insight guelph - fall 2009

Guelphinsightbetter

getting even

Fall 2009

In this issue…

Guelph, a great new home for

new Canadians

2

3

5

Community improvements aheadIn many oF the places you see road construction, the City is improving bike lanes, sidewalks and streetlighting to make roads safer and more convenient for people travelling through the city — whether they’re in a car, on a bus, on a bike or on their own two feet. Aging water and sewer mains are also being replaced. In fact, many road reconstruction projects include:

pavement, curb, gutter, sidewalks, •and driveway ramps watermain, sanitary and storm •sewer and services bicycle lanes, streetscaping, •and street lights utilities (telephone, •telecommunication, electricity, and natural gas)

Infrastructure stimulus projectsThe City will be working on a number of road reconstruction projects, transit infra-

structure and municipal buildings over the next two years as part of the Federal and Provincial Infrastructure Stimulus Funding program. The City will pay $22 million to-ward these projects, and those funds will be matched by $44 million from the Prov-incial and Federal governments for a total of $66 million in infrastructure upgrades.

Getting startedAll Infrastructure Stimulus projects must be complete by March, 2011 in order to qualify for the funding. In Guelph, the City is starting three road reconstruction pro-jects this year:

Norfolk Street between Paisley/•Quebec Street and Green StreetWyndham Street between •Wellington Street and Farquhar StreetWoodlawn Road between Silvercreek •Parkway and Nicklin Road

Over the next two years work will con-tinue on roads and sidewalks throughout the city. You’ll also see upgrades at Guelph’s main fire hall, the River Run Centre and Guelph’s transit facility.

DowntownA new inter-modal transit hub is planned for downtown, and is designed to improve connections between local transit and regional buses and trains.

Work on the Civic Square, the water fea-ture and skating rink in front of new City Hall and Guelph’s Provincial Court house will also be taking place over the next few

years. The square will be a beautiful space for visitors and residents to enjoy as they shop, work or travel in Guelph.

The new Civic Museum and Public Library will also add to the quality of life in Guelph’s downtown core.

Work that’s worthwhileNo one likes traffic interruptions or road closures, and the City is working with its contractors to minimize disruptions during construction. The work is part of the City’s commitment to create a more attractive, well-functioning and sustainable city from the downtown core to the city limits.

Visit guelph.ca/construction for a com-plete list of Infrastructure Stimulus projects. For regular updates about traffic interrup-tions or road closures visit guelph.ca/traffic or follow us on twitter.com/cityofguelph.

Take a walk back to school

Inspiring community

projects Help build

a legacy for Guelph

9

Local bountyGuelph’s farms

and markets

Insight Guelph_Fall 09.indd 1 31/08/2009 3:10:43 PM

insight Guelph Fall 20092

Guelph – safe, healthy and smart Guelph was In the news recently for being Canada’s safest community, based on Statistics Canada data that measures both the number and seriousness of crimes. Guelph’s score on the Canadian Crime Severity Index was 57.7; the Canadian average was 90.

This is great news. I have always known that Guelph is a safe community, but I certainly don’t mind having it confirmed in the pages of national newspapers. Thanks are due to the Guelph Police Service, and to all the organizations and individuals in Guelph who make safety a priority.

Of course, while our crime statistics are a positive sign, they are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to being a safe and healthy community.

Another important piece is how we look out for one another. In this area, Guelph fares very well. Maclean’s magazine named Guelph the most caring community in Canada, based on the fact that nearly 70 per cent of residents volunteer — the highest percentage in the nation.

In another Maclean’s feature called “Canada’s Smartest Cities,” Guelph ranked fourth out of more than 4,700 municipalities, based on a Composite Learning Index developed by the Canadian Council on Learning. Our city came first in the “learning to live together” portion of the index, which is about community-building and respect for others.

I always read these rankings with a critical eye because they can vary widely depending on their methodology. But they are a good starting point for discus-sion, and it’s nice to know that in some very important areas, Guelph is doing a lot of things right.

Enjoy this issue of Insight Guelph and as always, if you have any comments or questions, please send me an e-mail at [email protected] or call 519-837-5643.

Karen FarbridgeMayor

Guelph, a great new home for new Canadianssoon new canadIans settling in Guelph will enjoy more resources and ser-vices to ease the transition of adopting and adoring their new community.

