Minutes: Tuesday, May 27, 2025

1. That the revised Committee of the Whole Terms of Reference, included as Attachment- 1 to report 2025-190, be approved.

1. That the 2024 tax supported operating deficit of $397,604 be allocated to or funded from the City’s reserve and reserve funds as follows:
   1. Transfer $12,271 to the Library Operating Contingency Reserve (102) in accordance with the request from the Library Board.
   2. Transfer $245,072 to the Police Operating Contingency Reserve (115) in accordance with the anticipated request from the Guelph Police Board.
   3. Fund the deficit of $654,948 from the Tax Rate Operating Contingency Reserve (180).
2. That the 2024 non-tax supported operating surplus of $333,814 be allocated to or funded from the non-tax supported City reserve and reserve funds as follows:
   1. Fund the Parking Services deficit of $62,273 from the Parking Operating Contingency Reserve (106).
   2. Transfer the Stormwater Services surplus of $566,747 to the Stormwater Capital Reserve Fund (165).
   3. Fund the Water Services deficit of $276,756 from the Water Operating Contingency Reserve (181).
   4. Transfer the Wastewater Services surplus of $1,705,452 to the Wastewater Operating Contingency Reserve (182).
   5. Fund the Building Services deficit of $1,752,995 from the Building Services OBC Stabilization Reserve Fund (188).
   6. Transfer the Courts Services surplus of $153,639 to the Courts Capital Reserve Fund (120).

1. That the 2025 budget adjustments in Attachment 2, Tables 4, 5 and 6 be approved.
2. That the 2026 forecasted budget of $150,000 funded from the Parkland Dedication Reserve Fund for GG0280 Parkland Dedication By-Law Update be advanced to 2025.
3. That the 2026 forecasted budget of $841,000 funded from the Housing Accelerator Fund for PL0086 Affordable Housing Demonstration Project (HAF-4B) be advanced to 2025.
4. That $145,000 of the 2026 forecasted budget for FS0079 Bunker Gear be advanced to 2025 for the replacement of end-of-life Firefighter Bunker Gear.
5. That $70,000 be transferred from the Ontario Building Code (OBC) Reserve Fund to OB0001 OBC File Digitization for completion of the project.

1. That $1,000,000 be transferred from the Court Contingency reserve (211) to the Courts Capital reserve fund (120) in 2025.
2. That $2,514,340 be transferred from the Infrastructure Renewal reserve fund (150) to fund the long-term loan agreement with The Elliott Community for the 29 long-term care bed expansion, as previously approved by Council, and that the repayments of the long-term loan agreement from The Elliott Community be transferred to the Infrastructure Renewal reserve fund (150).
3. That $862,780 be transferred from the Long-term Care DC reserve fund (364) to fund the contribution to The Elliott Community for the DC recoverable portion of the 29 long-term care bed expansion and that the previous funding for this contribution be transferred back to the Tax Operating Contingency reserve (180).

1. That Giovanni De Sero, Carmen Loiselle, Janette Svehla, Judy Noonan, and Jacky Radmond be appointed to the Accessibility Advisory Committee for a term ending November 2026 or until such time as successors are appointed.
2. That Banji Akande, ASM Easir Arafat, Eleni Bakopoulos, Steve Donnelly, Julia Grady, Madeleine Krucker, Scarlett Raczycki, Katie Saunders, and Andi Syme be appointed to the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee for a term ending November 2026 or until such time as successors are appointed.
3. That Paul Fitzpatrick, Janet Goodfellow, Pamela Membreno, Naeem Mir, Jane Ross, James Smith, and Russell Speers be appointed to the Committee of Adjustment and Property Standards Committee for a term starting June 16, 2025 and ending November 2026 or until such time as successors are appointed.
4. That Lucas Figueiredo, Paul Blackburn, Damien Smith, Kristel Manes, Anuradha Saxena, Steve Zago, Erin Phillips, and Dennis Voss be appointed to the Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee for a term ending November 2026 or until such time as successors are appointed.
5. That Piper Boyd Bell, Liam Browne, Kelly Caldwell, David Cameletti, Kim Carroll, Sara Epp, Justin Grainger, Donald Mikel, and Hart Slater-Eddy be appointed to the Heritage Advisory Committee for a term ending November 2026 or until such time as successors are appointed.
6. That Keren Bromberg, Claire Brooks Finoro, Bo Cheyne, Justin Luth, Gavin Maybury, Mike Puddister, Anieca Scott, Rajul Singh, Robert Forrest Smith, Shannon Turnbull, and Laura Verharghe be appointed to the Planning, Environment and Water Advisory Committee for a term ending November 2026 or until such time as successors are appointed.
7. That June Baldwin, Susan Carey, Natalia Crewson, John Dale, Eldrich Rebello, Elham Heydarigharaei, Matthew Moore, Darren Shock, and Harry Young be appointed to the Transportation Advisory Committee for a term ending November 2026 or until such time as successors are appointed.
8. That the City Clerk be directed to conduct further recruitment for any Advisory Committees of Council that have outstanding vacancies, as outlined in report 2025-269, dated May 27, 2025.

1. That the Council of the City of Guelph now hold a meeting that is closed to the public, pursuant to Section 239(2)(f) of the Municipal Act, regarding advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.

Council moved into closed session (6:02 p.m.), Mayor Guthrie called the open meeting to order (6:33 p.m.) and noted the following:

Addressing Gaps in Daytime Sheltering Options for Persons Experiencing Homelessness - 2025-92

Council received information from staff.

