Category Archives: Environment

Celebrate Earth Day this year by planting trees

April 9, 2025

Our community tree planting event is back! Guelph, Ont., April 9, 2025 – The City of Guelph is cohosting its third annual Earth Day tree planting event in partnership with the Rotary Club of Guelph and Trees for Guelph. Event details Date: Saturday, April 26, rain or shine Location: Hanlon Creek Forest, 335 Laird Road. Parking (including for bikes) and site access will be at this location. Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Trees, shovels, mulch, pails, and planting instructions will all be provided. All you need to do is come out ready to plant! We’ll have our Water Wagon on site so you can stay hydrated while you plant. Please remember to bring a refillable water bottle to help reduce plastic waste. Leave your… Continue reading Celebrate Earth Day this year by planting trees


Celebrate Earth Month with the City of Guelph!

April 1, 2025

April 1 – 30 is Earth Month, and the City of Guelph invites you to take part in activities and events to help protect the environment and reduce our carbon footprint. Upcoming Earth Month events Guelph EcoChallenge (April 1 – 30) Looking to reduce your carbon footprint? Join the Guelph EcoChallenge and commit to new sustainable habits this month! To join the Guelph Community Race to Zero team: Visit earthmonth.ecochallenge.org/about/cityofguelph Sign up online. Complete environmental actions. You can also track our collective action on EcoChallenge.org. Clean and Green Community Clean up (*Various dates in April) Thank you to the 1,800 volunteers who signed up to clean a park, trail or greenspace as part of this year’s clean and green community clean up! Missed the deadline?… Continue reading Celebrate Earth Month with the City of Guelph!


Reusable container amendment to Single-Use Items Bylaw

March 26, 2025

On March 25, 2025, Council approved changes to the Single Use Items Bylaw. Starting September 1, 2025, businesses in Guelph must accept customers’ reusable containers for food orders, whether the food is eaten on-site or taken away. Alternatively, businesses can provide their own reusable containers instead. Key Points:  This rule does not apply to food served through drive-through windows or delivered. A “reusable food container” is a durable container that can be washed, sanitized, and reused many times. Exemptions: Exemption from this bylaw applies to the following: Charitable or non-profit organizations Hospitals and community care facilities Special events Self-service restaurants such as buffets, salad bars, and all-you-can-eat restaurants Food-service businesses that have written their own reusable-container policy may outline specific and limited conditions under which… Continue reading Reusable container amendment to Single-Use Items Bylaw


Public waste drop-off

March 19, 2025

Change to hours of operation Effective April 28, 2025, the public waste drop-off site will no longer be open on Mondays. Hours of operation remain the same Tuesday – Saturday.  The public waste drop-off is open to Guelph residents for garbage, household hazardous waste, yard waste and recyclables. For more information visit Waste Resource Innovation Centre – City of Guelph.   Contact information Solid Waste Resources 519-767-0598 TTY: 519-826-9771 [email protected] 


Keep Mattresses out of The Landfill

March 19, 2025

Recycling Mattresses Services at Waste Resource Innovation Centre Starting Wednesday, April 2, 2025, the City of Guelph is launching a Mattress Recycling Program. This initiative aims to reduce landfill waste by recycling as much material as possible from discarded mattresses. Key Highlights: Launch date: April 2, 2025 Annual Impact: Diverting approximately 3,000 mattresses (65,000 kg) from the landfill each year Environmental Benefit: Mattresses can take up to 120 years to decompose due to materials like foam, springs, and fabric. Recycling helps mitigate this long-term environmental impact. Collection Points: Every mattress dropped off at the Waste Resource Innovation Centre or picked up from the curb from April 2 onwards will be collected and recycled. Commitment to Sustainability: As outlined in Guelph’s Waste Management Master Plan, the… Continue reading Keep Mattresses out of The Landfill


It’s Fix A Leak Week!

March 17, 2025

Book a free in-home water audit with a click of a button! This year, Fix A Leak Week kicks off on Monday, March 17, 2025, followed by World Water Day on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Our goal is to promote water conservation and help you save on water bills. As a community that relies on groundwater, Guelph must protect its limited drinking water resources and avoid water waste. One water-saving tool that the City of Guelph provides is a free in-home water audit to its residents. Why book a water audit for your home? It’s a free service to Guelph residents. Receive a personalized report of your home’s water use. Learn about City rebates that will help you save money and water. Receive free low… Continue reading It’s Fix A Leak Week!


