Guelph public meetings in 2023
39 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Heritage Advisory Committee
The committee recommended that City Council designate 211 Silvercreek Parkway South and 2187 Gordon Street under the Ontario Heritage Act. It also recommended that Council request Infrastructure Ontario to repair the Ontario Reformatory stone wall. One designation item for 49 Metcalfe Street was deferred.
- Recommended City Council request Infrastructure Ontario to repair the Ontario Reformatory stone wall (Carried)
- Deferred heritage designation recommendation for 49 Metcalfe Street to October 10, 2023 (Carried)
- Recommended City Council give notice of intention to designate 211 Silvercreek Parkway South (Carried)
- Recommended City Council give notice of intention to designate 2187 Gordon Street (Carried)
- Approved providing member comments on 2187 Gordon Street report to staff and Council (Carried)
- Approved providing member comments on 12 Eramosa Road report to staff and Council (Carried)
- Approved providing member comments on 220 Gordon Street report to staff and Council (Carried)
- Approved minutes from August 14, 2023 meeting (Carried)
Committee of the Whole
Council approved the Downtown Parking Master Plan using a tax-supported financial model and adopted a refreshed territorial acknowledgment. Several governance updates related to Strong Mayor powers and the 2024-2027 meeting schedule were also approved.
- Approved Downtown Parking Master Plan with tax-supported financial model Scenario #2 (12-1)
- Directed staff to develop a Payment-in-lieu of Parking program policy and related bylaw
- Approved refreshed Territorial Acknowledgement for the City of Guelph (13-0)
- Approved 2024-2027 City Council and Committee Meeting Schedule (12-0)
- Approved amended Procedure By-law and Code of Conduct for Council and Local Boards (12-0)
- Approved amended CAO Performance Evaluation and Recruitment terms of reference (12-0)
- Approved amended Recruitment, Appointment and Contract Administration Policy for Municipal Officers (12-0)
- Directed City Clerk to report on municipal lobbyist registry opportunities in Q1 2024 (12-0)
Committee of Management for the Elliott
The Committee of Management for the Elliott confirmed the minutes from the June 6, 2023 meeting. The committee also formally received the 2023-Q2 quarterly report on the operations of The Elliott Long-Term Care Residence.
- Confirmed June 6, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)
- Received 2023-Q2 quarterly report on The Elliott Long-Term Care Residence operations (5-0)
Special Council Meeting
Council awarded additional funding for a supportive housing project at 10 Shelldale Crescent. The funds will be drawn from the Affordable Housing Reserve (#119). Council also passed By-law (2023)-20822.
- Approved $500,000 for Kindle Communities supportive housing at 10 Shelldale Crescent (13-0)
- Authorized updated agreements to fund and monitor the 10 Shelldale Crescent project (13-0)
- Passed By-law (2023)-20822 (13-0)
Accessibility Advisory Committee
The Accessibility Advisory Committee approved the final concept design for the Margaret Greene Splash Pad and supported draft designs for trail curb cut standards. The committee also provided recommendations for the 2026 municipal election voting criteria and several infrastructure projects.
- Recommended adding a question about disenfranchisement to 2026 municipal election voting criteria (Carried)
- Supported final concept plan for Margaret Greene Splash Pad (Carried)
- Requested more information on College Avenue cycling infrastructure regarding weather maintenance and disability aids (Carried)
- Supported draft designs for Trail Curb Cut Standard and requested installation at Steffler Park and public-identified locations (Carried)
- Supported South End Community Centre multi-use trail design with a recommendation for accessible seating (Carried)
- Supported Riverside Park Bandshell renovations and new trail design, requesting the entire stage be made accessible (Carried)
- Received Site Plan Internal Review Report information (Carried)
Heritage Advisory Committee
The committee approved the minutes from the July 10, 2023 meeting. Members provided feedback on the Ontario Reformatory Heritage Conservation District Plan and Guidelines, focusing on language and regulatory clarity. Staff announced a report for 2187 Gordon Street will be considered in September.
- Approved July 10, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment approved zoning variances for a pharmacy, a residential sunroom, and a pilates studio. It also granted consent for a land severance at 239 Kathleen Street subject to several engineering and environmental conditions.
