News Release
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2026 budgets finalized for Guelph’s local boards and shared services
Guelph, Ont., February 4, 2026 – Today, Guelph’s local boards and shared services (LBSS) presented their updated 2026 budgets at a special meeting of Council. The LBSS net tax levy increase of 4.40 per cent represents a significant investment in community well-being, safety, and cultural services. “As separate entities, local boards and shared services agencies,…
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City of Guelph sets roadmap to major emissions reductions and long-term sustainability
Guelph, Ont., January 28, 2026 – The City of Guelph has released a new Corporate Climate Action Plan that charts how the municipality can cut more than 10,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from City operations by 2035. Focused on the buildings, vehicles, systems and policies the City directly manages, the action plan outlines how…
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City of Guelph and GRCA partnering on future of 126.16 acres along Niska Road
Planned land transfer helps provide parkland for the growing Guelph community Guelph, Ont., January 23, 2026 – The City of Guelph and the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) are working on an agreement for the transfer of 126.16 acres of land along Niska Road. Today, the GRCA board gave direction to proceed with working towards…
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New emergency grant, collaboration with Stepping Stone to address gaps in daytime services
Guelph, Ont., January 13, 2026 – To help address immediate needs for essential daytime services such as food, washrooms and warm-up locations, the City of Guelph will provide an emergency grant program and is working with Stepping Stone to open a daytime drop-in space on or about March 1, 2026. Launching by end of day…
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Stepping Stone and Royal City Mission team up with the City on a new daytime drop-in space for people in need
Individuals can access services starting January 12, 2026 Guelph, Ont., December 23, 2025 – To help provide people with access to safe, dignified daytime supports such as food, washrooms and showers, the City is teaming up with Stepping Stone and Royal City Mission with a new investment to open a daytime drop-in space starting January…
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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
in MayorGuelph, 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
in City HallGuelph, 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
in TourismApplications 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
in City HallGuelph, 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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City of Guelph introduces new online parking portal
Parking modernization will improve customer service and reduce administrative costs Guelph, Ont., Aug 5, 2025 – The City of Guelph has launched a new digital parking portal giving permit holders the ability to manage both individual permits and bulk permits (where users register plates on behalf of another driver) online rather than by contacting the…
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The annual Culture Days Festival is here!
Nationwide celebration of arts and culture runs until October 12. Guelph, Ont., September 23, 2025 – Culture Days is back once again! The annual national celebration of arts and culture features free events throughout Guelph—and across the country—between September 19 and October 12. The Ontario Culture Days Guelph Festival Hub catalogues all the upcoming local…
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The City of Guelph announces Stephen O’Brien as new Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Corporate Services
in City HallGuelph, 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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City of Guelph joins Strong Cities Network to strengthen community safety and wellbeing
Guelph, Ont., September 17, 2025 – The City is proud to announce its membership in the Strong Cities Network, a global initiative that empowers municipalities to counter hate, extremism, and discrimination while fostering social cohesion and resilience. As part of this international network, Guelph will collaborate with local and global partners to strengthen its capacity…
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City’s Outside Water Use Program moves back to Level 1 Yellow
Lawn watering allowed during mornings and evenings on alternating days Guelph, Ont., September 12, 2025 – In response to recent weather conditions and water level monitoring reports, the City’s Outside Water Use Program is moving back to level 1 yellow (from level 2 red) effective today. At level 1 yellow, lawn watering is permitted between…
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City launches Equity and Anti-Racism Action Plan to support a more inclusive community
Guelph, Ont., September 11, 2025 – As part of its celebration of Welcoming Week, the City is launching its Equity and Anti-Racism Action Plan, a clear and coordinated effort to make City services more inclusive, responsive and equitable for everyone in our community. The EARAP outlines three key focus areas that guide the City’s efforts…
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Guelph 200 Community Working Group announced
Working group set to guide planning for Guelph’s bicentennial in 2027 January 16, 2026 update Barbara Turley-McIntyre, Lynda Murray and Shawna Peddle have since resigned from the Community Working Group. The City is grateful for their contributions to the working group to date and for their continued support as we look toward community commemoration of…
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Eastview Bike Park pump track now open
New facility features routes for all ages and skill levels Guelph, Ont., August 29, 2025 – The City of Guelph is excited to announce the pump track feature at Eastview Community Park, 800 Watson Parkway North, is officially open. All construction fencing and equipment has been removed, and the community can now enjoy Guelph’s first…
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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 to pilot shared waste containers in Downtown Guelph
Guelph, Ont., August 21, 2025 – As part of ongoing revitalization efforts, the City has launched a pilot program to trial the use of shared waste containers in Downtown Guelph. Beginning on August 25, eligible Downtown businesses and residents can register for secure access to shared organics, recycling and garbage containers in three key locations:…
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City advocates for a healthier, more connected, and affordable future at AMO
in City HallGuelph, 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’s Outside Water Use Program moves to Level 2 Red
No lawn watering and at-home car washing allowed Guelph, Ont., August 13 2025 – In response to recent dry weather and insufficient amounts of rainfall, the City is changing watering restrictions from level 1 yellow to level 2 red of the Outside Water Use Program. At level 2 red, lawn watering and car washing are…
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City of Guelph Artists-in-Residence to host Walk to Freedom participants on July 25
Participate in Echoes of Liberation: A Day of Welcome Guelph, Ont., July 24, 2025 – As part of their Echoes of Liberation project, Kween and Rachele Lovell, Guelph’s 2025 Artists-in-Residence, are welcoming participants in the Walk to Freedom for a day of rest, reflection and collective activation as they pass through the city. Echoes of…
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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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The City of Guelph announces Steven Goode as next Fire Chief for the Guelph Fire Department
Guelph, Ont., Jul 15, 2025 – The City of Guelph is pleased to announce the appointment of Steven Goode as the new Chief of the Guelph Fire Department following a competitive recruitment process. Goode has been with the Guelph Fire Department since 2017, serving as Deputy Chief of Fire Operations where he demonstrated decisive leadership abilities…
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City’s Outside Water Use Program moves to Level 1 Yellow
Increased enforcement for excessive outside water use Guelph, Ont., July 3, 2025 – In response to recent dry weather, the City is changing watering restrictions from level 0 blue to level 1 yellow of the Outside Water Use Program. In level 1 yellow, the Outside Water Use Program is actively enforced by the City’s bylaw…
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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…