City of Guelph receives $500,000 from Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to support circular food economy

March 10, 2025

FCM Green Municipal Fund (GMF) grant will help reduce food waste in Guelph Guelph, Ont., March 10, 2025 – Guelph has received a $500,000 grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) Green Municipal Fund (GMF) to reduce food waste. The funding will support three pilot programs: Food Redistribution: Starting this month, this project will capture surplus edible food and redistribute it to charity organizations using the B12Give app. Organics Collection: This ongoing project expands a cooperative model for organics collection in the Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (IC&I) sector to divert food waste from landfills. Energy Generation: This project explores the feasibility of generating energy from organics processing through anaerobic digestion. Implementation This funding will offer the City of Guelph the tools to implement a… Continue reading City of Guelph receives $500,000 from Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to support circular food economy


Single-use items reduction strategy: phase two now in effect

March 5, 2025

Shopping sustainably in Guelph just got easier! On March 1, 2025, changes to Guelph’s Single-Use Items By-law (2024) – 20938 came into effect. When visiting applicable businesses and retailers in Guelph, you should be aware of the following: You can bring a clean reusable drink cup for in-store beverage orders. Single-use accessory food ware items will only be available by request or at self-serve stations (e.g., beverage cup sleeves and trays, condiments, utensils, and stir sticks; straws are exempt). Paper shopping bags must contain 40% post-consumer recycled content. These changes are part of Phase 2 of Guelph’s Single-Use Items Reduction Strategy, which is included in the Solid Waste Management Master Plan (SWMMP). During the development of Phase 2, the City consulted with Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health… Continue reading Single-use items reduction strategy: phase two now in effect


Guelph parks are calling: Sign up for Clean and Green!

March 3, 2025

We supply the bags, you supply the help Register now Guelph, Ont., March 3, 2025 – Registration for this year’s Clean and Green spring community cleanup is open. With spring just around the corner, this is the perfect opportunity to give back to the spaces that have given us so much by signing up to clean Guelph’s parks, trails and open spaces during the month of April. We invite you to join in this collective effort this spring: individuals, teams, businesses, neighbourhood and community groups, adults, and children – all are welcome. Let’s make this year our biggest clean up yet! Register online by selecting a space from our map; this will help ensure we’re not all cleaning the same places. If you’re feeling keen… Continue reading Guelph parks are calling: Sign up for Clean and Green!


Guelph opens applications for youth-led climate action fund

March 3, 2025

Guelph, Ont., March 3, 2025 – The City of Guelph is excited to announce the opening of applications for the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) micro-grant program. This initiative seeks to empower youth by equipping them with the necessary resources and support to achieve our collective environmental stewardship goals. Here are the highlights for this year’s program: This program is aimed at youth who are passionate about designing and implementing climate change solutions in Guelph. The YCAF program is open to youth aged 15-24. $120,000 is available through this micro-grant program. Applicants can apply for funding for projects ranging from $1,500 to $7,000. “We are pleased to once again implement the Youth Climate Action Fund in Guelph. The success of last year’s program demonstrated its profound… Continue reading Guelph opens applications for youth-led climate action fund


City of Guelph North East Water Supply (NEWS) Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study

February 25, 2025

Notice of Study Commencement Issue Date: February 25, 2025 Overview The City of Guelph (the City) is growing and is expected to reach a population of 203,000 by 2051. The City is committed to managing population growth as it continues to develop strategies for ensuring adequate water supply. The 2022 Water Supply Master Plan (WSMP) has shown that the City must increase its water supply to meet future demand and to make the water system more reliable. As outlined in the WSMP as “Project Number 5: Develop well in the area of the Logan and Flemming Test Wells”, development of existing municipal test wells is important for the City when looking for new water supply. The City is commencing a study to consider alternative solutions… Continue reading City of Guelph North East Water Supply (NEWS) Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study


How do you use water in your home?