- Approved variance for 561 York Road to allow a pharmacy to occupy up to 50% of gross floor area (Carried)
- Approved variance for 2 Amsterdam Crescent to permit a minimum rear yard of 5.65 metres for a sunroom (Carried)
- Approved variance for 10 Samuel Drive to permit a commercial school (pilates studio) (Carried)
- Approved severance of part of Lots 10 and 11 at 239 Kathleen Street subject to conditions (Carried)
- Approved minutes from the July 13, 2023 Regular Hearing (Carried)
Waste Resource Innovation Centre Public Liaison Committee
The committee approved the minutes from January 19 and March 23, 2023. Staff provided updates on operations and the odour complaints process. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved minutes from January 19 and March 23, 2023 meetings
Tourism Advisory Committee
The committee approved the minutes from April 27, 2023. Members received staff updates regarding the Seasonal Patio Program, visitor demographics, and the Cultural Plan. Planning is underway for tourism organization round tables in October and November.
- Approved April 27, 2023 Meeting Minutes
City Council
City Council approved a by-law permitting personal use e-scooters and established a permanent seasonal patio program with a $10 per square meter monthly fee. Council also approved the Future Guelph Strategic Plan 2024-2027 and set paramedic response time performance plans for 2024.
- Approved personal use e-scooters effective July 25, 2023 (12-0)
- Approved Permanent Seasonal Patio Program with $10/sq meter monthly on-street fee (12-0)
- Approved Future Guelph: Strategic Plan 2024-2027 (13-0)
- Set 2024 Paramedic Services Response Time Performance Plan (13-0)
- Directed staff to report on by-law review workplan by October 2023 (12-0)
- Directed staff to report on fireworks by-law review by October 2023 (12-0)
- Directed Mayor and staff to advocate for provincial noise vehicle camera legislation (11-1)
- Denied request for staff report on outdoor recreational fire by-law review (3-9)
Council Orientation and Education Workshop
Council participated in a Development Charges 101 Workshop. Staff and a consultant provided information on what development charges are and how they are calculated. No substantive motions were decided.
- Adjourned the meeting (Carried)
Special Council Meeting
Council received the 2023 Development Charge Background Study Update for information. Additionally, the council passed By-law number (2023) - 20817.
- Received 2023 Development Charge Background Study Update report (12-0)
- Passed By-law number (2023) - 20817 (12-0)
Municipal Election Compliance Audit Committee
The Municipal Election Compliance Audit Committee heard an application from Amanda Turner regarding Thai Mac's 2022 election financial statement. After deliberations in a closed session, the Committee determined there were no reasonable grounds to request an audit.
- Appointed Robert Williams as Chair (Carried)
- Appointed Carl Zehr as Vice Chair (Carried)
- Confirmed minutes of May 15, 2019 meeting (Carried)
- Approved motion to move into closed meeting (Carried)
- Rejected request for compliance audit review of Thai Mac's 2022 election financial statement (Carried)
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee approved two consent applications for the severance of land at 105 Victoria Road North, subject to various conditions including tree preservation and servicing plans. One application for 516 Imperial Road North was deferred at the request of staff.
- Approved severance of land at 105 Victoria Road North (File B-26/22) with 18 conditions
- Approved severance of land at 105 Victoria Road North (File B-27/22) with 5 conditions
- Deferred consent application B-9/23 for 516 Imperial Road North sine die
- Approved minutes from June 8 and June 22, 2023 hearings
Council Orientation and Education Workshop
City Council participated in an orientation and education workshop regarding the housing continuum, supply, and strategic real estate options. No substantive decisions or policy changes were recorded; the session consisted of staff presentations and a facilitated discussion.
- Adjourned meeting (11-0)
Council Planning
Council approved City-initiated Official Plan Amendment No. 91 and a new Delegation of Authority Amending By-law. The meeting also included the approval of a garage demolition and the receipt of reports for two development applications.
