Category Archives: Water

Enforced watering restrictions now in effect Reduce your water use Guelph, Ont., July 10, 2018—The City is enforcing watering restrictions for level 1 yellow of the outside water use program because of a lack of rainfall, hot temperatures and increased demands on the water system. At level 1 yellow, lawn watering is restricted to 7-9 a.m. and 7-9 p.m. on odd or even calendar dates by address number—odd numbered houses are permitted to water on odd numbered dates, and even numbered houses on even dates. “Despite some recent rain, overall rainfall is still much lower than usual,” said Heather Yates, Supervisor of Water Efficiency. “With hot, dry weather expected to last through the summer, we need residents and businesses to continue their commitment to conserving… Continue reading Dry conditions move outside water use level up to yellow

Routine maintenance keeps Guelph’s sewer pipes flowing The City completes sewer main cleaning across Guelph on about a three-year rotating basis. Cleaning is done year-round, Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., and usually takes a few hours on each street. As of July 8 we are cleaning sewer mains in areas 1,10 and 23. What to expect Toilets, sinks and other appliances can still be used during cleaning. Air pressure in the sewer can create noise in sewer pipes, and may cause water to splash out through toilets, sinks and drains. Keeping toilet lids closed, and sink drains plugged when not in use will help avoid spills. Sewer cleaning can create short-term nuisance odors. Odors can be cleared by opening a window… Continue reading Sanitary sewer cleaning

Xinyi Glass Canada Limited is looking to build a production facility in the Guelph/Eramosa Township at 5081 Wellington Road 32. Guelph’s position In February 2018, the Township of Guelph-Eramosa proactively met with senior City of Guelph staff to provide a high level overview of Xinyi Glass Canada Limited’s plans. The build site is not within Guelph’s municipal boundaries and, as such, the City of Guelph is not included in the Township and company’s decision making process. However, the Province has legislated processes that require public consultation where there are potential impacts to resources like water and air. We’ll continue to provide formal feedback on this development as the public process continues. Our comments will be based on scientific data, the subject matter expertise of our… Continue reading Proposed Xinyi Glass Canada Limited development in the Guelph/Eramosa Township

Road closure between Dublin and Glasgow Street Guelph, Ont., May 24, 2018—A water main break occurred at 28 Waterloo Avenue around noon today. Crews are on site repairing the break now and expect to be done later tonight, as long as there are no added complications. The City has notified local residents about the break. Some water is pooling on the street and neighbouring yards. People living and working in the area may notice disruptions in water service and changes in water pressure. Traffic and transit impacts Waterloo Avenue is closed to all traffic between Dublin Street and Glasgow Street  until the water main is repaired. Guelph Transit route 9 is being detoured around the area until further notice. Visit guelphtransit.ca for more information. Drivers… Continue reading Water main break at 28 Waterloo Avenue being repaired today

Temporary road closure between Anthony Avenue and William Street Guelph, Ont., May 18, 2018—A water main break occurred at 52 Cassino Avenue early this morning. Crews are on site undertaking repair work today and estimate to be done by this evening, barring no complications. The City has notified local residents about the break. People living and working in the area may notice disruptions in water service and changes in water pressure. Traffic and transit impacts Cassino Avenue is closed to all traffic between Anthony Avenue and William Street until the water main repairs are complete. Guelph Transit route 13 will be detoured. Visit guelphtransit.ca for more information. Delays should be expected and drivers and transit riders are advised to plan extra time for travel. Pedestrian… Continue reading Water main break at 52 Cassino Avenue being repaired today

Helping more Guelphites save water and money at home Guelph, Ont., May 15, 2018—The City has updated its Blue Built Home water efficiency certification program to include retrofits in existing homes and multi-residential building units in Guelph. The original program, launched in 2011, focused on certification of new homes built to  include home fixtures and appliances designed and tested to save water and reduce utility bills. “By expanding Blue Built Home to include existing homes and multi-residential buildings more people in our community can participate in this water–saving program,” says Stephanie Cote, water conservation programs coordinator. To get a Blue Built Home certification, a homeowner must complete one of the following three actions: Install a greywater reuse system Install an all-season rainwater harvesting system Complete… Continue reading City launches updated Blue Built Home program

This notice provides supplementary information to the Building Services and Water Servicesnotice released on February 12, 2018. Continue reading Changes to water metering requirements for new developments, part 2 – effective July 1, 2018