New Canadians comprise 20 per cent of Guelph’s population and have for over a decade, according to Statistics Canada. After 2025, immigration will likely be Can-ada’s only source of population growth and will be required to prevent population decline*. Further, Guelph’s Growth Man-agement Plan outlines the City’s popula-tion is expected to grow to 165,000 by 2031 with an average population growth rate of 1.5 per cent. In order to achieve Guelph’s growth targets and support the local economy, strategies are needed to attract immigration to the city.

A new Citizenship and Immigration Can-ada funded partnership between the City of Guelph, the Guelph Inclusiveness Alli-ance, and a number of community service organizations will soon focus efforts on at-tracting more immigrants to Guelph and increasing the success of their settlement.

Over the next year, the Local Immigra-tion Partnership (LIP) for Guelph and Wel-

lington County will enhance existing immigration initiatives and resources. These efforts will include researching the needs of new Canadians and gaps in local service offerings, creating an Immigration Council and an inventory of the current services available, updating well-used re-sources, and developing a settlement strategy.

In order to ensure these initiatives pro-vide what new Canadians need and want, and further reinforce the position that Guelph is a welcoming place for immi-grants, new Canadians will be an integral voice of the LIP and its projects. New Can-adians will lead, consult, facilitate and par-ticipate throughout the entire process.

Overall the LIP aims to strengthen local partnerships and co-ordination efforts, and build on high-quality, in-demand im-migrant resources and services to attract and engage more new Canadians.

As work gets underway this fall, you can also help shape LIP projects by participat-ing in the various public consultations to be held this year and in 2010. For more information visit guelph.ca/LIP.

* United Way of Guelph and Wellington Community Connections, February/March 2008 Social Planning Report: The Face of Guelph and Wellington is Changing


Fall 2009 insight Guelph 3

Inspiring community projectsHelp build a legacy for Guelph

Guelph Civic MuseumIt’s not every day a city is able to take a historic 1850s landmark and retrofit it so that it may become a beautiful “new” home for historic collections.

That’s exactly what’s about to take place atop the hill at Norfolk Street beside the city’s much-loved Church of our Lady.

The $12.7 million project will mean a new museum that’s twice the size of Guelph’s current museum on Dublin Street. It will be built to the LEED Silver Standard set by the Canadian Green Build-ing Council, and will feature a larger interactive children’s gallery; a local gallery; room for research, artifact and archival storage for the collection which numbers over 30,000 pieces; exposed lime-stone walls on the interior; a restoration of the Norfolk Street fa-çade; space for outdoor events and programs; and a fully accessible space inside and out.

How you can helpHundreds of donors, members and volunteers have worked togeth-er to build the Guelph Civic Museum. Over the years, their efforts and contributions have enhanced the Museum’s collections, cre-ated stimulating exhibitions, and built exciting programs for children. Today, as the Guelph Museum prepares to launch its most import-ant expansion ever, it needs the support of Guelph’s residents.

The Guelph Museums Board is about to launch a fundraising campaign to raise $500,000 for the project. Your tax-creditable donation will help renew and enrich the Guelph Civic Museum experience for you and more than 24,000 visitors each year.

Every donation is much appreciated and will be acknowledged by full tax receipt for your gift.

For information about Guelph’s new Civic Museum, visit guelph.ca/museum. To donate, contact the Guelph Civic Mu-seum at 519-836-1221.The Government of Ontario’s Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative is con-tributing $5 million to this project; the Government of Canada’s Cultural Spaces Canada program is contributing $1 million; and the City of Guelph is contributing $5.7 million.

Efforts are underway to make the space in front of Guelph’s beautiful new City Hall the city’s premier gath-ering spot. Conceptualized as the heart and soul of our city, the new Civic Square will offer beautiful spots to gather, reflect, admire public art, and enjoy community events.

How you can helpSubject of a major fundraising drive, the Square’s focal point will be an active water feature and skating rink that will bring the community together for daily activities and spe-cial events. It is to be designed to demonstrate the best water and energy conservation practices while providing the community with a new year-round recreational facility.

Every donation is much appreci-ated and will be acknowledged with a full tax receipt for your gift.

For information about Guelph’s Civic Square, visit guelph.ca/city-hall > community spaces. For in-formation about fundraising efforts for the Civic Square, or to donate, contact the Civic Square Fundrais-ing Group at 519-836-4772.

Guelph’s Civic Square

guelph.ca/grandopening

Take FREE transit

and join in the fun

downtown!

Saturday,September 1910 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Enjoy local music and art!

Take a tour! Have food and fun!



