Category Archives: Getting Around

We’re making some minor changes to the transit system, starting September 1, as part of our ongoing effort to improve the service for riders. Continue reading Guelph Transit introduces 59 U Gordon Express, makes minor changes to system

Holiday hours for the City of Guelph facilities and programs. Continue reading Labour Day holiday hours for City facilities and services

Learn about Guelph’s progress implementing its cycling master plan and active transportation network. Continue reading Active Transportation Update Report

Tell us how the current transportation system is working and what improvements you want to see in the future. Get involved at haveyoursay.guelph.ca/transportation Continue reading Moving Guelph forward with your input

Paving of Macdonell Street’s intersection is expected to take place on August 12 at 5 a.m. and be complete by afternoon the same day, weather permitting. Continue reading Construction notice: Macdonell Street intersection closed for asphalt repair starting August 12

This summer, Guelph Transit is hosting demonstration sessions to show cyclists how to properly use the bike rack on the front of its conventional buses.  Continue reading Learn how to use Guelph Transit’s bike racks

Work will occur in rotation throughout the Baker Street parking lot The City is completing archaeological and environmental investigations as part of the work to redevelop the Baker Street parking lot into a unique mixed-use development. The triangular block that is currently the Baker Street municipal parking lot was the site of an all-faith cemetery from 1827-1853. The City is working with experts to complete the archaeological investigations which must be completed before environmental investigations can begin. City staff has worked with Guelph Police Services, the coroner’s office, Woodlawn Memorial Park, and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, among others, to ensure that we have response plans and coordination in place should we find any remains or bone fragments. To ensure that human remains… Continue reading Baker District archaeological and environmental investigations start mid-July

We’re lifting the restriction to right turn on a red light at the intersection of Victoria Road North and Eastview Road starting July 12. Continue reading Right turn restriction at Victoria/Eastview lifts July 12

Guelph, Ont., June 26, 2019 — A new traffic signal located on Victoria Road South at Frederick Drive was turned on today. With this installation, the City of Guelph now operates and maintains 195 traffic control signals. To learn more about how Guelph operates and coordinates traffic signals, visit guelph.ca/traffic For more information Shaymaa Al-Ani Traffic Engineering, Engineering and Transportation Services 519-822-1260 extension 2041 shaymaa.al-ani@guelph.ca

Guelph Junction Railway is committed to the safety of all travellers, and reminds the public about the following railway safety tips: Slow down when approaching a railway crossing. Remember trains can come at any time, from any direction. It takes a train a long time to come to a complete stop. When the lights at a rail crossing are flashing stop at the white line painted on the pavement. Do not cross over this line. Do not cross the track until the lights stop flashing, the bell stops ringing and the train has passed. If the crossing has a gate or barrier, wait until it rises all the way up before you cross the tracks. Never drive around, under or through a railway gate or… Continue reading Railway crossing safety tips

Support your community and help keep kids safe We‘re looking for regular and spare crossing guards for school crossings in Guelph. Crossing guards work from September to June with time off when school is out, including weekends and holidays. Crossing guards receive: flexibility to suit your schedule paid training all needed equipment mentoring support (new guards) paid P.D. days on-call pay (spare guards only) paid mileage (spare guards only) summers off invitation to the annual guard appreciation event You are: self-motivated and friendly a great communicator committed and reliable Responsibilities work two shifts per day, Monday to Friday, between 7:45 to 9:00 a.m. and 2:45 to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday  (shift times vary by location and coverage requirements) help children cross roads safely on their… Continue reading We’re hiring!

