Category Archives: Plans and strategies

Guelph, Ont., March 7, 2019—On March 5, the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) issued an order resulting in the City’s Downtown Zoning Bylaw being in full force and effect. The LPAT decision upholds Council’s decision with minor modifications. The zoning bylaw is the set of rules the City uses to implement the Downtown Secondary Plan. These rules allow appropriate development in downtown Guelph. The Downtown Zoning Bylaw update was completed and approved by Council in 2017. The update modernizes the City’s approach to development in the downtown, aligning zoning regulations with the community’s vision for this area of Guelph as established by the Downtown Secondary Plan, 2012. The updated bylaw encourages downtown development, and supports an active, urban environment south of the CN rail line… Continue reading Downtown Zoning Bylaw in effect

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., July 12, 2018 – On Monday evening City Council approved an update to the City’s Brownfield Redevelopment Community Improvement Plan (CIP). The CIP provides financial incentives to help offset the cost of environmental investigation and clean-up of brownfield sites. The CIP update includes changes to the program to make it easier to access funding. The improvements include: an increase in the environmental study grant maximum from $15,000 to $30,000 per study; clarification of the grant program requirements that will ease the application process for both staff and proponents; and an extension of the timeframe for CIP programs for another five years. “The cleanup and redevelopment of brownfield sites have a number of benefits for the community,” says Tim Donegani, policy planner. “Investment in… Continue reading City approves financial incentive program for brownfield redevelopment

The City of Guelph and County of Wellington has been selected to collaborate with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation as a part of the Foundation’s Cities and the Circular Economy for Food initiative. Continue reading Guelph-Wellington chosen for international food study

One of 10 awarded $250,000 on road to $10 million prize Guelph, Ont., June 1, 2018 – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced finalists in the national Smart Cities Challenge today, with the Guelph-Wellington County entry named one of 10 in its population category and awarded $250,000 to further develop its bid for a $10 million prize. The Guelph-Wellington bid is entered in the category for communities with populations up to 500,000, which drew more than 100 proposals. It was developed in partnership with the University of Guelph, Conestoga College and dozens of other experts, entrepreneurs, innovators and community champions. As a finalist, Guelph-Wellington will continue work with partners in the bid to win one of two $10 million prizes to be announced by the federal… Continue reading Guelph-Wellington named finalist in Canada’s Smart Cities Challenge

Imagine a food system where there’s no such thing as waste, every citizen has access to healthy food, and new businesses are created as a result The City of Guelph and County of Wellington will build Canada’s first circular food economy: enhancing access to nutritious food, turning “waste” into resources, and creating new jobs and economic opportunities. This vision was unveiled today at the Arrell Food Summit in Guelph and Toronto, and is part of the Guelph-Wellington 50x50x50 by 2025 initiative: increasing access to affordable, nutritious food by 50%, creating 50 new circular businesses and collaborations and increasing circular economic revenues by 50% by recognizing the value of “waste” — all by 2025. “Guelph-Wellington already enjoys the reputation of being a hub of food innovation… Continue reading Guelph-Wellington is creating Canada’s first circular food economy

Urban design concepts for Gordon Street also endorsed by Council Guelph, Ont., April 10, 2018—Last night Council approved new built-form standards for mid-rise building and townhouses. The standards are part of the City’s Urban Design Manual and provide clear direction on the design  of new residential and mixed-use mid-rise (four to six storeys) and townhouse (cluster, stacked and street-oriented) developments in Guelph. The standards address how a site will function  and be designed to implement the vision established in the City’s Official Plan. The document also provides recommendations for a future zoning bylaw review. “These new standards provide a thoughtful and consistent approach to evaluating building design while allowing for innovation and supporting design excellence,” says David de Groot, Senior Urban Designer. “The standards will… Continue reading Council approves new design standards for Guelph

The City of Guelph is developing a park master for Cedarvale Avenue Park, located at 32 Cedarvale Avenue in the city’s east end. The park master planning process is an opportunity for residents to share ideas and assist the City in creating a master plan that reflects the community’s outdoor recreational needs and aspirations. What we’ve heard Phase 1 of the community engagement is now closed. Thank you to residents who participated in reviewing the two concept designs and voting on playground components for the neighbourhood park. In late 2017, residents provided comments and voted on two park concept plans. More residents voted for Concept B: Natural Slopes. As a result, the preferred concept plan was based on that concept. Resident input was used to… Continue reading Cedarvale Avenue Park Master Plan engagement summary

Help design a vibrant, urban community in south Guelph—a community that will connect to Guelph’s existing southern neighbourhoods and the rest of the city. Continue reading Clair-Maltby planning and design charrette and Public Information Centre

