2026 update: please note the Green Development Framework project is currently paused due to provincial policy changes.
About the project
In Guelph, we need to prepare for the impacts of climate change. We are already facing warmer summers, longer heatwaves, and more frequent and severe rainfall. To help our city adapt and promote a healthy community, the City of Guelph is creating a Green Development Framework.
The Green Development Framework would help make buildings and community areas more sustainable. The framework helps ensure development happens in a way that promotes denser development, protects our water supply, integrates green energy and reduces waste.
Some of the possible benefits for cities include:
- Lower carbon emissions
- Improved resilience to climate change
- Better water and resource management
- Energy savings
- Easier to get around without a vehicle
- More biodiversity
- More parks and green space
- Better air quality
We developed a draft Green Development Framework, considering best practices, local needs to help Guelph adapt to a changing climate and input gathered from the community. We used your input to create a vision for the project and help inform which sustainability principles are most important to Guelph. We will also ensure the standards align with the City’s growth plans and community strategies, such as the City’s:
Please stay tuned for opportunities to share your feedback on a revised draft of the Green Development Framework. To learn more and get involved, please visit haveyoursay.guelph.ca.
Project timeline
- April to November 2025: Consult with Indigenous Governments and community members.
Please note this project is currently paused due to provincial policy changes.