Safe cycling in the cityCyclists are safer when they share the road

Before you go by bike

Take an urban cycling course like •CanBike for kids. Sign up online at guelph.ca/regexpress.Review the • Ontario Guide to Safe Cycling so you know the rules of the road.Plan your route •using the Guelph Cycling Map and check guelph.ca/traffic for road construction or interruptions.Wear your •helmet and dress for the weather; wear bright colours and be sure your lights and your bell are working.Check your • ABCs

Air• pressure should match the number listed on your tires.Brakes• should create a skid when you roll your bike forward and squeeze them.Chain• and bearings should be cleaned and oiled about once a month.

Maintain your bike so you’re always •ready to ride. The Guelph Cycling Map directory features a list of local bike retailers and repair shops.

most cyclInG collIsIons occur when cyclists ride on sidewalks. In fact, cyclists on sidewalks are at least four times more likely to fall or be injured than those riding on the road.*

The Ontario Guide to Safe Cycling reminds us that bikes are vehicles, so cyclists and motorists need to share the road.

More cyclists on the streetsAs students head back to school this month, motorists can expect to see more bicycle traffic.

For their part, cyclists should be visible and consistent when sharing the road with drivers:obey all traffic and stop signs•use bike lanes or ride 1 to 1.5 metres from the curb•walk your bike when using sidewalks or crosswalks •the fine for cycling on sidewalks or crosswalks is $50 plus $15 court costs •on trails, use your bell to notify people before you pass them•use a bell and lights, required for all bicycles•wear a helmet, required for cyclists under the age of 18•

If you are not confident sharing high-traffic routes, the Guelph Cycling Map identifies roads with bike lanes, wide pavement or neighbourhood roads, and trails to help you find an alternate route.

The City is also adding more bike lanes as part of many road reconstruction projects taking place across the city.

Get more safe cycling tips, download the Guelph Cycling Map and learn more about the Bicycle-Friend-ly Guelph Initiative at guelph.ca/bike.

* Cycling Accident Research, Summary of Aultman-Hall studies on Sidewalk and Bike Path Cycling, January 1999

IT’S A SIDEWALK

Share the road. It’s the law.

YOUR BIKE BELONGS ON THE ROAD.

GUELPH.CA/BIKE

Visit guelphtransit.ca for more information on

how to Rack, Ride ‘n’ Roll!

Rack, Ride,‘n’ Roll with

Guelph TransitYou can now

bike to the bus then

catch a ride, as Guelph

Transit buses are equipped

with an easy-to-use bike rack on the front of

the bus.



Take a walk back to schoolFor many parents with school-aged children, mornings can feel like a daily whirlwind. After breakfast, it’s a scramble to get everybody dressed, lunches packed, and climb in the car to drop off the kids on your way to work.

With a little planning, you can make part of your morning routine less stressful, and grab some quality time for you and your kids.

A one-kilometre walk to school gives your kids 15 minutes of exercise and fresh air before they sit down in a classroom for the rest of the morning. That little bit of exercise can make your kids more alert and help them concentrate in class.

Your quick walk home before going to work gives you 15 minutes to yourself each morning; imagine that!

A number of community groups are working together to encourage more parents to walk or cycle with their kids to school. The City, along with WDG inMotion, the Upper Grand District School Board, and the Active and Safe Routes to School Partnership want to see more kids on their feet and their bikes because:

exercise helps to reduce the risk of obesity and other health problems•daily physical activity helps to form good exercise habits•parents can coach kids about cycling safety•less vehicle traffic in school zones improves safety for students, teachers •and parentsfewer cars on the road improves the health of our community and •the environmentit’s fun•

You can even arrange a “walk-to-school bus”; it’s like a carpool on your feet. Together with other parents in your neighbourhood, you can take turns leading your kids and a few of their friends on a safe route to school.

You and your children deserve a healthy start every day. Make a plan to walk to school, and then take a little time for yourself at the beginning of your busy day.

Learn more at guelph.ca/tdm or visit www.saferoutetoschool.ca.

Guelph Transit – on the growWhat would encourage you to start using transit?

Community input The study will collect com-ments and suggestions from transit passengers, system person-nel, and anyone else with an interest in Guelph’s transit system via:

on-bus surveys on both •conventional and mobility services

– Mobility Service riders were surveyed in summer of 2009– Conventional service riders will be surveyed in fall of 2009

on-line surveys for riders, non-riders, •large employers and schoolsa Public Information Centre to •present potential options and collect feedback

Visit guelphtransit.ca for more oppor-tunities to participate in the Guelph Transit Growth Strategy and Plan.

thIs questIon and others will be asked as the City studies its transit system, and develops a growth strategy and plan for transit and mobility services.