Trailhead at Clairfields Drive About the project We’re working on landscape improvements to a trail in the Hanlon Creek Conservation Area next to a new development. Improvements include widening the trail corridor and installing a fence between the trail and an adjacent business. Construction schedule Construction starts July 2 and will continue until late August, weather permitting. The trail will be closed during this time. Clairfields Drive and Hanlon Road trailheads will remain open. Please follow signs to detour around the work area. Map of trail closure For more information Dave Beaton, Program Manager Trails Natural Areas Stewardship Park Operations and Forestry, Parks and Recreation City of Guelph 519-822-1260 extension 2761 dave.beaton@guelph.ca

The City of Guelph is considering traffic calming on West Acres Drive. Continue reading West Acres Drive Neighbourhood Traffic Management Review

Guelph, Ont., February 22, 2019—Whether people walk, bike or drive, the City’s plan to improve traffic flow this year will make travel safer and more efficient for everyone in Guelph. All temporary traffic or pedestrian impacts related from these improvements will be posted on guelph.ca/construction. New pedestrian signals New pedestrian signals are being added at three locations in 2019: Eramosa Road between Meyer Drive and Stevenson Street North Gordon Street between Wellington Street and Water Street Edinburgh Road South at Rodgers Road New traffic signals New traffic signals are being added at two intersections in 2019: Elmira Road North at Independence Place Woodlawn Road West at Arrow Road Traffic signal upgrades Traffic signal upgrades include replacing old signal equipment and wiring. The City will be… Continue reading New traffic signals and system upgrades will improve travel in Guelph

At Tuesday night’s meeting, Council unanimously endorsed 12 recommendations outlined in the final report for the Guelph Transit business service review. Continue reading Council endorses recommendations to improve transit service in Guelph

The final report for the Guelph Transit business service review will be presented to Council on Tuesday, January 29 at 6 p.m. Continue reading City shares Guelph Transit business service review final report

Maximize your visibility Take the time to scrape and clear your windows properly, both inside and out, before proceeding. Clean all your mirrors, lights and windshield wipers. Remove snow from the hood and roof so that it doesn’t blow or fall onto the windshield or rear window as you drive. Snow in the outside air vents or off of your boots on the floor will vapourize as the cab air temperature increases and may reform as frost on the inside of the cold windshield. Use the air conditioner, if equipped, as it will help to remove the moisture from the air. Find and keep traction Traction is what allows you to control your vehicle – starting, stopping or turning requires traction between your tires and… Continue reading Tips for driving in winter weather conditions

You’re invited to attend one of two drop-in workshops on January 15 as we gather community input to help shape the sustainability vision and goals for the Baker District redevelopment project. Continue reading Baker District workshop sets stage for vision, goals

We’re making some minor schedule adjustments, starting January 7, 2019. Continue reading Minor tweaks to Guelph Transit routes 10 and 17

Guelph Transit is installing new reflective signs at its bus stops. Continue reading Guelph Transit installs new signs at bus stops

The Sidewalk Needs Assessment (SNA) study supports improved connectivity for pedestrians throughout the City. City staff worked with Paradigm Transportation Solutions Ltd. to: Review the current guidelines for sidewalk construction and explore municipal best practices; Develop ranking criteria for prioritizing which gaps need to be filled in; and Propose an implementation strategy and cost estimate for completing the sidewalk network. Where we are at The original study report was completed in December 2016. Council approved the Sidewalk Needs Assessment report (page 11) at their March 27, 2017 meeting. Since 2017, the 1,145 meters of new sidewalk have been built: Eastview Road from Summit Ridge to Watson Parkway (multi-use path) Elmira Road near Tovell Rd Exhibition Street from Powell to near Division St Goldie Ave near Memorial Cr Grange Road near Auden… Continue reading Sidewalk Needs Assessment study update, December 2018

The City of Guelph, along with Windmill Development Group and Invizij Architects Inc., is hosting two open houses on Thursday, November 29 to provide our community with an overview of the Baker District redevelopment project. Continue reading Join us to hear about plans for the Baker District redevelopment

Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan and Master Environmental Servicing Plan Tuesday, December 4 1:30–4 p.m. or 6:30–9 p.m. Salvation Army Guelph Citadel 1320 Gordon Street, Guelph Join us for focused conversations and a discussion to help establish and refine the policy directions that will inform the creation of the secondary plan for the Clair-Maltby area. A Draft Policy Directions report will be available no later than Monday, November 26 on guelph.ca/clair-maltby. This draft report will summarize key draft directions for future policies based on what we’ve heard through the project so far. Your input, ideas and comments at the public workshop will inform the final Policy Directions report. Register to participate Register to attend either the 1:30 to 4 p.m. or 6:30 to 9 p.m. session by Thursday, November 29. Registration is free. Unable to attend?… Continue reading Clair-Maltby Public Workshop: Policy Directions

Guelph, Ont., September 7, 2018 – Put your loonies away. It’s now free to ride Guelph Transit to and from ticketed events at River Run Centre and Sleeman Centre. “Thanks to our friends at Royal LePage Royal City Brokerage, we’re now able to offer the Special Event Fare program at no cost to riders,” says Robin Gerus, interim general manager at Guelph Transit. To receive the free special event fare, show your event ticket to the transit operator at the time of boarding—to and from the event. The special event fare begins three hours prior to the event start time and continues until end of bus service on the event day. The extended service window provides you with the opportunity to connect with businesses and… Continue reading Ride bus for free to River Run, Sleeman Centre events

The City is working in Crane Park starting September 5, 2018 to improve the existing trail and remove invasive buckthorn. Continue reading Phase one trail improvements coming to Crane Park starting September 5

Guelph, Ont., June 27, 2018 – It’s official. Bus rides to and from ticketed events at River Run Centre and Sleeman Centre will continue to cost riders $1 for each one-way trip. On Monday night, City Council voted unanimously in favour of making the Special Event Fare program permanent. The program was introduced last September as a pilot program to increase ridership and assist in alleviating parking and traffic pressures in Guelph’s downtown core. To receive the $1 special event fare, riders must show their event ticket to the transit operator at the time of boarding. This is a savings of $2 per trip. The special event fare begins three hours prior to the event start time and continues until end of bus service on… Continue reading Guelph Transit’s Special Event Fare program here to stay

Guelph, Ont., June 19, 2018 – The community has selected the final design for the Ward to Downtown Bridge. Option one, featuring a bench, wide deck for river viewing, and a lookout area was voted as the favourite design option. “We’re very excited to see this project come to life,” says Luke Jefferson, manager of Open Space Planning with the City of Guelph. “Our community has waited a long time for a safe and vibrant bridge that connects one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods with the downtown.” Three designs were presented at a community open house on April 12, 2018 and 37 residents filled out a survey in person and online to select their favourite option. Option one was the most popular, with over 60… Continue reading Final design selected for the Ward to Downtown Bridge

Guelph, Ont., June 14, 2018 – Starting June 18, you can buy Guelph Transit single bus tickets or monthly passes at any of the Guelph Public Library branches in the city. Main library, 100 Norfolk Street Bullfrog Mall, 380 Eramosa Road East Side, 1 Starwood Drive Scottsdale Centre, 650 Scottsdale Drive West End, 21 Imperial Road South Westminster, 100-31 Farley Drive “We’re excited to extend our vendor locations to include Guelph’s library branches; giving you more options on where you can purchase tickets and passes,” says Robin Gerus, interim general manager of Guelph Transit. The Guelph Public Library accepts debit, credit and cash as payment for tickets and passes. Monthly bus passes can be purchased at any vendor location about two weeks prior to the… Continue reading Bus tickets available at Guelph Public Library branches

The bylaw comes into effect ahead of 2018 municipal election Guelph, Ont., April 26, 2018 – Council passed an Election Sign Bylaw that regulates the use of election signs  to minimize  interference along roadways.  The new bylaw will be in effect for the start of municipal election nominations on May 1. “This new election sign bylaw sets out clear guidelines for placement and size of signs to ensure pedestrian and vehicular sight lines are free of obstruction, ” says David Wiedrick, manager of Bylaw Compliance, Security and Licensing. The approved bylaw regulates: The size of election signs to a maximum of 0.47 square metres and a maximum display height of 2.13 metres The placement of election signs to the ward in which the candidate is… Continue reading Council passes Election Sign Bylaw