- Approved demolition of detached garage at 12 Forbes Avenue (12-0)
- Received report for proposed semi-detached dwelling at 25 Alice Street (13-0)
- Received report for proposed 11-storey student residence at 716 Gordon Street (12-0)
- Approved City-initiated Official Plan Amendment No. 91 (13-0)
- Approved Draft Delegation of Authority Amending By-law to amend By-law (2023)-20794 (13-0)
- Passed By-laws (2023)-20806, (2023)-20810, (2023)-20812, and (2023)-20813 (13-0)
Heritage Advisory Committee
The committee recommended that City Council designate 131 Ontario Street under the Ontario Heritage Act. Members also provided feedback on cultural heritage evaluation reports for 49 Metcalfe Street and 211 Silvercreek Parkway to be sent to staff and Council.
- Approved minutes from June 12, 2023 meeting (Carried)
- Recommended City Council give notice of intention to designate 131 Ontario Street (Carried)
- Approved providing member comments on 49 Metcalfe Street Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report to staff and Council (Carried)
- Approved providing member comments on 211 Silvercreek Parkway Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report to staff and Council (Carried)
Special Council Meeting
Council held a closed session to discuss litigation and solicitor-client privileged advice regarding 12 Poole Street. Following the session, Mayor Guthrie reported that Council received information and provided staff direction on the matter.
- Approved motion to move into closed meeting (11-0)
Committee of the Whole
Council approved the Future Guelph Strategic Plan 2024-2027 and a permanent seasonal patio program. They also set the 2024 paramedic response time performance plan and directed staff to report back on several by-law reviews.
- Approved Future Guelph: Strategic Plan 2024-2027 (12-0)
- Approved Permanent Seasonal Patio Program pending budget approval (11-0)
- Set 2024 Paramedic Services Response Time Performance Plan (11-0)
- Directed staff to report by October 2023 on removing by-law reviews to free resources (9-0)
- Directed staff to report by October 2023 on updating noise by-law and vehicle noise cameras (10-0)
- Directed staff to report by October 2023 on reviewing outdoor recreational fire burning by-law (9-1)
- Directed staff to report by October 2023 on engagement process for fireworks use and sale (10-0)
City Council
City Council approved an amended Procedure By-law, Closed Meeting Protocol, and Delegation of Authority By-law as part of a 2023 Governance Review. The council also adopted a new Community Engagement Policy and Charter. Several administrative reports and a resolution regarding the municipal declaration of office were approved.
- Approved amended Procedure By-law and Closed Meeting Protocol (13-0)
- Approved revised Community Engagement Policy and draft Community Engagement Charter (12-0)
- Amended Procedure By-law to maintain 10-minute delegation times for Planning Act meetings (9-3)
- Amended Procedure By-law to add O Canada, silent reflection, and First Nations acknowledgement to all meetings (12-0)
- Amended Delegation of Authority By-law to return a specific limitation to five years (8-5)
- Endorsed Water Services’ Operational Plan (12-0)
- Authorized Mayor to sign Ontario Health Multi-Sectoral Accountability Agreement declaration (12-0)
- Passed By-laws (2023)-20791, (2023)-20805, (2023)-20807, (2023)-20808 and (2023)-20809 (13-0)
Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee
The committee approved the May 30, 2023, meeting minutes. Members provided feedback on the Future Guelph 2024-2027 Strategic Plan and the Downtown Parking Master Plan Update.
- Approved May 30, 2023, meeting minutes (carried)
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment approved an application to permit a university residence at 785 Gordon Street. The approval is limited to the existing two-storey building for a maximum of three years starting August 1, 2023.
- Approved university residence use at 785 Gordon Street (Carried)
Arts and Culture Advisory Committee
The committee reviewed the Collection Policy and requested more involvement in the artifact collection process. Amendments to the policy will be redistributed for a future vote. The 2024 to 2027 Strategic Operating Plan preparation was moved to the next meeting.
- Approved April 27, 2023, Meeting Minutes (Carried)
- Approved May 25, 2023, Agenda (Carried)
- Tabled 2024 to 2027 Strategic Operating Plan Preparation
Accessibility Advisory Committee
The Accessibility Advisory Committee approved recommendations for downtown parking, transit standing orders, and the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. The committee also supported the Complete Streets Design Guide and proposed funding changes for the Vehicle for Hire Program.