February 24, 2025

The City of Guelph is participating in the 3rd Residential End Uses of Water Study, and we would like your input. The Residential End Uses of Water Study, Version 3 (REUWS 3) survey is being conducted by Flume Inc on behalf of the Water Research Foundation. As part of this project, the City of Guelph is asking residents to share how they use water in their home. This information will be used by the City of Guelph to better understand residential water use and help inform future water-saving programs. Please complete this survey by March 31st 2025, to have your information included. Background Survey responses are collected by Flume Inc. and will be shared with the City of Guelph. Survey data will be used by… Continue reading How do you use water in your home?


The City of Guelph is recruiting for the Downtown Solid Waste User Fee Working Group

February 19, 2025

The City of Guelph is recruiting Downtown property owners and managers, businesses and institutions, and organizations with potential interest in coordinating waste management to join the Downtown Solid Waste User Fee Working Group. The group will collaborate with City staff throughout 2025 to: Help plan a new downtown solid waste user fee program in 2026 and beyond. Explore options and impacts of various programs. Provide feedback to inform the next steps for waste services. How to Get Involved City staff will be going door to door this February to speak with businesses, understand their needs and recruit those interested to join the working group. You can also get involved by: Visiting Have Your Say to submit an application. Contacting Robertson Reid at 519-822-1260×2104 or [email protected]Continue reading The City of Guelph is recruiting for the Downtown Solid Waste User Fee Working Group


Calling all gardeners: A new community garden and pollinator habitat is coming your way!

February 10, 2025

Have your say by February 28, 2025 February 10, 2025 – Got a green thumb? We want to hear your feedback on the layout and locations for a new community garden proposed for Golfview Park and a pollinator habitat proposed for a site near Preservation Park off Southcreek Trail. Have your say on the proposed community garden and pollinator habitat What is a community garden? The proposed community garden at Golfview Park will be a traditional community garden, where you can rent a plot to grow and harvest your own fruits, vegetables, herbs or flowers. Community gardens are vibrant spaces that not only offer an opportunity for neighbours to work together to create a local food source, but also foster a sense of community and… Continue reading Calling all gardeners: A new community garden and pollinator habitat is coming your way!


Open house for The Blueprint: Guelph’s One Water Plan

January 21, 2025

Help shape the One Water Plan You’re invited to an open house for the development of the City’s integrated water management strategy, called The Blueprint: Guelph’s One Water Plan. Please join us on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, anytime between 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm in the Marg Mackinnon Room at City Hall. Come learn about the project and share your feedback! Date: Wednesday, February 5 Time: 4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Location: Marg Mackinnon Room, City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph, Ontario About The Blueprint: Guelph’s One Water Plan The City of Guelph is dedicated to sustainable water management through water, wastewater, and stormwater services. These municipal services are crucial for the City’s infrastructure, ensuring water resources are available and protected for residents, businesses, and the environment.… Continue reading Open house for The Blueprint: Guelph’s One Water Plan


Updated: City working to resolve water main break, Downtown Guelph

January 15, 2025

Guelph, Ont., January 15, 2025 The City is aware of a water main break on Macdonnell at Wyndham Street North in Downtown Guelph. Our staff are working diligently to complete the repairs as soon as possible. While the situation is being handled, we encourage everyone to avoid the area until repairs are complete. There are no health risks associated with this break. We will continue to provide updates as the situation progresses. Updated traffic impacts Macdonnell Street, from Wyndham Street North to just in front of the West Parkade, is now closed. Repairs are set to begin imminently and are expected to take approximately 8 to 10 hours to complete. Visit guelph.ca/transit for information about potential route impacts. Updates will be made to this notice at guelph.ca/news… Continue reading Updated: City working to resolve water main break, Downtown Guelph


Some City rates and fees changing January 1

December 23, 2024

Guelph, Ont., December 23, 2024 – On January 1, 2025, rates and fees for some City services and programs will increase. Check the 2025 rates, fees and charges guide for a full list of the rates and the changes with the effective date of change. The changes are part of the Council-adopted 2025 Budget Confirmation.  Water, wastewater and stormwater rates The volume charges for water will increase by nine cents to $2.21 per cubic metre, and the volume charges for wastewater will increase by 8 cents to $2.32 per cubic metre. Daily basic service charges are also changing, with the magnitude of the change depending on the size of the meter. Monthly stormwater fees will increase to $10.00—an increase of $1.20 per month.   Parking… Continue reading Some City rates and fees changing January 1


