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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 Green Development Standards.
Green Development Standards are measures to help make buildings and community areas more sustainable. They help 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’re starting to develop these standards, which will be part of the City’s planning process for new projects and redevelopments. Some may be optional and some may be required.
To inform the Green Development Standards, we will look at best practices, local needs to help Guelph adapt to a changing climate and input gathered from the community. We will also ensure the standards align with the City’s growth plans and community strategies, such as the City’s:
We want to hear from you!
Help shape Green Development Standards for Guelph! Over the coming months, we will be consulting with Indigenous Governments and talking with residents, businesses, developers, public institutions, and community groups. You can provide input through online sessions, a survey or by reaching out to the project team.
We will use your input to create a vision for the project and help inform which sustainability principles are most important to people in Guelph.
To learn more and get involved, please visit haveyoursay.guelph.ca.
Project timeline
- April to November 2025: Consult with Indigenous Governments and community members.
- March 2026: Present Green Development Standards, along with a monitoring strategy, to City Council.
- Spring 2026: Train staff, educate the development community and implement the Green Development Standards.