A new provincial-federal agreement earmarks up to $106 million over 10 years for potential Guelph transit infrastructure projects. Continue reading Guelph transit gets federal-provincial funding boost

Guelph, Ont., February 2, 2018 – Beginning this September, full-time students enrolled at Conestoga College’s Guelph campus will receive a Universal Bus Pass (U-pass) as part of their tuition—giving them unlimited access to ride Guelph Transit. The one-year pilot program, which ends Aug. 31, 2019, is the result of a referendum held last February by Conestoga Students Incorporated (CSI)—the official student association at the college. During the three-day vote, full-time students at the Guelph campus voted 53 per cent in favour of CSI and Guelph Transit implementing a U-pass pilot program. “This partnership is a great example of Guelph Transit’s commitment to identify opportunities for ridership and revenue growth. It’s truly a win-win; Guelph Transit grows its customer base and Conestoga students get unlimited access… Continue reading U-pass program extended to Guelph’s Conestoga College students

Northbound lane reduction also starts on Norfolk at Gordon The City is building a new parking facility at the site of the Wilson Street parking lot. The new parkade will provide over 400 new parking spaces. Parkade construction is expected to be complete in 2019. Wilson Street closure and Gordon/Norfolk northbound lane reduction Starting on February 5, Wilson Street will be closed between Gordon Street and Northumberland Street for the duration of the construction, about 18 months. There will also be a lane reduction on Norfolk Street between Gordon Street and Macdonell Street and traffic will change as follows: The left most northbound lane on Gordon Street will become a left-turn lane only (onto Waterloo Avenue) The centre lane will be the through lane on… Continue reading Construction notice: Wilson Street, Norfolk footbridge closing for parkade construction starting February 5

On February 4, the Wilson Street parking lot will be closed as the City and their contractor, Newton Group, prepare to board up the site for construction. Continue reading Wilson Street parking lot closes February 4

Guelph, Ont., January 25, 2018 – The City of Guelph has introduced  a single-application process for residents who are applying for a subsidy program like the Affordable Buss Pass, Fee Assistance in Recreation (FAIR) and animal licensing. “This new process makes it much easier for our residents when filling out the paperwork,” says Alex Goss, manager of Community Investment. “The one application saves time and reduces the need for our residents to share sensitive information over and over again.” Residents can apply for the City’s subsidy programs online at guelph.ca under the How can we help you? tab. Residents can also download the application, fill it out and return it to Service Guelph at City Hall, the West End Community Centre, Victoria Road Recreation Centre,… Continue reading City improves application process for subsidy programs

Initial concept plan for Guelph’s southernmost neighbourhood Guelph, Ont., December 19, 2017 – Last night, Council approved the Conceptual Community Structure for the Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan Study. “The conceptual community structure gives us a general blueprint for where land uses will be throughout the Clair-Maltby community,” explains Stacey Laughlin, senior policy planner with the City of Guelph. “It shows potential locations for housing, roads, trails, parks, schools and more for this southernmost area of Guelph.” The approved conceptual community structure: balances the protection of the natural heritage system and natural land features like the Paris Moraine with future development of the area; proposes a transportation network that supports all modes of travel with roads, bicycle infrastructure, recreational trails and pedestrian walkways that provide strong connections… Continue reading Council approves blueprint for Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan

                      Guelph, Ontario, December 8, 2017—Investing in public infrastructure supports efficient, affordable and sustainable transit services that help Canadians and their families get to work, school and essential services on time and back home safely at the end of a long day. The governments of Canada and Ontario are making investments that will help create well-paying jobs and grow the middle class now while building a strong foundation for a sustainable economic future. Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Liz Sandals, President of the Treasury Board of Ontario and Member of Provincial Parliament for Guelph, and His Worship Cam Guthrie, Mayor of the City of… Continue reading Governments of Canada and Ontario invest in public transit in Guelph

