towards the completion of a modern police building that will enable us to better serve our community,” said Guelph Police Chief Jeff DeRuyter. The construction work will bring the facility up to… Continue reading City, Guelph Police break ground on headquarters renovation

A look at some of the budget details On December 10, 2015, City Council approved a $216 million operating budget and a $61 million capital budget for 2016. This represents a 2.99 per cent tax increase over 2015. In approving the budget, Council approved $3.6 million in reductions to the base budget which included adjustments to purchased goods and services, revenue including a 15 per cent increase to vendor fees at the Guelph Farmers’ Market, and service level changes for Guelph Transit (described below). Within the capital budget, Council approved 124 projects including but not limited to Transit fare box replacement, vehicle and equipment lifecycle replacements, bridge replacements/upgrades (including Niska Bridge), South End Community Park continued implementation, and downtown parkade construction. The following identifies the… Continue reading 2016 budget highlights

Guelph, ON, May 27, 2015 – Guelph-Wellington Emergency Medical Service (GWEMS) was honoured last Friday evening at the 12th annual Service Awards for Geriatric Excellence. GWEMS took home a Service Award for Geriatric Excellence in the organization category for its Community Paramedicine Program and for demonstrating dedication, leadership and innovation towards care of seniors in the community. Jane McKinnon Wilson, of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Waterloo Wellington Dufferin branch, put forth the nomination and there were five other nominees. “We are honoured to receive a SAGE in recognition of the Community Paramedicine Program. This award highlights our dedication, leadership and innovation in providing the highest quality pre-hospital patient care to our aging population through the integration of medical and social services across Guelph and… Continue reading Guelph-Wellington Emergency Medical Service receives Service Award for Geriatric Excellence