Painting and safety upgrades Notice date: May 2, 2018 About the project The City is undertaking maintenance work at the Verney water tower including removing the existing coating of paints, repainting the interior and exterior of the tank, upgrading the tower safety systems, and installing new pipes and valves. Work is being completed by BGL Contractors Corp. Construction schedule Construction will take place from early May until October 2018, weather permitting. Minor traffic impacts There are no closures or lane reductions on adjacent roadways. It is anticipated that there will be increased construction vehicle traffic to the site.  Smaller staff vehicles will use the Verney Street entrance at 36 Verney Street to access the site.  Larger construction vehicles including materials deliveries will access the site… Continue reading Construction notice: Verney water tower upgrades

Check for signs on your street where parking will be impacted Guelph, Ont., April 23, 2018 – Our annual street sweeping program starts today and will be completed by the end of May, weather permitting. Guelph’s main roads will be completed first, followed by residential roads. Cars parked on signed streets across the city during scheduled sweeping will be towed. Visit guelph.ca/streetsweeping or see our map of on-street parking that will be effected during sweeping for more details. Street sweeping clears all 581 kilometres of City streets of sand and salt, deposited during our winter operations, and other debris. Aside from keeping our streets neat and tidy, spring street sweeping protects water quality and the environment by keeping pollutants out of Guelph’s ponds, rivers and… Continue reading Annual street sweeping starts April 23

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

Study objectives The City of Guelph has completed a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for proposed treatment upgrades to bring the Clythe well back into service.  The City’s Water Supply Master Plan (2014) identifies the need for additional water sources to support future demand.  A study conducted in 2011 concluded that water from Clythe well can be successfully treated with existing technologies. The study area includes the area surrounding the Clythe well, bound by the City’s eastern limit, York Road, the area just west of Starwood Drive and Eastview Road (as shown in the map below).  The preferred alternative is to construct a water treatment facility at 25 Watson Road, adjacent to the existing Clythe Well and Booster Station site, and associated water main upgrades… Continue reading Notice of study completion: Schedule ‘B’ Class Environmental Assessment for Clythe Well Treatment Upgrades

Leak forgiveness and sewer credit programs start this year Guelph, Ont., March 27, 2018 – Last night, City Council approved two new credit programs for Guelph water and wastewater customers. The new programs will provide forgiveness on high water bills from unknown residential leaks, and cost relief on wastewater charges for business customers who use or evaporate water during operation or production. “These credit programs will help address grey areas in our existing billing policies and reduce customer billing concerns,” explains Wayne Galliher, division manager with Guelph’s Water Services. “Now that we have Council’s approval, Guelphites and local businesses will be able to take advantage of water leak forgiveness starting April 1, and sewer abatement credit as of July 1.” The water leak forgiveness program… Continue reading City introducing water and wastewater credit programs

Use of City’s model will provide Nestlé Waters Canada with latest science-driven data Guelph, Ont., March 7, 2018—The City of Guelph has signed an agreement to provide Nestlé Waters Canada with access to analysis from its science-based groundwater flow model through a consultant. The model was developed by the City with the Grand River Conservation Authority and Guelph-Eramosa Township and uses the best available science to determine the effects of water-taking impacts on groundwater availability. The City’s consultant will add Nestlé Waters Canada’s data into the City’s model and provide Nestlé Waters with the results from the model’s analysis. Nestlé Waters will use the results to inform their permit to take water renewal application to the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) expected… Continue reading City sharing groundwater modeling analysis with Nestlé Waters Canada to meet new provincial guidelines for water-taking permits

Update: Water main repairs are complete and all traffic lanes are open. … Lane reductions on Westwood Road between Willow and Rhonda Roads Guelph, Ont., March 5, 2018—A water main break occurred at 150 Westwood Road, St. Peter Catholic School, early this morning. Crews will begin repair work around 2 p.m. today and expect to be done by this evening. The City has notified the school, local businesses and residential properties about the break. People living and working in the area around the water main break may notice minor disruptions in water service and changes in water pressure. Traffic and transit impacts Lanes will be shifted along Westwood Road between Willow Road and Rhonda Road with two-way traffic maintained. Guelph Transit buses will continue to run… Continue reading Water main break at 150 Westwood Road being repaired this afternoon