Growth strategy goalsThe City plans to build a transit system that will meet the growing needs of people liv-ing, working or studying in Guelph. The study and plan will:

establish a long-term vision and •growth strategy for transit services conduct a detailed review of transit •operations, and make recommendations to improve service and efficiencyassess the feasibility of Higher Order •Transit services (such as Bus Rapid Transit, Light Rail Transit), and linking those services to surrounding municipalitiesupdate the design for the •Downtown Transit Terminal



Keeping our community safeGuelph police, fire and emergency medical services work together to make Guelph Canada’s safest community, as re-cently ranked by Statistics Canada.

The average taxpayer in Guelph pays about $74/month* for 24-hour emergency protection services. These services go well beyond emergency response and rescue teams:

Fire and Emergency Medical Services

community outreach •and public educationfire prevention and •safety inspectionsfire investigations•fire fighting•emergency medical •responsepublic assistance – •non-emergency responsesmotor vehicle and •water rescuehazardous materials •responseemergency planning•

Guelph Police Servicescommunity relations•downtown liaison, tactical and •bike patrolneighbourhood teams•canine unit•traffic unit•investigations•civil emergency response•training and education•

Guelph police, fire and emergency ser-vices are ready to help when you need them, so you can feel safe in your com-munity. Learn more at guelphpolice.com or guelph.ca/fire, or guelph.ca/ems.* 2009; based on an average property assessment value of $257,000.

Fight the fluProtect yourself and others Summer iS windinG down, kids have returned to school, and a cooler breeze is in the air. Unfortunately, this means an-other flu season will soon be upon us. The flu affects 10 to 25 per cent of Canadians each year. You can play an active role in staying healthy and preventing the spread of influenza, whether it’s the seasonal flu that circulates each winter or pandemic influenza, like H1N1 flu virus.

Protect yourself and your family, and help stop the spread of the flu virus by following a few simple steps:

Clean your hands often. Wash your •hands with soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds. Remember to wash before and after eating, after using the bathroom, after coughing or sneezing, and after touching surfaces that may have been contaminated by other people.Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. •Cover your mouth and nose when •you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue, or the bend of your elbow. If you use a tissue, dispose of it as soon as possible and wash your hands immediately.Make sure your vaccinations are up-•to-date. This includes one shot against seasonal flu and two shots to protect against H1N1 flu. For information about flu shots, and dates and locations of vaccination clinics, call Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health at 519-846-2715 x 4161.

Stay home if you feel sick. Limit your •contact with others to prevent spreading your illness. Keep shared surface areas clean. •Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, telephones, keyboards, and toys.

Flu symptomsFlu symptoms include fever, cough, short-ness of breath, muscle aches, fatigue, severe headache, sore throat, and lack of appetite. For H1N1 flu, some people have reported vomiting and diarrhea. Although most people recover in five to seven days, some people will have severe illness. If your symp-toms do not improve, see your doctor.

If you get the flu, you should increase the amount of fluids you drink (water, juice, soup) and have plenty of rest.

For more information about seasonal flu or H1N1 flu, call Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health at 519-846-2715 x 4161 or go to www.wdghu.org.

About the H1N1 flu virusH1N1 flu is a respiratory illness that causes symptoms similar to seasonal flu. If you experience severe flu-like symptoms, talk to a health professional.

Follow the same steps described for preventing seasonal flu. This year you will need to get vaccinated against seasonal flu and H1N1 flu. Vaccination clinics for seasonal flu will begin in October. Clinics for the H1N1 flu shot will start later this year when the vaccine is available from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. There is no cost to you for the flu shots.

Insight Guelph_Fall 09.indd 6 03/09/2009 11:13:54 AM


Celebrating 100 years of servicethe Guelph FIre department has a proud tradition of provid-ing quick and efficient response to fire and emergency situations in the community.

This fall marks the 100th anniversary of Guelph’s fire service. On October 1, 1909 the Guelph Fire Brigade became a fully paid fire service. Its first motorized vehicle, a Model-T Ford — fondly re-ferred to as the “Red Devil” — was purchased in 1917. The horses were retired from the department with the purchase of a new fire truck in 1927.

In 1909 there was only one fire hall, located at the north-west corner of the Winter Fair Building, which is now part of Guelph’s new City Hall.

Today, the Guelph Fire Department has grown to include five fire stations, with a sixth planned for the south end in 2010. There are over 150 staff and a fleet of 15 emergency response vehicles. In 2008, the Guelph Fire Department responded to 6,670 calls for service in Guelph alone.

