News Release
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Ontario rewards Guelph with more than $3.69 million through the Building Faster Fund
Second round of funding rewards municipalities for progress toward housing targets Guelph, Ont., December 15, 2025 — The Ontario government is awarding the City of Guelph with $3,692,960 through the second round of the Building Faster Fund, which provides funding to municipalities that achieve at least 80 per cent of their provincially designated housing targets.…
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Gay Lea Foods saving 21,960 cubic metres of water per year thanks to Water Smart Business upgrades
Water savings equivalent to the average water use of 122 single-family homes Guelph, Ont., December 9, 2025 – Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited (“Gay Lea Foods”) is now saving more than 60,000 litres of water per day thanks to water saving projects supported by the City’s Water Smart Business program. These water savings, equivalent to…
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City of Guelph confirms 2026 budget
Budget confirms strategic investments, service adjustments, and measures to manage slower growth Guelph, Ont., November 26, 2025 – Today, Mayor Guthrie and City Council considered amendments to the proposed 2026 budget. After reviewing and voting on each amendment, Council closed the amendment period, and the Mayor confirmed he will not veto any of the amendments. This means the 2026 City services budget is now confirmed, with a tax…
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City takes big steps to protect and expand affordable housing in Guelph
Vacant home tax, rental renovation bylaw and expanded use of City-owned land for affordable housing coming soon Guelph, Ont., November 26, 2025 – The City is taking proactive steps to protect and expand affordable housing in Guelph. Last night, Council approved work on three major initiatives that will help more people keep or find housing:…
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City opens new pedestrian and cycling bridge
Guelph, Ont., November 24, 2025 – Getting around Guelph is getting easier with today’s opening of a new accessible pedestrian and cycling bridge connecting Emma Street and Earl Street. Mayor Cam Guthrie was joined by members of the community to mark the occasion. “This new bridge provides an important active transportation link across the Speed River…
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Guelph Fire Department upgrades to Next Generation 9-1-1, improving emergency response
As always, Guelph residents should call 9-1-1 in an emergency Guelph, Ont., November 20, 2025 – The Guelph Fire Department will officially transition to the Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) network on November 20, 2025. This upgrade follows the successful implementation of NG9-1-1 by the Guelph Police Service in September and reflects a broader provincial effort…
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New housing to end chronic youth homelessness in Guelph by 2026
City funding helps Wyndham House bring Welcome to Waterloo housing initiative to Guelph Guelph, Ont., November 17, 2025 – Guelph is on track to become the first mid-sized city in Canada to end chronic youth homelessness. A new supportive housing development by Wyndham House, funded in part by the City of Guelph, is part of…
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Mayor lowers 2026 proposed City budget increase and adjusts timeline for separate boards to consider reductions
Guelph, Ont., November 13, 2025 – Today, Mayor Cam Guthrie has revealed his final update to his proposed 2026 City of Guelph budget, which lowers the initial net tax levy increase to maintain affordability. “Ensuring that our City’s budget remains affordable and sustainable for those who live and work in Guelph has been, and continues…
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The City of Guelph appoints Dylan McMahon as City Clerk and General Manager, City Clerk’s Office
Guelph, Ont., November 7, 2025 – The City of Guelph is pleased to announce the appointment of Dylan McMahon as the City Clerk and General Manager of the City Clerk’s office following a competitive recruitment process. McMahon will move into this permanent role on November 17. McMahon brings more than a decade of municipal…
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New Medical Priority Dispatch System to improve emergency medical response in Guelph-Wellington
Residents should continue to call 9-1-1 in an emergency Guelph, Ont., November 4, 2025 – Starting December 3, 2025, calls for paramedic services in the Guelph-Wellington area will be triaged and dispatched using the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS). Already in use across many Ontario municipalities, MPDS is designed to ensure paramedics are dispatched more quickly to urgent,…
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Guelph Tourism announces 2026 funding programs
Applications are now open for tourism projects focused on creating new experiences, improving accessibility, and enhancing existing events and festivals. Guelph, Ont., November 3, 2025 – The City of Guelph and Destination Marketing Guelph are excited to launch the 2026 Tourism funding programs, featuring the return of the Destination Animation program and the introduction of…
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City of Guelph modernizes parking for improved ease and accessibility
Gates to be removed by November 2 Guelph, Ont., October 27, 2025 – The City of Guelph will modernize parking infrastructure to improve accessibility and make the parking experience more convenient and efficient for residents and visitors. By November 2, 2025, all gates will be removed from municipal parking lots and parkades as the City…
