Category Archives: Emergency Services

Keep cool at air-conditioned City facilities and libraries Guelph, Ont., August 27, 2018 – Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Guelph. Hot and humid conditions arrive today and continue through early Wednesday. The City of Guelph reminds residents that air-conditioned City facilities and libraries are open, during regular business hours, to residents and visitors looking for a place to keep cool during the heat warning. Visit guelph.ca/coolingcentres for a list of locations and hours. When it’s hot, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health reminds residents to drink plenty of water, stay out of the sun, and to make a habit of checking on elderly family, friends, and neighbours. It’s also a good idea to plan breaks from the heat by spending a few hours in an… Continue reading Heat warning issued for city of Guelph

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

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., 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 13, 2018 – We are prepared for the forecasted freezing rain expected this weekend.  The following list will help you prepare too. Roads and sidewalks City crews will monitor the weather throughout the weekend and will apply salt and brine to the roads and sidewalks as needed. If you must drive, give yourself plenty of time to get around. You can follow our trucks at guelph.ca/snow. Report a road and sidewalk Trees Ice buildup can make trees heavy, causing branches to break and trees to fail. Even healthy trees that are structurally sound can fall under the weight of ice. Keep an eye on your private trees. Our forestry crews will be dealing with tree issues on City property, as they become… Continue reading Freezing rain is coming: here’s what you need to know

Guelph, Ont., March 12, 2018 – The City of Guelph, the University of Guelph, the Guelph Police Services, and Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario have joined forces to ensure St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are safe, respectful and enjoyable for everyone. “We know people like to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. We are just asking that they be mindful of noise, be respectful of residential property, clean up after themselves and stay safe,” said Doug Godfrey General Manager of the Operations Department at the City of Guelph. Every year for St. Patrick’s Day, the City’s bylaw team, the University and the Police, patrol and address issues throughout the day. This year, residents can expect an increased police presence and bylaw officers patrolling throughout the day and… Continue reading City of Guelph and partners ask St. Patrick’s Day goers to be safe, be respectful and be accountable

Guelph, Ont., January 3, 2018 – The Guelph Fire Department is asking residents to take extra care this winter when using fireplaces or space heaters to heat their home. As the number of residents using extra sources to supplement their heating increases so does the risk of a fire. “Half of all home heating fires are reported during just three months out of the year: December, January and February,” says Matt Valeriote, assistant chief fire prevention officer with the Guelph Fire Department. You can do your part in reducing the number of heating-related fires by following these tips for safe home heating: Fireplaces (gas and wood burning) Install wood burning and gas fireplaces following the manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation Make… Continue reading Guelph Fire asks residents to take care with fireplaces and space heaters

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

Guelph, Ont., December 7, 2017—Around noon today a fire broke out at the City’s Organic Waste Processing Facility, located at 110 Dunlop Drive. The Guelph Fire Department attended the scene and extinguished the fire. Staff was safely evacuated and no injuries are reported. Although only one of the facility’s four processing lines was affected by the fire, the City has shut down the whole facility until the affected area can be cleared out and damages assessed. Scheduled organics collection for Guelph residents will not be affected and public access to the Waste Resource Innovation Centre remains open. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire and to assess damages before the facility is brought back into operation. An update will be provided… Continue reading Fire at City’s organics facility extinguished by fire department

Last night’s fire in Cambridge caused odours in Guelph. People can resume outdoor activities unless they experience coughing or throat irritation. Continue reading Update on air quality after fire in Cambridge

Guelph, Ont., October 2, 2017 – Today, the Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Service (GWPS) Ride for Heart bike team and Guelph Public Library announced a joint fundraising initiative to help save lives in the community. Donation boxes have been set up at all library branches in Guelph for community members to donate to Heart & Stroke. Monies collected between now and May 31, 2018 will be used to purchase AEDs (automated external defibrillators) for Guelph and Wellington County. According to Heart & Stroke, every 13 minutes in Canada a person experiences cardiac arrest and up to 85 per cent occur in public spaces or homes. “For every minute that defibrillation is delayed the chance of survival drops by seven to 10 per cent. But when early CPR… Continue reading Paramedics and library staff raising funds to help save lives

