We feel well
Everyone belongs here. Our diversity is celebrated, and inclusion is a habit. Healthy families and close-knit communities safeguard against social isolation, a growing public health crisis. Because everyone deserves a great start, we recognize our role in preventing and reducing the effects of adverse childhood experiences. Older adults, immigrants and newcomers are valued and can fully participate and contribute to their communities. We tackle the root causes of physical and mental health issues. We support a sustainable, circular food system that nourishes ourselves and our families. And our health-care infrastructures have expanded to meet the needs of our growing population.
Give children and youth a great start
- The needs of children and youth are met (socially, physically, nutritionally, spiritually, culturally and safety-wise).
- The community fully understands what adverse childhood experiences are and how we can work together to prevent them.
- Families have strong, nurturing relationships.
Foster good mental health
- People feel they have good mental health.
- Poor mental health has less impact on our ability to earn a living, learn, connect to one another and achieve.
Ensure that everyone feels they belong here
- Community members feel accepted for who they are and do not face any discrimination or stigma.
- There is a strong sense of community across the city, and people feel that everyone matters.
- We celebrate diversity.
- Social isolation is rare, and people have strong connections with friends and family.
Create a nourished community
- We have a sustainable food system with no wasted food, energy or material resources.
- Everyone has access to the nutrition they need.
Build health infrastructure for the future
- Guelph is full of amenities to support health and well-being—amenities that grow as the community grows.
What we heard
What we care about
- People most love that Guelph is a “good place for family/diversity/community/livability.” This also ranked top for what Guelph should be known for in the next 10 years.
- Residents want to have basic needs affordably met and the most vulnerable looked after.
What we’re proud of
- There is a strong sense of community belonging and social connectedness. This social aspect of life is a vital source of community identity and pride.
- Many people choose Guelph because it’s friendly, vibrant and inclusive and people know one another. Neighbours are caring, supportive and helpful.
- Events, opportunities and collaborations are very important to a strong community feel.
How we can do better
- There is concern about poverty, homelessness, mental health and addictions, with feedback revealing both genuine concern as well as stigmatization and misperceptions.
- People want better access to mental health services and opportunities.
- Accessibility was a key theme, including access to housing, recreation and economic participation.
- Supports for children and their families is important.