Help shape Guelph’s water conservation strategy

December 19, 2024

Guelph, Ont., December 19, 2024 – The City of Guelph is developing its first integrated water management strategy, called The Blueprint: Guelph’s One Water Plan. The City of Guelph is known for its commitment to sustainable water management through the operation of three municipal services: water, wastewater, and stormwater. These municipal services are important for the City’s infrastructure. They help provide and protect water resources for residents and businesses and also take care of the environment. The purpose of an integrated water management strategy and care for water in all its forms (including drinking water, wastewater or stormwater) as a single, interconnected system is to ensure water sustainability for future generations. Guelph’s population is expected to grow significantly in the coming years; the City’s Official… Continue reading Help shape Guelph’s water conservation strategy


Paper shredder will no longer be available at the Waste Resource Innovation Centre

December 19, 2024

Commencing January 1, 2025 Guelph, Ont., December 19, 2024 – Beginning January 1, 2025, the self-service paper shredder at the Waste Resource Innovation Centre (WRIC) will no longer operate due to changes from the provincial Blue Box Regulation. Shredded and un-shredded paper is still being collected using the following options: Drop off shredded paper in clear plastic bags at Gate 1 of the WRIC (public drop off), free of charge. Put shredded paper in clear plastic bags and place it in your blue cart. Drop off un-shredded paper and recycling at Gate 1 of the WRIC (public drop off), free of charge. If you need to shred paper, services are available from local paper shredding services and office supply and print shops, or you can… Continue reading Paper shredder will no longer be available at the Waste Resource Innovation Centre


City begins annual hazard tree removal

November 12, 2024

The next step in the City’s annual tree removal program is set to begin. Trees in parks and natural areas that are hazardous, including ash trees infested and killed by the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), were identified and marked for removal earlier this year. Removals will begin on or around November 25. Continue reading City begins annual hazard tree removal


Polymer Distribution Inc. is seeing results

November 6, 2024

By optimizing their boilers, PDI saves over $15,000 annually! Polymer Distribution Inc. is a fully integrated transloading and transportation facility located in Guelph that helps food, polymer, and chemical companies service their customers efficiently and sustainably. They are proactively looking for new and innovative ways to reduce their impact on natural resources, like water. After auditing their water use through the Water Smart Business program, PDI identified that they could reduce their water use by more than 9.45 cubic metres (m3) per day if they optimized their boiler system. By optimizing its boilers, Polymer Distribution Inc. is expected to save $15,000 off its water bill annually. Through the Water Smart Business Program, Polymer Distribution Inc. is making a difference in its community while also saving money.… Continue reading Polymer Distribution Inc. is seeing results


Downey Well and Pumphouse Access Laneway

November 4, 2024

The City of Guelph is constructing a new laneway to access Downey Well and Pumphouse for operation and maintenance. Continue reading Downey Well and Pumphouse Access Laneway


Tips for managing fall yard waste in Guelph

October 28, 2024

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


Blue box recycling collection in Guelph to transition to Waste Management Corporation of Canada in January 2025

October 21, 2024

Curbside collection will be maintained Guelph, Ont., October 21, 2024 – Starting January 1, 2025, Waste Management Corporation of Canada (WM) will be responsible for collecting blue box recycling including blue carts in Guelph. The City of Guelph will still collect garbage, organics, and yard waste as usual. WM has confirmed to the City that it plans to keep the collection days and carts for recycling the same, but pick-up times for recyclables might change. The City will continue to accept residents and businesses’ recycling at the public drop-off area of the Waste Resource Innovation Centre at 110 Dunlop Drive in 2025. Prior to the transition, WM will launch a customer service phone line, email, and customer service website with a chat feature to assist… Continue reading Blue box recycling collection in Guelph to transition to Waste Management Corporation of Canada in January 2025


Arkell Spring Grounds and Carter Wellfield Projects

October 2, 2024

These properties are significant water supply assets owned by the City and located in the Township of Puslinch. Continue reading Arkell Spring Grounds and Carter Wellfield Projects


City set to receive $2.1 million in provincial funding for water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades in Guelph