The City of Guelph is entering the national Smart Cities Challenge for a potential prize of $10 million funding. Continue reading City of Guelph bidding for $10 million in Smart Cities Challenge

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has awarded the City of Guelph a Sustainable Community Award in the category of sustainable neighbourhood revitalization and design for the Guelph Innovation District secondary plan. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities praised the plan’s carbon-neutral vision and its efficient, sustainable design which reduces transportation needs. Continue reading City of Guelph’s Innovation District plan wins FCM sustainable community award

Guelph, Ont., January 15, 2018 – The City of Guelph is asking residents to help develop a master plan for Starwood Park, located at 510 Starwood Drive in the city’s east end. The park master planning process is an opportunity for residents to share ideas and assist the City in creating a master plan that reflects the community’s outdoor recreational need and aspirations. Until January 26, residents can review three concept designs and vote on playground components for the neighbourhood park. The design concepts can be viewed at guelph.ca/starwood. Feedback received will inform the preferred park concept design and residents will have an opportunity to review and comment on the preferred design between March 5 and 16. Comments can also be emailed to Jyoti Pathak… Continue reading City seeks input on Starwood Park design

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, Ont., December 11, 2017 – The City of Guelph is asking residents to help develop a master plan for Cedarvale Avenue Park, located at 32 Cedarvale Avenue in the city’s east end. The park master planning process is an opportunity for residents to share ideas and assist the City in creating a master plan that reflects the community’s outdoor recreational need and aspirations. Until January 1, 2018, residents can review two concept designs and vote on playground components for the neighbourhood park. From January 29 to February 11, residents can review and comment on the preferred park concept design. Design concepts can be viewed at guelph.ca/cedarvaleavenue and comments can be submitted online or by emailing Helen White at helen.white@guelph.ca. Feedback received will inform the park… Continue reading City seeks input on Cedarvale Avenue Park

Volumes 1 and 2 now available Guelph, Ont., November 14, 2017 – Last night, City Council approved two volumes of Guelph’s Urban Design Manual—Volume 1: Urban design vision and Volume 2: Urban design action plan. “The Urban Design Manual will provide a thoughtful and consistent approach to urban design in Guelph,” says David de Groot, senior urban designer with the City of Guelph. “As more people come to live and work in Guelph, urban design plays an increasingly important role in planning and developing more intensified and complete mixed-used neighbourhoods.” Volume 1 describes the urban design vision that will create a complete and distinctive community for Guelph citizens and visitors. Volume 2 details the action plan for shaping urban design in Guelph and is divided… Continue reading Council approves Guelph’s urban design manual

Guelph, Ont., October 13, 2017 – The City of Guelph is gathering community input as part of the Guelph Trail Master Plan (GTMP) Update project. The Guelph Trail Master Plan provides strategic direction and specific guidelines for work related to City trails, including trail planning, land securement, funding, design, implementation, operation, promotion and maintenance. “Updating the existing master plan is an opportunity for us to incorporate additional items such as new trail design guidelines, a trail promotion strategy, revised trail routes, and new types of trail facilities,” says Helen White, a park planner with the City. Trail user groups are invited to attend an information session, including presentation, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17 at Guelph City Hall. A drop-in session for land owners… Continue reading City seeks community input on Guelph Trail Master Plan

In late May, the City of Guelph will begin construction of a new facility building in Eastview Community Park, located at 800 Watson Parkway North. The project involves implementing the Council-approved Eastview Park Master Plan. The new building will house four change rooms with showers, individual washrooms, two universal washrooms, two multi-stall accessible washrooms, a rentable concession space and storage space, two referee rooms, a first-aid room, janitorial room, and central service room. There will also be a mechanical room for a future splash pad. The site work will also include installing accessible pedestrian connections to the building entrances. The project will be complete in fall 2018. Site access Park access in the immediate work area will be restricted until construction is finished. For safety reasons,… Continue reading Eastview Community Park construction

Council unanimously approves development of Community Plan for Guelph Guelph, Ont., July 24, 2017 – Guelph City Council received its first update on the City’s progress on implementing the Corporate Administrative Plan (CAP), introduced in September 2016, and further progress towards the Council Shared Agenda (CSA), introduced in 2015. The full CAP and CSA updates can be seen in the Council report. This report is the beginning of a program of improved corporate performance reporting and continuous improvement practices that will result in increased accountability to citizens and better results. “On behalf of Council, I’m very pleased to see the integration of the Corporate Administrative Plan and Council Shared Agenda,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie. “Over the past year we’ve made tremendous progress on multiple fronts.… Continue reading Council updated on City’s Corporate Administrative Plan and Council Shared Agenda