Attention: Homebuilders, architects, engineers, industrial/commercial/institutional contractors Continue reading Changes to water metering requirements for new developments – effective July 1, 2018

Update: Repair is complete. Wellington is now open. Guelph, Ont., January 13, 2018—A large water main break occurred on Wellington Street West in the eastbound lane, between Gordon Street and Edinburgh Road, across from Raymond and Holliday streets earlier this afternoon. There are no health risks as a result of the break. One eastbound lane and one westbound lane on Wellington Street in the area of the break is now closed. Crews have been on site since early this afternoon and hope to complete the repair this evening. The City will provide updates at guelph.ca and on Facebook and Twitter should anything change, or once repairs are complete. Media Contact Matthew Phillips, Supervisor of Water Supply Operations, Water Services City of Guelph 519-822-1260 extension 2152… Continue reading Update: Water main break on Wellington Street West, between Gordon and Edinburgh

Update January 11, 2018 – The water main break has been repaired and the road is open. Guelph, Ont., January 10, 2018—A water main break occurred at the 2 Quebec Street apartment building around 10 a.m. today. Building residents continue to have access to running water.  There are no health or safety risks as a result of the water main break. To minimize traffic impacts and business disruptions, the water main repairs will be done overnight between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. Yarmouth Street, north of Norfolk Street, will be closed to all vehicular traffic during this time. The five-point intersection of Norfolk Street, Paisley/Quebec Street and Yarmouth Street will remain open, with no access to Yarmouth Street. Some noise and light due to construction… Continue reading Yarmouth Street closed tonight for water main break repair

Two-way traffic maintained with yield to oncoming Update, January 7, 2018, 6:10 p.m.—The water main break has been repaired. Road repairs are underway and Westwood will be fully reopen after 6:30 p.m. Guelph, Ont., January 7, 2018—A water main break occurred on Westwood Road early this morning. There are no health risks as a result of the break. The eastbound lane of Westwood Road will be closed around Margaret Greene Park. Two-way traffic will be maintained with drivers asked to yield to oncoming traffic. Delays should be expected, including on Transit route 10 Imperial. Visit guelph.ca/transit for any changes or updates to this route during the water main break repair. Repairs are expected to be completed today. Minor changes in water pressure may be experienced by residents… Continue reading Water main break on Westwood being repaired today

As part of the 2018 budget, City Council approved a series of rate and fee increases to ensure that the City is able to continue delivering programs and services that meet the community’s expectations. Continue reading City’s 2018 rates and fees released

Options for Guelph businesses and residents Guelph, Ont., December 15, 2017 – Starting January 1, 2018, the City will offer Guelph businesses and residents credits and rebates for making changes to private property that help manage stormwater runoff. The new program includes rebates for residential properties and credits for businesses and multi-residential properties of six or more units. Residential program The residential program includes an enhanced seasonal rainwater harvesting rebate that offers a one-time rebate to residential property owners who purchase and install an approved tank to capture and manage stormwater runoff on site. Residents will be able to claim a rebate of $0.50 per litre of storage capacity for new, approved systems installed in 2018, up to a maximum of $1,000, and up to… Continue reading Stormwater credit and rebate program starts January 1

Residents and businesses may experience fluctuations in water pressure Guelph, Ont., November 9, 2017– The Verney water tower will be out of service for about three weeks beginning November 14 while City staff conduct planned maintenance of the tower. Maintenance work includes draining the tower and inspecting the inside and outside in preparation for full maintenance and upgrades planned for 2018. During the work, residents and businesses in the area may experience temporary water pressure fluctuations. Water service interruptions are not expected. Properties with built-in fire protection systems connected to the water supply are encouraged to notify their alarm company as pressure fluctuations may trigger the system’s alarm. For more information about the water system maintenance activities, please contact Water Services at 519-837-5627 or waterworks@guelph.ca… Continue reading Verney water tower undergoing maintenance this month

Study objectives The City of Guelph is initiating a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for proposed treatment upgrades to bring the Clythe well back into service.  The City’s Water Supply Master Plan (2014) identifies the need for additional water sources to support future demand.  A study conducted in 2011 concluded that water from the Clythe well can be successfully treated with existing technologies. The process Planning for this project is proceeding as a Schedule “B” undertaking in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process (MEA, June 2000, as amended in 2007 and 2011), prepared by the Municipal Engineers Association. The Class EA is an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act and includes public and review agency consultation, an evaluation of alternatives, an… Continue reading Open house: Schedule ‘B’ Class Environmental Assessment for Clythe Well treatment upgrades