Celebrating our fire serviceIn partnership with Guelph Museums and in celebration of its 100th anniversary, the Guelph Fire Department has sponsored an exhibit at the Guelph Civic Museum. Children can learn more about the Guelph Fire Department while trying on uniforms and testing equipment. The Fire Department exhibit is on display until the end of the year.

In honour of the Guelph Fire Department’s 100 years of service, the Riverside Park floral clock design incorporates images of a fire-fighter helmet, an axe, and a fire hydrant. Check it out the next time you’re at the park.

Guelph Fire Department Open HouseMembers of the Guelph Fire Department are proud of their heritage. To celebrate 100 years of service in the community, the Guelph Fire Department will host an open house on Saturday, October 3. Residents are invited to drop by Fire De-partment Headquarters at the corner of Wyndham and Wellington to learn about the history of Guelph’s fire service and take a look at the vehicles and equip-ment used over the years. Watch for more details in the City News pages in the Friday edition of the Guelph Tribune.

Questions? E-mail [email protected].

Have a greatGuelph shot?

Guelph’s breathtaking beauty and commitment

to green activities is a source of great pride.

Do you have a photo that illustrates

Guelph’s beauty? Send it to: Corporate Communications, City Hall, 1 Carden St, Guelph ON N1H 3A1.

Your photo may be featured in the 2010 Conservation Calendar or another City publication. Please include a title/description of your photo(s), along with your name and contact information.

Visit www.fl ickr.com/groups/guelphphotos to upload your Guelph photos online.

Photo specifi cations: The longest side of the picture for digital fi les should be at least 3,000 pixels and have a minimum resolution of 300 pixels per inch. Print photos should be a minimum of 8” by 10”.

Note: By submitting your photo(s), you are providing the City of Guelph with permission to use your photo(s) in City of Guelph marketing material. Your name will be published when crediting your photo in City publications. Questions regarding the collection of personal information should be directed to the Information, Privacy and Records Coordinator at 519-822-1260 x 2439.

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Guelph Fire Department poses with the “Red Devil” during Guelph’s Centennial in 1927.

Fire Department staff in front of station, 1947

South End Emergency Services Station

1979

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_735

2009

_32_

26

1985

_41_

1

Photos courtesy of Guelph Museums.



Netta JacksonA recent Mayor’s Award recipient, has been a volunteer at the Evergreen Sen-iors Centre since 1991. Netta teaches line dancing, an in-home fitness routine for the Feeling Better program, assists in the dining room, and helps out with Guelph-Wellington Seniors Association events. Netta is also an active volunteer at the Guelph General Hospital. In 1999, she was named the Hospital’s Volunteer of the Year.

Canada’s volunteer capitalsometImes It’s a Good thInG to be Included In the clIché “everybody’s doInG It”. A great example is that almost everybody in Guelph volunteers. In fact, Mac-lean’s Magazine reported that a total of 69.7 per cent of Royal City residents volunteer — the highest percentage of all Canadian cities. This has earned Guelph the distinction of Canada’s most caring city.

If you haven’t hopped on the volunteer bandwagon yet, now is an ideal time to find out how to start, what’s out there and who else is doing it.

Getting startedThink about the type of volunteer experience you’re looking for and the skills you can offer an organization in need. Then contact the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington. Their online resources and staff can help you through the process of determining a good fit for your interests and lifestyle with a worthy organization. For more information visit volunteerguelphwellington.on.ca.

Unique volunteer ideasThere are hundreds of rewarding local volunteer opportunities to choose from. To get you thinking outside of the box, here are a few unique options to consider:

Become a Snow Angel. Not everyone has the ability to shovel snow around their •home. Grab your shovel and help a senior or person with a disability in your neighbourhood. For more information call 519-822-1155.Love to share Guelph history and trivia? The Guelph Civic Museum and McCrae •House are always looking for volunteers to help out at events. For more information call 519-836-1221.One2One program volunteers assist children, youth or seniors with a disability, •participate in a variety of recreation programs. For more information call 519-822-1260 x 2702.

Tyler YoungA health enthusiast with a big heart, spends his free time walking dogs from the Guelph Humane Society to help keep them happy and fit. Since 2005, he has been volunteering with the Humane Societies in Brantford, Guelph and Oak-ville. Tyler also periodically volunteers with local community theatre produc-tions. He has worked backstage on light-ing and costume design, and has successfully secured on-stage roles too.