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Mayor Guthrie shares draft 2026 Budget Update
Guelph, Ont., October 16, 2025 – Today, the City published Mayor Cam Guthrie’s 2026 Budget Update on Guelph’s website; this draft budget will be formally presented at a special Council meeting on October 29. The proposed update to the City’s 2026 budget, which was previously established through the 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget process, reflects the City’s…
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The City of Guelph announces general manager of facilities and energy management
Guelph, Ont., October 14, 2025 – The City of Guelph is pleased to announce Ian Scott as General Manager, Facilities and Energy Management. This role leads a multifaceted department responsible for planning, organizing, and managing all aspects of municipal facility maintenance, building repair, and complex capital project delivery. They are also responsible for initiatives driven…
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City unveils crosswalk honouring Guelph’s veterans
Guelph, Ont., October 9, 2025 – Earlier today, the City of Guelph unveiled a crosswalk honouring Guelph’s veterans. Mayor Cam Guthrie was joined by members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 234 Guelph at the new Downtown crosswalk, located at the intersection of Baker Street and Woolwich Street. “This crosswalk commemorates the service and sacrifice…
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Guelph releases Indigenous Relations Framework progress report
Guelph, Ont., September 30, 2025 – The City of Guelph is sharing its first Indigenous Relations Framework Progress Report, which reflects on the City’s commitment to reconciliation, ongoing learning and relationship building throughout the past year. September 30, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, is an important time to reflect upon the ongoing legacy of…
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The City of Guelph announces Stephen O’Brien as new Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Corporate Services
Guelph, Ont., September 22, 2025 – The City of Guelph is pleased to announce Stephen O’Brien as the new Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO), Corporate Services following a competitive recruitment process. Stephen will assume the role starting Monday, September 29. This executive role provides strategic leadership across key municipal functions, including Human Resources, Information Technology,…
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City’s work to improve housing affordability earns prestigious PlanON award
Guelph, Ont., September 22, 2025 – Two City of Guelph planning initiatives aimed at improving housing affordability have earned the 2025 PlanON Vision Award of Excellence from the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI). The award was presented to staff from the City of Guelph and Dillon Consulting Limited at the PlanON Awards event on Thursday,…
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Guelph 200 Community Working Group announced
Working group set to guide planning for Guelph’s bicentennial in 2027 May 20, 2026 update The vacancies on the Guelph 200 Community Working Group are now filled. Please see below for an updated list of members of the 200 Community Working Group: April 21, 2026 update Danny Williamson has taken on the role of vice-chair,…
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City report outlines opportunities to shape Guelph Innovation District for future growth
Council direction to guide parks, jobs and heritage in city’s growing east end, while supporting new homes Guelph, Ont., August 28, 2025 – Guelph City Council is considering a proposed plan for the Guelph Innovation District — a major development that will shape how the city grows over the next 50 years. The City of…
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Guelph receives $9.41 million to invest in building a stronger, connected community
Funding will help support infrastructure renewal that protects housing and improves everyday services Guelph, Ont., August 27, 2025 – The City of Guelph has been allocated $9.41 million for 2025-26 from the federal government’s Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) to invest in infrastructure renewal needs that support housing and daily life — like roads, trails, and…
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City of Guelph takes bold step to bring housing to market faster with front-ending agreements
Guelph, Ont., August 26, 2025 – The City will pilot the use of Municipal Service and Financing Agreements (MSFAs) — also called ”front-ending agreements” — as part of its efforts to help speed up housing development in Guelph. “We need more housing in Guelph, faster — and we need innovative solutions to make this happen,”…
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City awarded $11M from the Ontario Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund
The funding will support the new South End Community Centre and renovations to Lyon Pool Guelph, Ont., August 22, 2025 – Earlier today, the City of Guelph welcomed the Honourable Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport, for the announcement of $11 million in provincial funding through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund. This funding is…
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City of Guelph’s AAA credit rating reaffirmed for fourth straight year