October 2, 2024

Funds to support water and wastewater capacity improvements  Guelph, Ont., ​October 2, 2024​ – The City of Guelph is pleased to announce that it has been awarded $2.1 million by the province through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWS Fund) for the Wyndham-Wellington Water and Wastewater Capacity Improvements project. This funding, which was awarded through a competitive application process, will help facilitate the replacement and improvement of water and wastewater infrastructure on Wellington Street from Gordon Street to Wyndham Street South. It will also fund replacing the wastewater infrastructure on Wyndham Street South from Wellington Street to Farquhar Street. As a result of this work, 150 shovel-ready housing units will be enabled by 2027, helping the City achieve its housing pledge targets.   By making these… Continue reading City set to receive $2.1 million in provincial funding for water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades in Guelph


Participate in Circular Economy Month events!

October 1, 2024

The City of Guelph with Guelph Tool Library are delivering opportunities to participate in Circular Economy Month Guelph, Ont., October 1, 2024 – This October, the City of Guelph is again participating in the nationwide campaign, Circular Economy Month, to educate and inspire action toward reducing waste and diverting materials from landfills. By minimizing single-use items and maximizing repair and reuse efforts, materials are being used for as long as possible before disposal. Circular Economy Month also encourages communities to promote environmental sustainability and positive climate change actions, like repairing items to extend their lifespan!  The City of Guelph is proud to participate in these initiatives, partnering with local organizations such as the Guelph Tool Library to host a variety of activities and events throughout… Continue reading Participate in Circular Economy Month events!


Let’s talk trash – Join us for an open house at the Waste Resource Innovation Centre!

September 24, 2024

Guelph, Ont., September 23, 2024 – To kick off Circular Economy Month, you’re invited to an open house at the Waste Resource Innovation Centre to learn how Guelph processes and diverts garbage, recycling, and organics. Circular Economy Month is an annual campaign that encourages communities to support local economic initiatives that assist environmental sustainability and positive climate change actions. During the open house, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the people working behind the scenes in waste management around Guelph, tour the facility, view the collection vehicles and equipment, and explore various environmental programs offered by the City. Date: Saturday, October 5 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Location: Waste Resource Innovation Centre (110 Dunlop Drive, Guelph). Please enter Gate 2. Tours: Every 30 minutes… Continue reading Let’s talk trash – Join us for an open house at the Waste Resource Innovation Centre!


City of Guelph awards $53,000 to 14 projects through the Youth Climate Action Fund micro-grant program

September 12, 2024

Guelph, Ont., ​September 12, 2024​ – The City of Guelph is pleased to announce that fourteen projects have been awarded $53,000 through the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) micro-grant program. Guelph is one of six Canadian cities and one of one hundred international cities chosen to receive a micro-grant through the Youth Climate Action Fund from Bloomberg Philanthropies.   This YCAF micro-grant program is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship by supporting and empowering youth-led climate innovations. Funds awarded through this program will be used to implement several innovative climate initiatives that will benefit the community.   “We received about twenty-four applications totaling $107,000 in requests. It was a difficult process, but each application was reviewed by a grant panel of staff experts and… Continue reading City of Guelph awards $53,000 to 14 projects through the Youth Climate Action Fund micro-grant program


Testing at the Logan Well will begin August 29

August 22, 2024

About the project The City is working with Stantec, an environmental consultant, to complete testing City owned Logan Test Well. The test will pump potable drinking water to the stormwater management system at a catch basin on Eastview Road and Norton Drive, and discharge to a storm pond at the north east corner of Watson Parkway and Grange Road. Work begins August 29 The work is expected to begin August 29 and will continue over the course of up to four to five weeks, for 24 hours a day. The public is required to stay clear of the work area within the stormwater management pond for the duration of the testing. What to expect It is expected that there may be higher water levels in… Continue reading Testing at the Logan Well will begin August 29


Meadow maintenance underway in Guelph parks and natural areas in August

August 2, 2024

We’re preparing for yearly meadow mowing, which takes place between mid-August and the end of October, depending on the site and weather conditions. Continue reading Meadow maintenance underway in Guelph parks and natural areas in August