Community will vote on design to beautify Guelph landmark Guelph, Ont., September 12, 2017—The City of Guelph is holding a design competition for the repainting of the Verney water tower, scheduled for 2018. The City is inviting Guelph-based artists and designers aged 18 and over to submit preliminary designs to be included in the repainting of the water tower near Exhibition Park. “The Verney water tower is a highly visible Guelph landmark,” remarked Stacey Dunnigan, manager of Culture and Tourism. “People can see this tower from Exhibition Park which hosts many events and is a very popular park, so it will be great to have beautiful artwork that reflects our community on the tower.” The design competition will follow a two-stage process based on the… Continue reading City launches design competition for Verney water tower repainting

Deadline: Sunday, October 8, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. Verney water tower design competition project page Full competition rules Entry form [fillable PDF 547kb] Artist Opportunity The City of Guelph invites professional Guelph-based artists and designers over the age of eighteen to submit qualifications and preliminary designs for a piece of artwork to be incorporated into the repainting of the Verney water tower. The selected design will be chosen through a two-stage application process with three finalists shortlisted by the Public Art Advisory Committee and the final design selected through an online public vote. The winning design will be replicated on the 150–foot water tower near Guelph’s Exhibition Park, creating a unique and prominent landmark for the neighbourhood. Project background The Verney water tower, built in 1965, is… Continue reading Verney water tower design competition call to artists

City of Guelph Schedule ‘B’ Class Environmental Assessment for Clythe well treatment upgrades Study objectives The City of Guelph is initiating a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for proposed treatment upgrades to bring the Clythe well back into service. The City’s Water Supply Master Plan (2014) identifies the need for additional water sources to support future demand.  A study conducted in 2011 concluded that water from the Clythe well can be successfully treated with existing technology. The process Planning for this project is proceeding as a Schedule “B” undertaking in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process (MEA, June 2000, as amended in 2007 and 2011), prepared by the Municipal Engineers Association. The Class EA is an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment… Continue reading Notice of study commencement: Clythe well treatment upgrades environmental assessment

The City has completed the consultation portion of the billing exemption study. This study is part of the City’s ongoing water and wastewater rate review. Some exemptions being explored include: high water bill forgiveness, cost relief for water volumes consumed/evaporated by customer end uses, and terms for approval and/or billing of water-only or wastewater-only customer accounts. The City completed both residential and business (Industrial, Commercial and Institutional, or ICI) consultation. Consultation included telephone surveys, focus groups and one-on-one interviews. The final reports for the consultation work are now available. Residential consultation report (conducted by Metroline) [PDF 2MB] ICI consultation report (conducted by DFA Infrastructure Internation Inc.) [PDF 2MB] Peer municipal comparators report (completed by BMA Management Consulting Inc.) [PDF 1MB]

Guelph among select municipalities to oversee and apply greater rigour to development in vulnerable source water areas Guelph, Ont., August 1, 2017 –The City of Guelph has improved its review process for sanitary sewer infrastructure projects to better protect our community’s vulnerable source water. The revised process allows the City of Guelph to complete the review process for the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change’s (MOECC) environmental compliance approval (ECA) applications internally. The MOECC makes the decision to grant the ECAs based on the City’s review. “We’re pleased to take this work on at the local level to provide faster service to our development community,” said Peter Rider, the City’s Risk Management Official. “This also allows us to participate more directly in the oversight… Continue reading City to play greater role in protecting Guelph’s source water

Project update: July 3,1 2017 Construction is now underway for treatment upgrades happening at Burke well. Work will continue until fall 2018. About the project Burke well is undergoing upgrades to provide treatment that will improve overall water quality and service delivery. Upgrades will also improve the reliability of the Burke well which was built in 1975. For more information Karl Cober M.A.Sc., P.Eng., Project Manager, Water Services 519-822-1260 extension 2187 Karl.Cober@guelph.ca Kelly Frensch M.Eng, P.Eng.,  Project Manager, Stantec 519-585-7341  Kelly.Frensch@stantec.com