Look who volunteers

Susie PanA grade 12 student at Centennial High School, has volunteered with the Guelph Youth Council (GYC) for the past three years. Last year, she held the position of Director of Communications and Public Relations, taking on much of the writing and market-ing responsibilities. Susie was also a mem-ber of the planning team for the Amazing Race fundraising event for homeless youth. Outside of the GYC, she volunteers for the International Language Program as an as-sistant Mandarin teacher and English tutor.

Fun fact did you know the river run centre has one of the most successful volunteer programs in the country? Its 300-plus volunteers assist with running its day-to-day operations and contribute to over $100,000 in savings each year.

For information about volunteering with the city of Guelph, visit guelph.ca/volunteer.

Yard waste will be collected during your clear WASTE collection week

on your regular collection day.

Week B collection: November 2 – 6

Week A collection: November 9 – 13

Fallyard wastecollection

Watch for more details in the City News pages in October or visit guelph.ca/wetdry.

Have you heard

the news?Quarterly

Insight Guelphguelph.ca/insightguelph

MonthlyThe PLAYlist

visitguelphwellington.ca

WeeklyCity e-News

guelph.ca/news

DailyTwitter

twitter.com/cityofguelph

AnytimeCity’s website

guelph.ca

Facebook pagefacebook.com/cityofguelph



Local bountyGuelph’s farms and marketshave you ever wondered how far your food travels before it reaches your table? One study estimates that a basic North American meal travels 2,400 kilometres from field to table — roughly the driving distance from Regina to Toronto!

Eating local foods can be a healthier option for you, and helps to reduce our community’s environmental impact.

Explore our local foodsTreat your family and your taste buds to the local flavours of Guelph and Wellington County at the third annual Wel-lington Rural Romp on Saturday, September 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Take a guided farm tour, meet and greet local farmers, sample local foods, take part in the children’s activities, and more. There are 24 local farms and markets taking part in this year’s Rural Romp, including:

Guelph Farmers’ MarketSaturdays, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.Corner of Gordon St and Waterloo Aveguelph.ca/farmersmarket

Mosborough Country MarketOpen daily until December 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.5284 Wellington Rd 32, Guelphwww.mosboroughmarket.ca

Strom’s FarmOpen daily until October 31, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.5089 Wellington Rd 32, Guelphwww.strom.ca

Pick up a copy of the 2009 Guelph Wellington Local Food Map for a list farms and markets participating in this year’s Rural Romp or visit www.guelphwellingtonlocalfood.ca for more information.

Buy local, eat localPick up a free copy of the 2009 Guelph Wel-lington Local Food Map to find farms, mar-kets, retail stores and restaurants that offer fresh, locally produced food. This local food guide can be picked up at Guelph and Wel-lington libraries, tourism outlets and select retail and business locations. You can also order a free map by calling Guelph Wel-lington Tourism at 1-800-334-4519.

Benefits of eating local foodsFreshness and taste – Local produce tends to •be fresher and contain higher levels of vitamins than imported varieties. Locally raised animal products are more flavourful and retain a higher proportion of their nutritional value than imported foods.Builds community – •Communities come together to support locally-produced food and the people who produce it.Reduces wasteful packaging – Locally •produced foods require much less packaging than foods shipped long distances.Reduces air pollution – A tremendous amount •

of fossil fuel is used to transport foods long distances, contributing to

the release of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into

the atmosphere.

Healthy Landscapes

2009 Community Garden Tour

Discover how local gardeners have created healthy,

natural landscapes in their yards.

Sunday, September 2011 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rain or shine

About the TourThe Community Garden Tour features gardens throughout the community that demonstrate water effi ciency, use alternative ground covers, are low maintenance, and include native and pollinator friendly plants.

The Garden Tour is free and self-guided. Visit guelph.ca/healthylandscapes to print a copy of the map or pick up a copy at one of the following locations:

City Hall•Guelph Public Library branches•City of Guelph Community Centres•Local garden centres•

Maps will also be available at each garden location on the day of the garden tour.

Visit as many or as few gardens as you like, in any order between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Transportation to the gardens is not provided.

Garden locations1 A hidden native pollinator garden 207 Speedvale Ave E2 Established neighbourhood garden 116 Renfi eld St3 A low-maintenance approach

to gardening 50 King St4 Italian villa garden 125 York Rd5 A pollinator’s paradise 1 Echo Dr

For more information T 519-822-1260 x 2109E [email protected]/healthylandscapes



Recreation, Parks, and Culture Master Plan HighlightsGuelph Is takInG charGe of its recrea-tion, parks, and culture future. Recently, more than a year of work on the City’s Re-creation, Parks, and Culture Master Plan was presented to City Council. The result is a plan that centres around seven goals, all intended to help the City and the com-munity prepare for and deliver on Guelph’s recreation, parks and culture needs today, and for generations to come.