Ptarmigan Drive to City limits The City of Guelph is hosting an open house to present plans for construction on Niska Road between Ptarmigan Drive and the City limits west of the Niska Road Bridge. Work includes the reconstruction of Niska Road from Ptarmigan Drive to the City limits at the Speed River as per the approved Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA), filed on December 3, 2015. The EA was approved on March 21, 2017 by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC). Tuesday, December 12, 2017 5:30—8:30 p.m. Kortright Hills Public School, Library 23 Ptarmigan Drive, Guelph Why come to the open house? This is your opportunity to view project information, including map and schedules, and ask questions about traffic impacts… Continue reading Open house: Community feedback needed for Niska Road reconstruction

The agreement takes effect immediately. More information will be available on guelph.ca once both parties have signed the agreement. Continue reading City and Guelph Transit union ratify collective agreement

GUELPH, ON, November 6, 2017 — The City of Guelph and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1189, representing the City’s full- and part-time transit employees, have reached a tentative collective agreement. “We’re pleased to reach this agreement without any disruption to City transit services,” said David Godwaldt, Guelph’s general manager of Human Resources. “We want to thank the union for working with us to negotiate an affordable settlement that protects taxpayers’ interests and provides fair, equitable and competitive compensation to employees.” Details of the settlement will not be released until the union and Guelph City Council vote to ratify the tentative agreement. The agreement goes to City Council for ratification on November 13, and the union will hold a ratification vote on November 19. “During… Continue reading City of Guelph and Guelph Transit union reach tentative agreement

Guelph, Ont., October 6, 2017 – Guelph Transit’s boarding and ridership numbers for September show an overall increase of 44 per cent over 2016. Last month, 759,053 trips were taken compared to 524,694 during the same time last year. There was also a 15 per cent increase in fare paying riders. “The numbers clearly show that last month’s route realignment is off to an impressive start and that we’re meeting our goal to put buses where and when people need them the most,” says Mike Spicer, Guelph Transit general manager. “This is great news for Guelph Transit and the entire city,” adds Mayor Cam Guthrie. “I’m thankful for the leadership at Guelph Transit, being able to achieve these results within the existing 2017 budget. I’m… Continue reading Guelph Transit ridership up 44 per cent in September

Guelph, Ont., September 21, 2017—The City of Guelph has issued the Notice of Completion for the Norwich Street pedestrian bridge Schedule ‘B’ Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) today, and released the study documents for public review. The EA recommendations for the Norwich Street pedestrian bridge are to install a new crossing over the Speed River within the existing trusses. This alternative gives the City the greatest opportunity to improve safety for pedestrians, while also maintaining some of the key architectural features of the 134-year-old bridge. The estimated cost to upgrade the pedestrian bridge is approximately $900,000. Funding for both the design and construction of the project has already been identified in the City’s capital budget forecast. Final 2018 budget approvals will made by Council during… Continue reading Norwich Street pedestrian bridge improvements ready for public review

Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, Schedule B Environmental Study The Study The City of Guelph has completed a Class Environmental Assessment study (EA) for evaluating alternatives to address the deteriorating condition of the Norwich Street pedestrian bridge. The bridge sits over the Speed River on the former Norwich Street between Cardigan Street and Arthur Street North. The approximate extent of the study area is shown on the map. The Process The EA was conducted as a Schedule B Project in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. As part of the study, public information centres—or open houses—were held in September 2016 and May 2017. These public sessions presented background information on the study to the community, and… Continue reading Norwich Street Pedestrian Bridge: Notice of study completion

Guelph City Council approved staff’s four recommendations from the Active Transportation Network study on July 24, 2017. The approved recommendations are as follows: That the Guelph Active Transportation Network Design Guidelines and Feasibility Study dated June 2017, prepared by WSP and Paradigm Transportation Solutions Limited, be approved; That funding for year-round maintenance of the Active Transportation Network per the recommendations of the Guelph Active Transportation Network Design Guidelines and Feasibility Study be included in the proposed 2018 Operating Budget; That funds to implement the Guelph Active Transportation Network Design Guidelines and Feasibility Study over the next ten years, estimated to be $12,268,000, be included in the proposed 2018-2027 Capital Budget; That the operating budget to provide year-round maintenance of the proposed active transportation network be… Continue reading Project update: Council approves all recommendations of Active Transportation Network study