On July 24, Guelph City Council approved staff’s recommendation of pursuing a hybrid credit program that provides options for both businesses and homeowners. Residential program Staff proposed that residential stormwater credits be aligned with existing water efficiency rebate and incentive programs. This collaborative approach will help keep program development and administration costs low. Residential credits will be one-time rebates rather than monthly credits on the stormwater service fee. Business program For businesses and large property owners (e.g. plazas or malls), the City proposed to develop a credit program that would apply monthly credits toward stormwater service fees. Credits will continue as long as owners demonstrate that stormwater mitigation on the property continues to be effective. Multi-residential housing may fall under the business credit program since… Continue reading Stormwater service fee credit program study: July 2017 update

Provincially funded project helps City save thousands of litres of water each year Guelph, Ont., June 23, 2017—The City has won a Water’s Next award for its innovative rainwater harvesting bus wash system. The award, won in the category of Projects and Technology—Stormwater, was presented last night at a gala in Toronto. The rainwater harvesting bus wash project was initiated in 2012 by the City’s Water Services and Guelph Transit departments, in partnership with Enviro-Stewards Inc., following an award of funding from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change’s Showcasing Water Innovation program. Since 2014, the City has saved more than 1 million litres of drinking water in the process of washing it’s buses—enough to fill four Olympic-sized swimming pools. “We rely on a groundwater… Continue reading City’s rainwater harvesting bus wash wins national award

Recommendation includes options for homes and businesses, industry Guelph, Ont., June 22, 2017—City staff have finished a study looking into the possibility of a stormwater service fee credit program for property owners that make changes to their properties to reduce stormwater runoff. The recommended program was reviewed to ensure it would not affect the City’s sustainable stormwater funding strategy. Staff are proposing that residential stormwater credits be aligned with existing water efficiency rebate and incentive programs. This collaborative approach would help keep program development and administration costs low. Residential credits would be a one-time rebate rather than monthly credits on the stormwater service fee. “By piggy backing on our successful water efficiency programs, such as the rainwater harvesting rebate program, we can offer our residents… Continue reading Stormwater service fee credit program to be considered by Council July 4

Guelph’s water efficiency strategy and youth programming recognized Guelph, Ont., May 10, 2017—The Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA) has recognized Guelph’s leadership in water conservation with a 2017 Award of Excellence in Water Efficiency for its updated water efficiency strategy in the Public Sector & Utilities Award category. The City was also recognized for its water-based youth education programming with the H2Awesome event that won in the category of Public Education & Awareness. Both awards were presented earlier today at the OWWA Awards Luncheon. “The City of Guelph is honoured to receive these awards from the Ontario Water Works Association’s Water Efficiency Committee,” said Heather Yates, Supervisor of Water Efficiency at the City. “This recognition means a great deal to us—it honours the hard work… Continue reading City wins two Ontario Water Works Association awards

Guelph, Ont., April 4, 2017—Wayne Galliher is the successful candidate for the division manager of Water Services position. Galliher, who has worked for the City since 2007, has been acting in the role since August 2016. A leader in water conservation and customer service Over his 10 years with the City, Galliher has led the growth and success of water conservation and efficiency efforts, and improvements in customer service. Notable highlights include: Developing the 2009 Water Conservation and Efficiency Strategy to incorporate recommendations of the City’s 2007 Water Supply Master Plan; Leading the City’s review of and changes to the Outside Water Use Program and Bylaw; Establishing the City’s internal leak detection program, which includes annual testing of City water mains and the installation district-metered… Continue reading City’s continued focus on water efficiency to be led by new Water Services division manager

The City’s applications to date have successfully secured $17.3 million for eight infrastructure-related projects in our community. Continue reading Federal infrastructure funding projects

City’s Water Services and Planning departments to test new tools Guelph, Ont., February 23, 2017 – The City of Guelph’s Civic Accelerator, which turns the City into a research, development and commercialization lab for civic technology, closed its first round with a Demo Day held yesterday at the University of Guelph. The event hosted representatives of the federal and provincial government, other municipal governments, angel investors, corporate leaders, Accelerator participants and partners, academics and students. Civic Accelerator Demo Day hosted on February 22, 2017 at the University of Guelph Alert Labs and Milieu Technologies showcased products that won each a spot in the Civic Accelerator for their unique ability to solve challenging City issues. “The Civic Accelerator turns local government into the first customer, and… Continue reading Pilot programs announced as Guelph wraps first round of Civic Accelerator