Read S&P Global Ratings’ report on Guelph’s 2025 credit rating Guelph, Ont., August 21, 2025 – For the fourth straight year, S&P Global Ratings continues to affirm the City of Guelph’s financial credit rating as AAA with a stable outlook, the agency’s highest possible rating. Similar to the 2024 findings, the 2025 report highlights a…
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City advocates for a healthier, more connected, and affordable future at AMO
Guelph, Ont., August 20, 2025 – The City of Guelph joined municipalities from across the province at the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in Ottawa. City representatives brought forward a set of priorities that reflect the real and growing needs of Guelph’s community. In meetings with provincial leaders, the City advocated for…
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Sam Roberts Band Brings the Canadian Dream to River Run
Legendary Canadian rock band set to play all the favourites Guelph, ON August 19, 2025 — One of Canada’s quintessential campfire, festival, and road-trip bands is coming to the Main Stage! Sam Roberts Band is the multi-JUNO Award-winning artist rounding out River Run Centre’s 25/26 Season – It’s Really Live. With a legacy of hit…
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City Council appoints Katherine Hauser as new Councillor for Ward 6
Guelph, Ont., Jul 24, 2025 – Guelph City Council has appointed Katherine Hauser as the new representative for the City’s Ward 6 riding during the formal proceedings of appointment at last night’s special Council meeting. Following an open call for nominations between June 9 and July 7, successful applicants were invited to attend the July…
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City of Guelph and Thresholds Homes and Supports team up to create deeply affordable housing for seniors living with mental health issues
Guelph, Ont., July 17, 2025 – To help meet the growing need for affordable housing, the City of Guelph has selected Thresholds Homes and Supports (THS) to build and operate 13 deeply affordable rental units at 14 Edinburgh Road South, Guelph. The City is contributing nearly half an acre of City-owned land and up to…
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Guelph delivered in 2024 — Big wins in housing, transit, and more
6,056 short-term housing units now available. 7.9 million transit rides. $60.9 million in grant funding secured. See how bold action is building a better city for everyone. Guelph, Ont., July 17, 2025 – The City of Guelph has released its 2024 Progress Report offering a clear and comprehensive look at how the City is advancing the…
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City making progress on housing and affordability, despite economic challenges
Guelph, Ont., July 3, 2025 – A new report shows Guelph is making steady progress towards its housing and affordability goals, even in a challenging economic climate. The 2024 Growth Management and Affordable Housing Monitoring Report, going to Council on July 15, shows how Guelph is ensuring a strong housing supply, adding more affordable rentals…
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The City of Guelph welcomes Glenn Marcus as General Manager, Guelph Transit
Guelph, ON, June 30, 2025– The City of Guelph is pleased to announce the appointment of Glenn Marcus as the new General Manager of Guelph Transit following a competitive recruitment process. Glenn has served as Acting General Manager of Guelph Transit since January 2025; during this period, he has demonstrated thoughtful, competent leadership with…
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Developer must pay for cost of growth on new housing development, says Council
Decision intended to protect Guelph taxpayers, preventing developer costs from being passed onto existing residents Guelph, Ont., May 30, 2025 – Council has found a developer is responsible for paying development charges for a new housing development, geared towards students, at 601 Scottsdale Drive. Development charges contribute to the costs of new roads, water, sewers…
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Addressing climate change in Guelph requires united community effort, says City of Guelph report
Timely collective action needed to keep the city safe, livable and resilient Guelph, Ont., May 28, 2025 – A new City report is calling on the Guelph community to take climate action to reach net zero carbon by 2050. The Community Call to Climate Action report and backgrounder share our current progress, future goals, and…
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City of Guelph invests over $500,000 in 74 projects to strengthen community wellbeing
Guelph, Ont., May 15, 2025 – The City of Guelph has awarded just over $500,000 to 74 not-for-profit organizations to fund activities that enhance the quality of life, inclusivity, opportunities, and social support in the community. This year, the total amount awarded reached $529,810, thanks to an additional $29,810 awarded through City fee reimbursements. The…
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City hosts Ontario Auto Mayor’s event to discuss impacts of tariffs on automotive industry
Guelph, Ont., May 9, 2025 – Today the City of Guelph hosted the Ontario Auto Mayor’s Event for government and industry leaders to discuss the impacts of U.S. tariffs on the automotive industry. Premier Doug Ford, Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Dominique O’Rourke, MP for Guelph, Mike Schreiner, MPP for Guelph, Joseph…
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City of Guelph, Guelph Public Library reach tentative agreement with CUPE
The City of Guelph, the Guelph Public Library and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) have reached a tentative collective agreement.