What have you learned today?Life-long learning opportunities for adultswhen back to school nostalGIa hits you this fall, don’t dismiss learning something new as an activity only for youth. Guelph is a city rich with diverse learning opportunities for adults. Whether you’re interested in further developing existing skills or trying some-thing new, there’s a class, course, program or workshop right here for you. So forget about the pressure of getting an “A” on your report card, and explore all the ways you can learn something new today.

A short list of great places to start your searchUniversity of Guelph, • uoguelph.caConestoga College, • conestogac.on.cayour local community centre, • guelph.ca/recreation your local library, • library.guelph.on.ca

Adult learning opportunitiesThe Evergreen Seniors Centre offers over 100 registered and drop-in recreation and leisure programs open to adults of all ages. The Centre also extends discounts to members of the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association.

Conestoga College and the University of Guelph offer both short- and long-term learn-ing opportunities ranging from one-day courses to diploma or degree options in a variety of learning environments.

Try your hand(s) at pottery! Check out 50 Municipal Street, home of the new Guelph Community Pottery Centre, previously located at Delhi Community Centre.

Instil a love of learning in your family too. Your library and Victoria Road Recreation and West End Community centres offer family and/or parent and tot activities and programs, so you can spend quality time learning together.

Chances are your biggest challenge will be deciding what to register for first!

Building a deck or shed?Putting in a pool or hot tub?Getting ready to renovate?

Whether you’re hiring a contractor or doing it yourself, we can help

with building permits and guidelines.

[email protected]

guelph.ca

Over 1,000 recreation and leisure programs,

activities, events, performances,

groups and ideas at your fi ngertips!

Get your copy of the Guelph Community Guide

at your local community centre or visit guelph.ca/recreation.

Register for fall and winter programs today!

Among the areas of focus:a connected parks and trails system •that inspires an awe of nature a vibrant arts and culture sector •an accessible and inclusive •community that provides access for all a physically active and healthy •community a strong and engaged network of •neighborhood groups, service providers and volunteers a sustainable network of recreational •infrastructure service excellence•

The Master Plan recommends dozens of actions, all of which will be subject to the capital and operating budget processes annually.

To learn more about the City of Guelph’s Recreation, Parks, and Culture Master Plan, visit guelph.ca > living > recreation & culture > strategic initiatives.



September

Guelph City Hall Grand OpeningSeptember 1910 a.m. – 4 p.m.1 Carden Stguelph.ca/grandopening

3rd Annual Wellington Rural RompSeptember 2611 a.m. – 4 p.m.Various locations throughout Wellington Countywww.guelphwellingtonlocalfood.ca

October

Taste of Downtown (formerly Dig-In Downtown)Every Tuesday and Wednesday in OctoberVarious downtown restaurantswww.guelphdowntown.com

Guelph Eco DaysOctober 1210 a.m. – 2 p.m.Waste Resource Innovation Centre110 Dunlop Drguelph.ca/wetdry

Community eventsGuelph Studio TourOctober 16 –18Friday: 7 – 9 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.Various locations in Guelphwww.guelphstudiotour.ca

November

Remembrance Day ServiceNovember 11McCrae House (108 Water St), 9 a.m. serviceParade (Farquhar St at the Armoury), 9:50 a.m.Sleeman Centre (50 Woolwich St), 10 a.m. servicewww.guelphlegion.ca

Guelph Santa Claus ParadeNovember 151:30 p.m.Downtown Guelph519-836-0660

Fair NovemberNovember 19 – 22University Centre, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd Ewww.uoguelph.ca/ucevents/fair.shtml

River Run CentrePerformances for everyone. All sights. All sounds. All tastes.when plannInG Fun things to do this fall, don’t forget River Run Centre — Guelph’s re-nowned performing arts centre. River Run Cen-tre, set along the picturesque bank of the Speed River in the city’s downtown core, was con-ceived and built by the people of Guelph for the benefi t of the community. It off ers theatrical, music and dance performances by world-re-nowned artists, programs for children, and a nationally-recognized volunteer program.

Get the latest on performances and events when you subscribe to the River Run Centre’s weekly e-bulletin at riverrun.ca/subscriber.

Take me to the River!2009/10 SeaSon

Check out our exciting new calendar of performances on sale at riverrun.ca!