Guelph, Ont., February 8, 2017—Tree thinning in the red pine plantation at Arkell Springs forest is complete. This work is part of ongoing groundwater protection and forest care. Tree thinning will encourage the growth of a healthier and more natural forest. About 10,000 red pine trees (1,150 cords of wood) were removed from the plantation from November to January. This amounts to about one third of the red pine plantation. Trees at Arkell Springs forest were marked for removal in September 2014 and removal was scheduled to minimize impacts to local wildlife by avoiding work during breeding and fledging seasons. All trails in the Arkell Springs forest have reopened. What’s next? The City plans to plant a mixture of shade tolerant trees—largely maple and spruce species—in… Continue reading Arkell Springs forest red pine plantation thinning complete

Guelph, Ont., February 6, 2017—The City is removing a cedar hedge (about 39 cedars) and four trees form the Burke Well property at 176 Arkell Road. Tree removal begins the week of February 6 and is being conducted in accordance with the tree management plan prepared by certified arborists and approved by Guelph’s Site Plan Committee and the Environmental Planning department. Tree removal is being completed before bird nesting season and in advance of coming upgrades to the Burke Well site which will begin later this year. As per the tree management plan, and once construction at the Burke Well site is complete, the City will plant about 56 trees, 135 shrubs and 25 perennials. For more information Karl Cober, Project Manager Water Services 519-822-1260 extension… Continue reading Tree removal at City well property on Arkell Road

Guelph, Ont., November 23, 2016—The City and contractors have finished repairs on a large water main break that happened during construction in Eramosa River Park yesterday. The water main is back in service. “Staff and construction crews worked all night to fix the water main break,” said Peter Busatto, general manager of environmental services for the City. “We appreciated the patience of nearby residents throughout the noise and vibrations last night, as we dug through rock to complete the repair.” The City had replacement parts on hand—a planned, contingency measure—and was able to respond quickly to the break. This preparation allowed for the immediate and full replacement of the damaged section of water main. “This is why we plan,” said Busatto. “In the best case,… Continue reading Water main repair finished

The City of Guelph and its consultant, AECOM, are exploring options for stormwater service fee credits. Credits would provide property owners with opportunities to reduce stormwater runoff on private property for a credit towards the stormwater service fee they pay. A stormwater service fee credit program would also recognize the efforts Guelph property owners are already making to reduce stormwater runoff and the pollutants that flow with it. Stormwater credit study open house The City held the first open house for the stormwater service fee credit program study on November 17, 2016. The open house provided an opportunity to learn about stormwater management, the stormwater service fee that begins January 1, 2017, and what a credit or incentive program might look like. Stormwater credit study open house presentation [PDF 787kB]… Continue reading Information from the stormwater service fee credit program study open house, November 17, 2016

2017 Non-tax-supported budget receives Council approval Guelph, Ont., November 3, 2016—Earlier this evening, Council approved the City’s Water, Wastewater Services and Stormwater Services, Ontario Building Code Administration and Court Services budgets for 2017. This is the first year that Stormwater Services is included in the non-tax-supported budget. “We have seen what the strong financial policies of Water and Wastewater Services can do to close the infrastructure gap and ensure healthy reserves,” says James Krauter, acting city treasurer. “The approval of the stormwater service fee will provide stable and dedicated funding for this critical service much like we have for water and wastewater.” Approved 2017 water and wastewater rates, effective January 1, 2017 Recommended rates and fees 2016 2017 change Water volume – $/cubic metre (m3)… Continue reading Council approves four dollar monthly residential stormwater service fee

Changes will make saving water easier Guelph, Ont., September 27, 2016—Last night Council unanimously approved the updated Water Efficiency Strategy presented by City staff at the September 6 Committee of the Whole meeting. “We are excited to move ahead with this updated strategy,” remarked Emily Stahl, acting manager of technical services for the City’s Water Services department. “Our community told us they want to do more to save water at home. The additions and improvements in the updated Water Efficiency Strategy offer fresh opportunities to take business and at-home water conservation efforts to the next level, and allow more of our community to participate.” Report highlights program improvements Program and service changes from the Water Efficiency Strategy include: Changing the Royal Flush rebate program to… Continue reading Council approves updated Water Efficiency Strategy