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Guelph Fire Department cracking down on Ontario Fire Code violations
Guelph, Ont., May 1, 2025 – After a spate of fatal fires in the community, the Guelph Fire Department is taking a zero-tolerance approach to Ontario Fire Code violations and encourages residents to take a moment to ensure working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are in their dwelling. “We are reminding everyone how important…
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City of Guelph awards $125,000 to five projects through the Equity in Action Fund
Guelph, Ont., April 30, 2025 – The City has awarded $125,000 to five exceptional projects through the Equity in Action Fund. These initiatives, selected for their proposed work with equity-deserving communities, will receive funding to further their positive impacts within the community. The Equity in Action Fund is a one-time funding opportunity that supports Guelph-based…
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City updates Private Tree Protection Bylaw
The City of Guelph Council has adopted an updated Private Tree Protection Bylaw, modernizing how the removal and injury of trees on private property is handled.
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City awards $45,000 to youth-led climate action projects
Opens phase 2 applications for Youth Climate Action Fund Guelph, Ont., April 22, 2025 – In celebration of Earth Day, the City is proud to announce the awarding of about $45,000 to nine innovative projects through the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF). Guelph is one of Six Canadian cities and one of 100 international cities…
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City Council allows taller buildings in key growth areas to meet rising housing demand
Building up Downtown and Stone Road/Edinburgh Road areas to attract more affordable housing and boost housing supply Guelph, Ont., April 10, 2025 – To support our growing community and address the need for new homes, City Council will now allow for taller buildings in the Downtown and Stone Road/Edinburgh Road areas. The City of Guelph…
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City of Guelph welcomes federal funding to continue creating opportunities for housing
Guelph, Ont., March 21, 2025 – The City of Guelph is welcoming the receipt of its second round of funding through the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund. This investment will help the City continue its important work to improve housing supply and affordability. “Our government is committed to removing barriers and cutting red tape to…
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One person dead, another in serious condition after morning townhouse fire
Guelph, Ont., March 19, 2025 – Guelph Fire Department responded to multiple calls of a townhouse fire on Sunset Road just before 7 a.m. this morning. Guelph Police Service was first to arrive on scene and confirmed that two occupants had self-evacuated the building, but two others remained trapped inside. First-arriving fire crews encountered flames…
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City of Guelph receives $500,000 from Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to support circular food economy
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…
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City of Guelph appoints new general manager of finance
Guelph, Ont., March 4, 2025 – The City of Guelph is pleased to announce Shanna O’Dwyer as General Manager, Finance – City Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. When asked about the role Shanna replied, “I am honoured to accept the role of General Manager, Finance – City Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. I moved to…
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City of Guelph makes City-owned land available for affordable housing
Non-profits can submit proposals to build and operate 12+ new affordable housing units Guelph, Ont., February 25, 2025 – In a significant step towards addressing the growing need for affordable rental housing, the City of Guelph is making City-owned land at 14 Edinburgh Road South available for development of affordable housing. As part of the…
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City of Guelph celebrates official opening of 65 Delhi Street Transitional Housing Facility
March 5, 2025 Correction – The news release is being updated to correct information in the original version, which stated: In January 2021, the City of Guelph contributed the property at 65 Delhi Street to the County of Wellington and has since provided $3.1 million in funding to support the facility’s construction. The project also…
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City of Guelph offers grants for those looking to build affordable housing
Guelph, Ont., February 12, 2025 – The City of Guelph is launching new grants to support homeowners, landlords, non-profits and developers who are looking to build affordable housing in Guelph. Yesterday, City Council approved the Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan (CIP)—part of the City’s eight commitments in its Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) action plan. “The…
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City of Guelph prepares for potential U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions
Guelph, Ont., February 10, 2025 – The City of Guelph is closely monitoring the situation as the U.S. government considers imposing new tariffs on Canadian goods. The City has launched a new Trade and Tariff Resource Hub with information to support local businesses. We understand the challenges that new tariffs and trade disruptions will present…
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Guelph Fire Department welcomes new Deputy Fire Chief of Administration Jonathan Wilker
Guelph, Ont., February 3, 2025 – The City of Guelph is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Wilker to the role of Deputy Fire Chief of Administration for the Guelph Fire Department. Deputy Chief Wilker brings experience from a diverse career spanning 25 years in emergency services. Currently, he is Deputy Chief of Support…