September 28, 2017 Under the authority of the City of Guelph’s Fireworks Bylaw (1993)–14362, an exemption has been granted to the University of Guelph (50 Stone Road East) to permit the discharge of fireworks on a date otherwise identified within the bylaw. Specifically, the applicant has been granted an exemption to allow for the discharge of fireworks to occur between 8 and 9:30 p.m. on October 2, 2017 at Alumni Stadium (26 Powerhouse Lane). If you have questions or concerns regarding this exemption, please contact the City’s Fire Prevention Office at 519-763-8111. For more information Tony Sabatini Chief Fire Prevention Officer Guelph Fire Department 519-822-1260 extension 2140 tony.sabatini@guelph.ca  

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, Ontario, July 10, 2017 – The City’s Emergency Services are left in good hands as general manager of Emergency Services, Andy MacDonald, completes his contract with the City of Guelph. MacDonald stepped in as interim general manager of Emergency Services and fire chief in November of 2015 after the departure of Fire Chief Shawn Armstrong. “Andy’s thorough, first-hand knowledge of fire and paramedic services, and senior management experience in municipal government made him the perfect choice to help set a firm leadership foundation in both these divisions,” said Colleen Clack, deputy CAO for the City of Guelph. “With Fire Chief John Osborne, and Chief, Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Service, Stephen Dewar now firmly in place, we thank Andy for his leadership and dedication to ensuring the… Continue reading GM of Emergency Services completes contract with City

Guelph, Ont., May 31, 2017 – The Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Service (GWPS) has launched a bike medic program to provide quick response at community events. Earlier this month, 10 paramedics completed medic cyclist training that certifies them with the International Police Mountain Bike Association. The EMS Cyclist certification means that the paramedics are now trained to navigate through crowds and obstacles on a bicycle to provide medical care to patients. Joe Draper, paramedic field superintendent with the GWPS, says the bike medics will be used seasonally at community and special events, including Canada Day, Ribfest, and the University of Guelph homecoming weekend. “It’s about responding to a medical emergency as quickly as possible, and nothing moves more swiftly through a crowd than a bike. Our bike… Continue reading Bike medics roll in this summer

Guelph, Ont., May 29, 2017 – In celebration of national Paramedic Services Week, May 28 to June 3, the Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Service is hosting free information sessions on June 2 and 3 at the Old Quebec Street Shoppes, located at 55 Wyndham Street North. The sessions will run from 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. The public is invited to check out a paramedic first response vehicle, watch equipment demonstrations, get career information, and learn about the paramedic’s role in the community. File of Life magnets will also be handed out. Once at home, residents can record critical medical information on the magnet and place it on the outside of the fridge—a place that is highly visible… Continue reading Celebrate Paramedic Services Week

Guelph, Ont., May 1, 2017 – On Wednesday, May 3, the City of Guelph will host its annual Emergency Preparedness Day event at the West End Community Centre. The free event is an opportunity for residents and school age children to learn about what is needed to plan and prepare for an emergency at home, work, or school. “An emergency can strike a community with little or no advance warning, but being prepared for one can help you and your family remain safe,” says Dave Elloway, the City’s emergency management coordinator. In addition to information displays from utilities, volunteer groups, and emergency first response organizations, members of the public can check out Guelph Fire’s aerial truck, rescue vehicles, and equipment. The Canadian Red Cross will… Continue reading Is your family prepared if an emergency strikes?