- Recommended 5 priorities for Downtown Guelph Parking Master Plan (Carried)
- Approved maintaining Guelph Transit standing order list with medical and mental health priority (Carried)
- Recommended draft Multi-Year Accessibility Plan with addition of intersectionality to guiding principles (Carried)
- Supported draft Complete Streets Design Guide with added prioritization for disabled people using cars (Carried)
- Recommended Vehicle for Hire Program funds allow mobility participants to purchase an extra TaxiSCRIP booklet for $20.00/month (Carried)
- Approved receiving Draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan during public review period (Carried)
- Approved April 18, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)
Transportation Advisory Committee
The Transit Advisory Committee approved several reports regarding fare strategy and mobility services. The committee also endorsed recommendations for bike rack training and demonstration stations.
- Approved minutes from May 18, 2023
- Endorsed Fare Strategy Implementation report regarding fare capping
- Endorsed Mobility Services Expansion Plan with recommendations on cancellation limits and user data
- Endorsed recommendations to include bike rack procedures in Travel Training and consider demonstration racks at Guelph Central Station and University Centre
- Endorsed general transit and electric bus updates
City Council as Shareholder of GMHI
City Council, acting as the sole shareholder of Guelph Municipal Holdings Inc. (GMHI), approved the company's 2022 Annual Report. Council also received the audited financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2022, for information.
- Confirmed minutes of March 28, 2023 meeting (13-0)
- Received 2022 GMHI Audited Financial Statements for information (13-0)
- Approved 2022 GMHI Annual Report (13-0)
Special Council Meeting
City Council reviewed the 2022 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the External Audit Findings Report presented by staff and KPMG. The council voted unanimously to approve the documents.
- Approved 2022 Consolidated Financial Statements and External Audit Findings Report (13-0)
City Council as Shareholder of GJR
City Council, acting as the sole shareholder of Guelph Junction Railway Limited, approved the company's 2022 Annual Report. Council also received the audited financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2022, for information.
- Confirmed minutes of June 27, 2022 meeting (12-0)
- Approved Guelph Junction Railway 2022 Annual Report (12-0)
- Received 2022 Guelph Junction Railway Audited Financial Statements for information (12-0)
Council Planning
Council approved several zoning and heritage amendments, including a mixed-use development on Gordon Street and a townhouse project on Victoria Road North. The city also authorized a heritage designation notice for 49 Norfolk Street and approved the demolition of a barn at 20 Cityview Drive North.
- Approved 4-7 storey mixed-use building with 99 units and 850sqm commercial space at 1373-1389 Gordon Street (12-0)
- Approved zoning amendment for 32 stacked townhouses, 23 cluster townhouses, and 3 single detached dwellings at 103-105 Victoria Road North (13-0)
- Approved removal of 20 Cityview Drive North from Municipal Register of Cultural Heritage Properties and demolition of its barn (13-0)
- Authorized notice of intention to designate 49 Norfolk Street under the Ontario Heritage Act (13-0)
- Passed By-laws (2023)-20798 to (2023)-20802 (12-0)
- Approved closed meeting to discuss Memorandum of Agreement with Guelph Professional Firefighters Union Local 467 (12-0)
Heritage Advisory Committee
The committee provided advice to City Council supporting the demolition of an accessory structure at 12 Forbes Avenue. Members also approved a new consultation process for property designations and submitted comments on two cultural heritage evaluation reports.
- Recommended demolition of non-heritage accessory structure at 12 Forbes Avenue (Carried)
- Supported proposed Heritage Designation Consultation Process for Part IV, Section 29 properties (Carried)
- Approved providing member comments on 331 Clair Road East Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report to staff and Council (Carried)
- Approved providing member comments on 131 Ontario Street Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report to staff and Council (Carried)
- Approved minutes from April 11, 2023 meeting (Carried)
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee approved a variance for off-street loading at 111 Watson Road South and a permanent agriculture use at 80 Regal Road. It also permitted a change of use to medical and office spaces at 265 Edinburgh Road South. One application for 5 Nicholas Way was deferred sine die.