Some of Guelph’s fire hydrants are getting a new coat of paint this summer

August 1, 2024

Guelph, Ont., August 1, 2024 – The City has contracted Tuygun Painting Contracting Ltd to repaint fire hydrants that have been preselected through our Water Services fire hydrant inspection program. The work is expected to begin this week and take approximately two months to complete. The contractor will remove old paint and rust from the hydrants before priming them with grey paint. Hydrants will then be repainted with a fresh coat of yellow and green. All repainting will take about two months to finish, weather permitting. What to expect There are no impacts to traffic or water service during the repainting, but people can expect some noise from the paint removal work which is done using an air compressor and needle gun. The contractor has… Continue reading Some of Guelph’s fire hydrants are getting a new coat of paint this summer


Water Smart Business Program: CPK Interior Products is seeing results

July 16, 2024

CPK Interior Products is a world-class manufacturing facility located in Guelph that produces automotive interiors. Continue reading Water Smart Business Program: CPK Interior Products is seeing results


City of Guelph featured in United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals Cities Report

July 9, 2024

Guelph, Ont., July 9, 2024 – The City of Guelph has been recognized for its Natural Heritage Action Plan and featured in the recent United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals City Report (page 53). The report represents a national initiative that highlights the progress and efforts made by cities across Canada towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “This achievement highlights the City’s commitment to preserving and enhancing our natural heritage, as well as our dedication to creating a more environmentally sustainable and resilient community”, Terry Gayman, Acting Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Infrastructure, Development and Environment Services, City of Guelph. The Natural Heritage Action Plan The City has outlined a comprehensive set of objectives that are set to guide the actions in the preservation and enhancement… Continue reading City of Guelph featured in United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals Cities Report


City currently marking ash and hazard trees for removal starting fall 2024

June 10, 2024

The City of Guelph is currently marking public trees for removal later this year. Trees in parks and natural areas that are hazardous and ash trees infested and killed by the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) are being marked with an orange “X” to designate them for removal. Continue reading City currently marking ash and hazard trees for removal starting fall 2024


Guelph set to further reduce single-use items

June 5, 2024

City Council gave preliminary approval to three recommendations for Phase 2 of the City of Guelph’s Single-Use Items Reduction Strategy as part of the Solid Waste Management Master Plan (SWMMP). Continue reading Guelph set to further reduce single-use items


Guelph opens micro-grant program for youth-led climate action

May 8, 2024

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


City shares options for updating Guelph’s private tree protection bylaw

April 30, 2024

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


Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan, Master Environmental Servicing Plan and Comprehensive Environmental Impact Study

April 25, 2024

Notice of study completion The City of Guelph has prepared a Master Environmental Servicing Plan (MESP) for the Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan area following Phases 1 and 2 of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Schedule B). Based on the study findings and input from technical agencies, interested parties, and the public, the recommended servicing strategies for mobility, water, wastewater, and stormwater have been selected. The MESP identifies infrastructure required to service the future growth in the Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan area, while minimizing environmental impacts. The recommended MESP incorporates the comments received from the public and agencies during the study. Figure 1 – Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan Area (existing) Figure 2 – Clair-Maltby preferred servicing for water, wastewater, stormwater, mobility The main components are listed below. While the… Continue reading Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan, Master Environmental Servicing Plan and Comprehensive Environmental Impact Study


City of Guelph asks businesses to support waste reduction strategy

February 5, 2024

In 2022, Guelph Council approved a single-use items bylaw that banned plastic shopping bags and polystyrene foam containers and cups. At that time, Council also asked us to collect feedback from the community about paying fees for disposable cups and reusable bags. We appreciated the community feedback and having heard that some community members supported paying fees, we’re focusing on changes businesses and customers can make to reduce the amount of single-use item waste they generate.   We’re asking local food-service businesses to provide feedback on how they can support our waste reduction strategy. Specifically, how easy, or difficult it would be for businesses to:  accept a customer’s clean reusable cup and container,  offer in-restaurant dishware for dine-in drinks and food,  offer foodware accessories (e.g.,… Continue reading City of Guelph asks businesses to support waste reduction strategy


City of Guelph first municipality in Canada to earn corporate-wide energy management certification