Guelph, Ont., July 18, 2017 – Last night Council directed staff to complete the request for proposal (RFP) process for the redevelopment of the Baker District—the priority project for the Downtown Secondary Plan — including a requirement for space allocation for a main library. “With Council’s support to secure proposals for the Baker District redevelopment, we can forge ahead with fully realizing the economic and social potential of this desirable downtown property within the next five to seven years,” said Derrick Thomson, Guelph’s Chief Administrative Officer. The competitive RFP process will allow staff to  align development work plans and the funding strategy for this site.The resulting proposals will confirm the commercial development interest in today’s market, which has changed since 2014 when the initial concept was… Continue reading City to pursue Baker District redevelopment proposals

On July 4, 2017 the Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan Phase 1 report and recommended vision and guiding principles will be presented to the Committee of the Whole. Phase 1 of the Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan began in early 2016 and concludes with the presentation of the Secondary Plan vision and guiding principles to Council. The recommended vision and five (5) guiding principles focus on spaces that are: Vibrant and urban Green and resilient Healthy and sustainable Interconnected and interwoven Balanced and liveable Work completed throughout Phase 1 includes: Refinement of the study timeline; Finalization of the secondary plan boundary; Development and refinement of background reports and technical work plans for all components of the study; Development of a problem/opportunity statement for the Master Environmental Servicing Plan (MESP);… Continue reading Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan Phase 1 report, recommended vision and guiding principles

Join us for a Public Information Centre (PIC) and Visioning Workshop about the Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan and Master Environmental Servicing Plan.  Thursday, April 27, 2017 6:30-9 p.m. Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School, Gymnasium 200 Clair Road West, Guelph Attend the visioning workshop to help establish a vision, goals and guiding principles for the study. These will inform future decisions regarding the secondary plan. 6:30-7 p.m. Sign-in and display board viewing 7-7:30 p.m. Presentation 7:30-8:30 p.m.  Workshop exercise Individual top priorities Group visioning Group guiding principles Group precedent ranking 8:30-9 p.m. Report back and next steps How to Participate Drop-in anytime from 6:30-9 p.m. to review project information, meet the project team, ask questions or provide comments. To participate in the workshop exercise, registration by Tuesday, April… Continue reading Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan: Notice of Study Commencement, Public Information Centre No. 1 and Visioning Workshop

The City of Guelph is hosting its second public information centre, which will include a brief presentation followed by an open house to review progress to date of the Schedule ‘B’ Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) study for two pedestrian/cyclist bridges across the Speed River. This progress includes completed technical studies and evaluation of the bridge location alternatives. The study area is bound by Wellington Street East, the Guelph Junction Railway tracks, Arthur Street South, and Neeve Street. Tuesday, March 21 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph Why come to the public information centre? This is your opportunity to view project information and provide input on the project team’s evaluation of the alternatives. We invite you to view the presentation… Continue reading Open house notice: The Ward to Downtown bridges

Did you know it’s been five years since the Downtown Secondary Plan (DSP) was introduced?The DSP is Guelph’s transformative vision for downtown growth, now through 2031. Through responsible and creative planning, it supports continued downtown commercial and residential growth as well as creating more employment and cultural opportunities. We’re proud of all the activity in Guelph’s downtown since 2012, and recognize there are many more projects and developments identified in the DSP that are still relevant and needed. A new, 2017 Downtown Guelph Implementation Strategy is being developed that will focus the City’s activities for the next five to 10 years to see many of the remaining DSP projects realized. The following criteria will be used to identify priority projects for Council’s consideration. Support the economic… Continue reading City starts 2017 Downtown Guelph Implementation Strategy process

Last night the City of Guelph’s Executive Team presented a new medium-term Corporate Administrative Plan to City Council. Continue reading City of Guelph releases Corporate Administrative Plan

The City of Guelph is hosting an open house to review and discuss a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) study for proposed improvements to the Norwich Street Bridge, located on the former Norwich Street right-of-way over the Speed River, between Cardigan Street and Arthur Street North. Wednesday, September 21 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph Why come to the open house? This is your opportunity to view project information. We invite you to talk with City staff and consultants working on the project so that you can ask questions and provide input. About the project The Norwich Street Bridge is closed to vehicle traffic, and currently serves as a pedestrian crossing. Due to the deteriorating condition of the bridge and in… Continue reading Norwich Street Bridge open house

The City of Guelph is hosting an open house to review and discuss a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) study for two cycling and pedestrian bridges across the Speed River. Specifically, the City is assessing locations in the study area that is bound by Wellington Street East, Macdonell Street, the Guelph Junction Railway (GJR) tracks, and Arthur Street. Wednesday, September 21 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph Why come to the open house? This is your opportunity to view project information and provide input on preferred locations. We invite you to talk with City staff and consultants working on the project so that you can ask questions about the EA process and review and discuss opportunities and/or constraints related to the… Continue reading The Ward to Downtown bridges open house