- Approved variance for partially visible off-street loading at 111 Watson Road South (Carried)
- Approved change of use to medical office, medical clinic, office, and rental outlet at 265 Edinburgh Road South (Carried)
- Approved variance for permanent agriculture, vegetation based use at 80 Regal Road (Carried)
- Deferred minor variance application A-37/23 for 5 Nicholas Way sine die (Carried)
- Approved May 11, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)
Public Art Advisory Committee
The committee selected three individuals to serve as the 2023 Artists in Residence. The decision followed a closed session to review and score Stage 2 submissions.
- Selected Jude Akrey, James Gordon, and Miki Tamblyn as 2023 Artists in Residence (Carried)
- Approved April 13, 2023, meeting minutes (Carried)
- Approved May 11, 2023, meeting agenda (Carried)
Committee of the Whole
Council approved a comprehensive governance review including updates to the Procedural By-law, Closed Meeting Protocol, and CAO recruitment and evaluation terms. The city also endorsed the Water Services’ Operational Plan and authorized a health compliance declaration.
- Endorsed Water Services’ Operational Plan (13-0)
- Authorized Mayor to sign Ontario Health Multi-Sectoral Accountability Agreement declaration (13-0)
- Received Guelph. Future Ready Progress Report and requested annual updates from local boards starting June 2024 (13-0)
- Received County of Wellington Social Services report for information (12-0)
- Approved amended Procedural By-law, Closed Meeting Protocol, and CAO recruitment/evaluation terms (12-0)
- Approved amended policies for Municipal Officers recruitment and departures (12-0)
- Directed City Clerk and Mayor to review Strategic Advisory Group on Downtown Guelph governance (12-0)
- Amended Delegation of Authority By-law (12-0)
Committee of Management for the Elliott
The Committee confirmed the minutes from the March 7, 2023 meeting. Members also received the 2023-Q1 quarterly operations report for The Elliott Long-Term Care Residence and an update report on the long-term care bed expansion project.
- Confirmed March 7, 2023 meeting minutes (7-0)
- Received 2023-Q1 quarterly report on The Elliott Long-Term Care Residence operations (7-0)
- Received Long-Term Care Bed Expansion Project Update Report (7-0)
Council Orientation and Education Workshop
Guelph City Council and Wellington County Council held a joint orientation and education workshop. Staff and leadership provided information on Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Services, the Community Paramedicine Program, and offload delays at Guelph General Hospital. No substantive decisions were made.
- Adjourned meeting (Carried)
CAO Recruitment, Selection and Performance Sub-committee
The committee held a closed session to receive information regarding the CAO 2023 mid-year check-in. In the open session, the committee confirmed the minutes from the January 17, 2023, meeting.
- Approved move to closed meeting (5-0)
- Confirmed open minutes from January 17, 2023 meeting
City Council
City Council allocated a 2022 operating surplus of $13,698,567 across various reserve funds. Council also directed staff to draft a bylaw permitting personal use e-scooters and approved funding for a wildlife crossing and heritage initiatives.
- Allocated 2022 operating surplus of $13,698,567 to city reserves and funds (12-0)
- Appointed Ajay Sharma to the Guelph Police Services Board (12-0)
- Directed staff to bring a report and draft bylaw to permit personal use e-scooters by July 5, 2023 (12-0)
- Approved $375,000 for wildlife crossing and fencing on Maltby Road (12-0)
- Approved $500,000 for Heritage Initiatives and Ward West Cultural Heritage Study (12-0)
- Approved $260,000 from Police Operating Contingency Reserve for Downtown Initiative (12-0)
- Passed By-laws (2023)-20797 and (2023)-20803 (12-0)
- Confirmed open meeting minutes from April 2023 (12-0)
Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee
The committee approved the minutes from the March 28, 2023, meeting. Members received staffing updates regarding the General Manager and Economic Development Officer positions and viewed a presentation on the Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw.
- Approved March 28, 2023, meeting minutes (carried)
Arts and Culture Advisory Committee
The committee reviewed the Culture Plan 2030 outline document and provided feedback. The Collection Policy Review was tabled until the next meeting.
- Approved March 23, 2023, Meeting Minutes (Carried)
- Approved April 27, 2023, Agenda (Carried)
- Tabled Collection Policy Review