Guelph, Ont., Thursday, April 13, 2017 – Today, Fire Chief John Osborne announced the selection of Steven Goode as the City’s new deputy chief of Operations with the Guelph Fire Department. In his role, Goode will be responsible for the department’s daily operations. Specifically, he will oversee the suppression, training and fire prevention divisions. Goode comes to the City with more than 23 years of experience within the fire service as a full-time and volunteer firefighter. Most recently, he has served as captain with the Cambridge Fire Department and Fire Chief of Puslinch Fire and Rescue Service. “Steve is an accomplished senior leader who brings thorough, first-hand knowledge of the fire service,” says Osborne, adding, “His demonstrated leadership at fires bordering Guelph, Puslinch Township, and… Continue reading City welcomes Steven Goode as deputy chief of Operations

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. December 12, 2016 – On Saturday, December 17, the City’s police, firefighters and paramedics will be collecting non-perishable food and cash donations in support of the Guelph Food Bank. The fifth annual ‘Stuff an Emergency Vehicle’ event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Guelph Zehrs located at 1045 Paisley Road. This year, organizers are hoping to collect more than 10,500 pounds of food. Since 2012, more than 50,000 pounds and almost $14,000 in cash has been collected. “Guelph is a caring and generous city and this annual food drive is one way for our emergency first responders to give back to the community we serve,” says Leanne Swantko, deputy chief of Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Service. “We are excited to… Continue reading Fifth annual ‘Stuff an Emergency Vehicle’ event happening December 17

Guelph, Ont., Wednesday, December 7, 2016 – For more than 40 years, Guelph’s firefighters have volunteered their time to distribute Christmas hampers on behalf of the Salvation Army Guelph Citadel. This year, the fire service is increasing its commitment to helping individuals and families in need. “Opening our fire halls to accept toys for children in Guelph is one way we can be part of the magic of the season and hopefully put a smile on the face of a child on Christmas morning,” says Guelph Fire Chief John Osborne. Gifts of new, unwrapped toys for infants and children and $25 gift cards for teens can be dropped off at any one of the City’s six fire stations as part of the Salvation Army Toy… Continue reading Guelph firefighters collecting toys at fire stations

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

Guelph, Ont., July 13, 2016 – Guelph’s Material Recovery Facility is safe to be occupied, according to a structural engineer who assessed the building following the July 5 fire. “Solid Waste Resources staff is back inside the Material Recovery Facility, under safe working conditions,” says Cameron Walsh, plant manager with Solid Waste Resources. “The damage from the fire was contained to a few sections of the recycling conveyer and sorting screen used for processing residential material. As a result, we are currently running at a reduced capacity.” The damaged equipment will be replaced within the next four months. In the meantime, Guelph residents’ recyclables are being processed at Modern’s Buffalo Recycling Enterprise facility. “Our residents can rest assured their blue cart waste is being processed… Continue reading Guelph’s Material Recovery Facility structurally safe after fire

The City of Guelph reminds residents that air-conditioned City facilities and libraries are open to residents and visitors looking for a place to keep cool during the severe heat warning. Continue reading Heat warning issued for city of Guelph

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, Ont., November 19, 2015 – Today, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Derrick Thomson announced the selection of Andy MacDonald as the City of Guelph’s interim general manager of Emergency Services and fire chief. MacDonald, former fire chief for the City of Brampton and current director of Fire Management Studies at Humber College, has had a long career in fire and the emergency management services. “Andy is an accomplished senior municipal leader who is highly regarded in municipal circles on account of his proven track record,” says Thomson. “Andy brings both thorough, first-hand knowledge of the fire and EMS sector, and broad senior management experience in municipal government, making him an outstanding selection.” MacDonald has held a variety of fire service positions including deputy fire chief… Continue reading Seasoned fire and EMS leader comes to Guelph as interim fire chief

Collective bargaining will start this month between the City and two of its union groups. Continue reading City to start contract negotiations with paramedics, theatre stage employees

Council’s bargaining mandate directs staff to negotiate contracts that are fair to our employees—whose work we value every day, reasonable and affordable for our taxpayers, and within the City’s capacity to pay. Continue reading Mayor’s Statement: negotiating with our paramedics and theatrical stage employees

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