The City of Guelph’s new Civic Accelerator, which turns the City into a research, development and commercialization lab for civic technology, has selected winners for the Planning Notifications and Water Data challenges issued on June 20. Continue reading Alert Labs and Milieu selected by Guelph’s Civic Accelerator

City to work with landowners, businesses, developers to ensure compliance Guelph, Ont., June 29, 2016 – The City’s 72 Source Water Protection policies come into effect Friday. The provincially-legislated policies are part of the Lake Erie Source Protection Region’s Source Protection Plan designed to identify and manage threats to Guelph’s municipal drinking water. “The best way to ensure safe drinking water is to protect it at its source,” said Peter Rider, the City’s Risk Management Official. “Everyone in our community can play a role in protecting Guelph’s groundwater for future generations by taking simple precautions with everyday actions.” Guelph is one of 13 municipalities rolling out policies that support the locally-developed source protection plan. The plan and its Guelph-specific policies were endorsed by the Ministry of… Continue reading Policies to safeguard Guelph’s drinking water take effect July 1

The City of Guelph launched the Civic Solutions Accelerator that enables the City of Guelph to work with entrepreneurs, startups, students and companies to create innovative solutions for complex municipal challenges. Continue reading City of Guelph launches Civic Solutions Accelerator

Guelph, Ont., May 27, 2016—The City has drafted a new bylaw to clarify its customer service processes for billing of water and wastewater services including account creation, water meter protocols, the handling of unpaid accounts and  billing dispute resolution. The bylaw will be presented to the Infrastructure, Development and Engineering (IDE) Committee on June 7. If recommended by the IDE Committee, the proposed bylaw will be presented to Council for approval on June 27. If approved, the bylaw would come into effect immediately. “Guelph has grown a lot since we introduced the City’s Water Bylaw in 2001—we’ve seen a large increase in both residential and business water and wastewater customers—and today’s customers want detailed information about billing processes,” said Wayne Galliher, Manager of Technical Services… Continue reading Proposed bylaw to ensure transparent water and wastewater billing

A draft of the City’s final report on the Water Efficiency Strategy update is now available for public review and comment. Continue reading City presents recommended changes to water efficiency programs and services

Guelph, Ont., March 23, 2016—Guelph City Council approved a staff recommendation for a dedicated stormwater user fee by a vote of 11 to 2 at Monday night’s Council meeting. The introduction of a user fee is a shift from funding Guelph’s stormwater management system through property taxes. The fee model proposed was selected to provide a balance between fairness, equity and ease of administration. The recommendation from staff was made following more than two years of study and community consultation. “Like many other municipalities, Guelph is faced with the problem of aging infrastructure and our stormwater management system needs upgrades, especially as we face more severe storm events,”  said Arun Hindupur, Infrastructure Planning Engineer for the City. “Many cities, including Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Waterloo and… Continue reading Council approves user fees to fund stormwater management

Guelph, Ont., November 30, 2015—The City has arrived at a recommendation to address Guelph’s underfunded stormwater system. Following more than two years of study and community consultation City staff plans to recommend a stormwater user fee. “Faced with the challenges of aging infrastructure, increases in hard surfaces from urban growth, and more severe storm events, many cities, including Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Waterloo and Kitchener, have moved to a fee model to address funding challenges,” said Arun Hindupur, Infrastructure Planning Engineer for the City. “The fee model we’re proposing is a balance between fairness, equity and ease of administration.” The proposed fee model, called the Equivalent Residential Unit model, was selected because it provides the best balance between fairness to property owners and administrative costs for the… Continue reading City to present stormwater user fee recommendation at December 2 open house

City encourages residents to prepare for winter Guelph, ON, November 24, 2015—City Council approved a policy for frozen water pipes at last night’s Council meeting. The Frozen Water Pipe Policy was developed by staff following last winter’s unforeseen issues with frozen pipes when 376 customers were affected. In a typical year, less than twenty customers are affected by this issue. “The new policy identifies the response actions and  service the City will provide for customers with frozen pipes,” said Wayne Galliher, Manager of Technical Services. “Last winter we quickly developed and continued to adjust support resources in response to the record numbers of frozen water pipe reports we received. We have improved, clarified and formalized the support options through the policy, which will form our… Continue reading Council approves Frozen Water Pipe Policy

2016 non-tax-supported budget open to public comment October 21. Continue reading Council to start budget discussions with water and waste water rate changes