519.763.3000 | 877.520.2408 | riverrun.ca35 Woolwich Street, Guelph N1H 3V1

Box Office Hours Monday to Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm



City of Guelph Services and Facilities

Insight Guelph is a publication of The Corporation of the City of Guelph.

T 519-822-1260 x 2610E [email protected]/Visit: City Hall, 1 Carden St Guelph, ON N1H 3A1

Insight Guelph is printed on newsprint containing recycled content.

Ward information

Services PhoneMayor’s Office 519-837-5643CAO’s Office 519-837-5602Building 519-837-5615City Clerk’s Office 519-837-5603Civic Museum 519-836-1221Community Design and Development Services

519-837-5663

Court Services (Provincial Offences Court)

519-826-0762

Economic Development 519-837-5600Engineering 519-837-5604Evergreen Seniors Centre 519-823-1291Facility Bookings 519-837-5678Finance 519-837-5610Fire and Emergency Services 519-824-6590Human Resources 519-837-5601Legal and Realty Services 519-837-5637Library (Main Branch) 519-824-6220Neighbourhood Engagement 519-837-5618McCrae House 519-836-1482Operations 519-837-5628Parking 519-837-5612Parks Maintenance 519-837-5628Police Services 519-824-1212River Run Centre (Box Office) 519-763-3000River Run Centre (Administration) 519-837-5662Sleeman Centre 519-822-4900TTY (Teletype for Deaf ) 519-826-9771Taxation 519-837-5610Tourism 519-837-1335Traffic 519-837-5628Transit 519-822-1811Victoria Road Recreation Centre 519-837-5621Waste Resource Innovation Centre 519-767-0598Wastewater Treatment Plant 519-837-5629Waterworks 519-837-5627West End Community Centre 519-837-5657

Ward 1 CouncillorsBob Bell T 519-822-6152 E [email protected]

Kathleen Farrelly T 519-822-5946 E [email protected]

Ward 3 CouncillorsJune Hofland T 519-822-1260 x 2505 E [email protected]

Maggie Laidlaw T 519-837-1732 E [email protected]

Ward 2 CouncillorsVicki Beard T 519-821-4856 E [email protected]

Ian Findlay T 519-830-4681 E [email protected]

Ward 4 CouncillorsGloria Kovach T 519-824-9695 E [email protected]

Mike Salisbury T 519-763-4461 E [email protected]

Ward 5 CouncillorsLise Burcher T 519-736-0449 E [email protected]

Leanne Piper T 519-824-9000 E [email protected]

Ward 6 CouncillorsChristine Billings T 519-826-0567 E [email protected]

Karl Wettstein T 519-763-5105 E [email protected]

Who to callPriorities, planning and patience Three Ps important for City’s long-term capital investmentsGuelph Is GrowInG, community needs are shifting and the City’s budget strategies are changing to keep up. A new long-term financial plan will ensure Guelph can make smart investments and remain a strong, healthy and prosperous community.

Guelph’s financial plan will map out the priorities for City investments, so Guelph continues to be one of the top ten place to live in Canada*.

With a number of competing projects on the books, the City has to make some careful decisions about what work will be completed right away, and what may have to wait behind higher priority projects.

In the coming years, the City is moving to a more integrated approach to long-term capital investments. The City will set its in-vestment priorities based on a collective vision and the community’s strategic goals.

Learn more about the Guelph’s long-tem financial plan in the next Issue of In-sight Guelph or visit guelph.ca/finance.* Who’s Your City? (2009), Richard Florida, Director of the Martin Prosperity Institute, University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management

Proposed 2010 Budget Presentationsdate committee meeting areas of InterestTuesday, November 109 a.m.

FACSFinance, Administration and Corporate Services Committee

Finance, Human Resources, Clerks, Legal Services and Court Services

Tuesday, November 1012:30 p.m.

CDESCommunity Development and Environmental Services Committee

City planning, construction projects, recycling and solid waste

Thursday, November 125 p.m.

ECOEmergency Services, Community Services and Operations Committee

Transit, Parks, Roads and Winter Control, Parking and Downtown

Monday, December 147 p.m.

Guelph City Council User-pay water and wastewater operating and capital budgets

Tuesday, December 156 p.m.

Guelph City Council Tax-supported operating and long-term capital budget

To register as a delegation and participate in any of these Committee Meetings, please call the City Clerk’s Office 519-837-5603 or e-mail [email protected]. Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Visit guelph.ca/events for full committee meeting agendas and delegation guidelines.


insight guelph - fall 2009

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