Community participation and ownership integral to CEI’s future success Guelph, Ont., April 27, 2016 – Council unanimously approved the City’s proposed process to update Guelph’s Community Energy Initiative (CEI) on Monday evening. “The City has learned a lot about the value of sustainable energy and its role in Guelph’s long-term ability to prosper since the Community Energy Plan was developed in 2007,” said Rob Kerr, the City’s Community Energy Manager. “The updated CEI will reflect what we know now and re-establish the CEI as a community-led initiative by engaging the community to reaffirm Guelph’s energy priorities and lead future success.” The CEI Update will also include metrics to track and report  progress on the initiative’s defined targets, reflect recent federal and provincial policy requirements, and incorporate… Continue reading Guelph’s Community Energy Initiative Update gets green light

April 7, 2016 – Today, the City of Guelph’s Governance Committee of City Council received and approved the 2012-2016 Corporate Strategic Plan (CSP) Priority Project Update. Continue reading City provides update on 2012-2016 Corporate Strategic Plan progress

myGuelph is modernizing City services Go to open.guelph.ca to discuss ideas for the City’s online services Continue reading City of Guelph seeks public input on new digital services

A look at some of the budget details On December 10, 2015, City Council approved a $216 million operating budget and a $61 million capital budget for 2016. This represents a 2.99 per cent tax increase over 2015. In approving the budget, Council approved $3.6 million in reductions to the base budget which included adjustments to purchased goods and services, revenue including a 15 per cent increase to vendor fees at the Guelph Farmers’ Market, and service level changes for Guelph Transit (described below). Within the capital budget, Council approved 124 projects including but not limited to Transit fare box replacement, vehicle and equipment lifecycle replacements, bridge replacements/upgrades (including Niska Bridge), South End Community Park continued implementation, and downtown parkade construction. The following identifies the… Continue reading 2016 budget highlights

Guelph, Ont., December 15, 2015 – Last evening Council approved the terms of reference for the Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan study—the first step in the planning process to develop the southernmost portion of the city. “The approved terms of reference outlines the project’s scope and purpose including the studies required to explore land use, infrastructure, transportation connections, natural heritage features, and parks and trails within Guelph’s last unplanned 520 hectares,” says Stacey Laughlin, the City’s senior policy planner. The City developed the terms of reference with input from the County of Wellington, the Township of Puslinch, Grand River Conservation Authority, local property owners, developers and community members. Establishing the terms of reference is part of the first phase of the Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan study. In 2016,… Continue reading Council approves first step in Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan process

Public invited to attend open houses, take survey to inform Parking Master Plan Guelph, ON, September 4, 2015 – The City of Guelph is seeking public input on four possible funding scenarios to pay for existing and future parking needs in Guelph’s downtown. “Parking impacts all Guelph residents and is an important factor in growing and developing our city. To support the economy and growth targets in the downtown, we need to build new parking spaces, maintain existing parking infrastructure, create supportive policy, and plan for future requirements,” says Ian Panabaker, corporate manager, Downtown Renewal. He adds, “The scenarios—developed by staff using consultant recommendations and information gathered at public meetings in 2013—have the potential to fund existing and future parking needs.” In late 2012, the… Continue reading City develops four possible scenarios to fund downtown parking

Guelph, ON, May 25, 2015 – Ontario Nature presented the City of Guelph with the 2014 Lee Symmes Municipal Award on Saturday in recognition of the City’s commitment to the natural environment. The award acknowledges the City’s leading-edge Natural Heritage System policies developed and implemented over the past 12 years. “The City is honoured to receive the Lee Symmes Municipal Award in recognition of our Natural Heritage System policies and related work,” says Todd Salter, general manager, Planning and Building Services. “This conservation award is evidence of Guelph’s environmental commitment to the long-term protection of the City’s natural heritage features and areas. This environmental achievement would be not possible without the hard work and dedication of City staff, successive City Councils and community stakeholders.” Todd… Continue reading City of Guelph wins award for leadership in environmental conservation

Guelph City Council has approved the secondary plan for the 436 hectare (1,077 acre) plot of land known as the Guelph Innovation District located South of York Road and East of Victoria Road North which is expected to be home to close to 7,000 people and 9,000 jobs. The plan includes an innovative mix of land uses, including a new urban village, a mixed-use main street, a research park and an adaptive re-use area around the historic reformatory complex. Continue reading Council Approves Plan for Innovation District in Guelph’s East End

Recognizing the need to develop improved plans for parking, the City of Guelph has initiated a Parking Master Plan study focusing on Downtown Guelph and surrounding areas. Continue reading City initiates Parking Master Plan study for Downtown Guelph