Council approves additional budget to fund larger parkade Guelph, Ont., July 18, 2017 – Last night, Guelph City Council approved fully building out the Wilson Street parkade with two additional storeys and a total of 496 parking spots, to better serve Guelph’s downtown parking needs sooner. During a special Council meeting on July 17, staff recommended that an additional $8.5 million in funding be approved, which includes $6.8 million of debt funding forecasted for the future Neeve Street parkade and $1.7 million transferred from existing City reserve funds, to optimize the Wilson Street reconstruction and parkade project. “We want to build the right parking solution for Guelph’s downtown—one large parkade on Wilson Street is a better and more timely solution than two smaller ones,” explains… Continue reading City optimizing the Wilson Street parkade

The City has completed the Guelph Active Transportation Network (ATN) study. The study recommends 54 km of trail improvements and new connections to provide direct, quiet routes across the city for people travelling by bike or on foot. The proposed routes avoid busy roads and intersections, and will appeal to people who would bike more often if a quiet or off-road route existed. Guelph’s vision is to provide a safe, attractive and practical cycling environment, and become one of Canada’s top bicycle-friendly communities. The ATN study helps address the first two elements of the Bicycle-Friendly Guelph vision: To get more people cycling; and To create a safer and more connected network. Active transportation supports healthy lifestyles, cleaner air and attracts business and visitors. Consultants working… Continue reading Active Transportation network study update, June 2017

Guelph, Ont., May 24, 2017—Last night, Guelph City Council approved the addition of new reduced speed school zones, and a recommendation to request changes to the Highway Traffic Act. Council did not approve a staff recommendation to change current 30 km/h school zone speed limits to 40 km/h. “The Ontario Highway Traffic Act only allows municipalities to use time and date specific reduced speed limits where installed signs have flashers or are motorized—a very expensive option to implement City-wide,” noted Allister McIlveen, Manager of Transportation Services for the City. “We’re pleased that Council accepted our recommendation to request that the Ontario Ministry of Transportation change the Highway Traffic Act to allow for the addition of time and date information as tabs below other types of… Continue reading Council approves new reduced speed school zones

MP Lloyd Longfield, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, announced today that the City of Guelph’s new public transit project has been approved. Continue reading $19.4 million to be invested in Guelph Transit infrastructure

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

The Sidewalk Needs Assessment (SNA) study supports improved connectivity for pedestrians throughout the City of Guelph. The City is worked with Paradigm Transportation Solutions Ltd. to: Review the current guidelines for sidewalk construction and exploring municipal best practices; Develop ranking criteria for prioritizing which gaps need to be filled in; Propose an implementation strategy and cost estimate for completing the sidewalk network. Where we’re at Paradigm Transportation Solutions Ltd. completed their study report in December 2016. Council approved the Sidewalk Needs Assessment report (page 11) at the March 27, 2017 meeting.   Next steps The study is now complete. Sidewalk needs will be incorporated into future budgets by priority as funds allow. For more information Jennifer Juste, Transportation Demand Management Coordinator Transportation Services 519-822-1260 extension 2791 tdm@guelph.ca

Province confirms additional environmental assessment not required Guelph, ON, March 21, 2017– The City has received the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Glenn Murray’s, decision that a higher level of environmental assessment (EA) is not needed to move forward with the reconstruction of Niska Road and replacement of the bridge.  “We’re very pleased Minister Murray is satisfied with the level of environmental assessment we’ve undertaken to thoroughly study the Niska Road area and fully understand our community’s concerns,” says Kealy Dedman, the City’s General Manager and City Engineer. “We’re now ready to proceed with the much needed improvements to Niska Road that support Guelph’s safe and efficient transportation system.” “This project was originally approved by Council in December 2015. We were then, and… Continue reading City gets green light to proceed with Niska Road and bridge improvements