November 1, 2023

Guelph, Ont., November 1, 2023 – The City of Guelph is excited to be the first municipality in Canada to be certified under the globally recognized ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management Systems Standard for its corporate-wide energy management system. As part of this system, the City has and continues to implement energy efficiency measures across more than 100 facilities including arenas, recreation centres and museums, libraries, fire stations, parks, water and wastewater treatment plants, and waste management facilities, and around 900 vehicles including ambulances, fire trucks, transit buses, snowplows, and rink ice resurfacers. By implementing an ISO 50001 standard compliant energy management system, the City is: Setting clear energy performance objectives and targets for the whole organization that support climate change mitigation efforts in everyday operations.… Continue reading City of Guelph first municipality in Canada to earn corporate-wide energy management certification


City of Guelph’s Greener Homes program launches July 31

July 24, 2023

Guelph, Ont., July 24, 2023 – Starting July 31, Guelph homeowners can apply for a zero-interest loan of up to $50,000 to help cover the costs of energy-efficient home retrofits from windows and doors, to heat pumps and solar-powered systems. The Guelph Greener Homes program is part of the City’s commitment to sustainability as it strives to become a net-zero carbon community by 2050 and win the Race to Zero. The loan program will help homeowners reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and support a future-ready Guelph while making homes more comfortable with money-saving, energy-efficient upgrades. “We all need to be part of the fight against climate change, and we know people in our community want to play their part,” says Bryan Ho-Yan, the City’s manager… Continue reading City of Guelph’s Greener Homes program launches July 31


Climate change mitigation efforts taking hold but more work needed to keep up the fight

June 9, 2023

City calls on community to take action toward Race To Zero Guelph, Ont., June 9, 2023 – The City’s 2022 Environmental Sustainability Report highlights the outcomes, accomplishments, and opportunities for improvement across six key areas as the City makes strides in Guelph’s Race to Zero. “Our goal as a community is to be net-zero carbon by 2050 and we’re always thinking about energy efficiency and ways to reduce City carbon emissions to fight climate change,” says Jayne Holmes, deputy chief administrative officer, Infrastructure, Development and Enterprise Services. “We have to keep investing in the programs, services, and education that will make the most difference in our community and for our future, and we need the community to join us in the Race To Zero.” People… Continue reading Climate change mitigation efforts taking hold but more work needed to keep up the fight


City of Guelph receives over $2 million from Government of Canada for three climate change-related infrastructure projects

May 25, 2023

Funds will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make it easier for people to navigate local trails, sidewalks and paths Key facts The City is getting $1.7 million from the Government of Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program for upgrades to the heating, ventilation, air conditioning system at the West End Community Centre. The City is getting $420,000 from the Government of Canada’s Zero Emission Infrastructure Program to install 24 Level 2 fleet vehicle charging stations and four fast chargers for electric buses. The City is getting $50,000 from the Government of Canada’s Active Transportation Fund to support its active transportation wayfinding strategy. Media release Guelph, Ont., May 25, 2023 – Member of Parliament Lloyd Longfield announced this week that the City of Guelph… Continue reading City of Guelph receives over $2 million from Government of Canada for three climate change-related infrastructure projects


Southwest Guelph Water Supply Class Environmental Assessment

May 31, 2022

Since the launch of the Southwest Guelph Water Supply Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) in September 2021, the City has initiated an Operational Testing Program. Continue reading Southwest Guelph Water Supply Class Environmental Assessment


Notice of study commencement: Southwest Guelph Water Supply Class Environmental Assessment

September 16, 2021

Guelph’s population is growing and the City is studying whether our local water resources can meet expected demand, particularly in southwest Guelph. Continue reading Notice of study commencement: Southwest Guelph Water Supply Class Environmental Assessment


Notice of study commencement: Macdonell and Allan Structures Municipal Class Environmental Assessment

August 12, 2021

The City of Guelph has initiated a Municipal Class EA (Class EA) for improvements and modifications to the Macdonell and Allan structures. Continue reading Notice of study commencement: Macdonell and Allan Structures Municipal Class Environmental Assessment


Notice of study commencement: Wyndham Street Municipal Class Environmental Assessment

August 12, 2021

The City of Guelph has initiated a Municipal Class EA (Class EA) to confirm the required improvements to Wyndham Street North. Continue reading Notice of study commencement: Wyndham Street Municipal Class Environmental Assessment