1. That staff be directed to proceed with a competitive procurement process for daytime shelter services and report back through the 2026 budget update.
2. That Council respectfully requests that the Mayor include funding for daytime shelter services in the 2026 budget update.
3. That Council respectfully requests the County of Wellington participate in this initiative and pay 10 per cent of the cost as a discretionary social service.

1. That staff be directed to use an RFP scoring criteria that includes scoring based on the proposed location(s), where if the proposed daytime shelter location(s) is not on Wyndham Street (between Wellington and Woolwich) or Carden Street, Quebec Street, Cork Street E, Macdonell Street, or  Wilson Street, the proposal receives a higher location score than submissions where the proposed daytime shelter location(s) is on one of the identified streets.
2. That staff be directed to develop an RFP which requires Proponents to include the following in their proposals, without limitation:

• • The municipal address, location map, floorplan layout, and detailed description of the proposed daytime shelter location, including building(s), indoor amenities, private outdoor areas, and AODA-compliant accessibility.
  • Key staff roles, job descriptions, areas of expertise and training, including health and safety, conflict resolution, and de-escalation techniques.
  • Plans and resources to maintain safe operations, including facility management and operational protocols, health and safety, cleanliness, waste management, pest management, and general maintenance.
  • Summary of operational policies/rules/codes of conduct for clients and staff.
  • Summary of “good neighbour” approach to managing relationships with neighbours and compatibility with the surrounding community.
  • Sufficient washroom facilities during hours of operation for members of the public in need, regardless of whether they are utilizing the daytime shelter services.

This motion was requested to be split into two motions.

Councillor Downer called a point of order, and asked that specific organizations not be identified in public discussion on a potential Request for Proposal (RFP). Mayor Guthrie asked that the open RFP process not be prejudiced, and cautioned that names of organizations not be discussed.

Councillor Klassen called a point of order, asking about the appropriateness of Councillor Allt's discussion. Mayor Guthrie noted that personal opinions may stand in the meeting, and asked for discussion to continue.  

1. That staff be directed to use an RFP scoring criteria that includes scoring based on the proposed location(s), where if the proposed daytime shelter location(s) is not on Wyndham Street (between Wellington and Woolwich) or Carden Street, Quebec Street, Cork Street E, Macdonell Street, or  Wilson Street, the proposal receives a higher location score than submissions where the proposed daytime shelter location(s) is on one of the identified streets.

1. That staff be directed to develop an RFP which requires Proponents to include the following in their proposals, without limitation:

• • The municipal address, location map, floorplan layout, and detailed description of the proposed daytime shelter location, including building(s), indoor amenities, private outdoor areas, and AODA-compliant accessibility.
  • Key staff roles, job descriptions, areas of expertise and training, including health and safety, conflict resolution, and de-escalation techniques.
  • Plans and resources to maintain safe operations, including facility management and operational protocols, health and safety, cleanliness, waste management, pest management, and general maintenance.
  • Summary of operational policies/rules/codes of conduct for clients and staff.
  • Summary of “good neighbour” approach to managing relationships with neighbours and compatibility with the surrounding community.
  • Sufficient washroom facilities during hours of operation for members of the public in need, regardless of whether they are utilizing the daytime shelter services.

1. That points be given to proposals located in areas with easily accessible Guelph Transit stops for routes that cover all areas of the city.
2. That points be given to proposals located in areas with topographical street/sidewalk slope and pitch consistent with accessibility standards for manual wheelchair users, using AODA ramp standards as the baseline for accessible inclines.
3. That points be given to proposals located in the areas with the highest identified need for the service, using existing data and collaboration with Wellington County.
4. That points be given to proposals within the operating area of Welcoming Streets.
5. That points be given to proposals close to existing services used by the same population to lower barriers to access. 

Councillor Gibson requested that Mayor Guthrie call the vote.

This vote was requested to be split into five clauses.

1. That points be given to proposals located in areas with easily accessible Guelph Transit stops for routes that cover all areas of the city.

2. That points be given to proposals located in areas with topographical street/sidewalk slope and pitch consistent with accessibility standards for manual wheelchair users, using AODA ramp standards as the baseline for accessible inclines.

3. That points be given to proposals located in the areas with the highest identified need for the service, using existing data and collaboration with Wellington County.

4. That points be given to proposals within the operating area of Welcoming Streets.

5. That points be given to proposals close to existing services used by the same population to lower barriers to access. 

1. That staff be directed to proceed with a competitive procurement process for daytime shelter services and report back through the 2026 budget update.
2. That Council respectfully requests that the Mayor include funding for daytime shelter services in the 2026 budget update.
3. That Council respectfully requests the County of Wellington participate in this initiative and pay 10 per cent of the cost as a discretionary social service.
4. That staff be directed to use an RFP scoring criteria that includes scoring based on the proposed location(s), where if the proposed daytime shelter location(s) is not on Wyndham Street (between Wellington and Woolwich) or Carden Street, Quebec Street, Cork Street E, Macdonell Street, or  Wilson Street, the proposal receives a higher location score than submissions where the proposed daytime shelter location(s) is on one of the identified streets.
5. That staff be directed to develop an RFP which requires Proponents to include the following in their proposals, without limitation:
6. • The municipal address, location map, floorplan layout, and detailed description of the proposed daytime shelter location, including building(s), indoor amenities, private outdoor areas, and AODA-compliant accessibility.
   • Key staff roles, job descriptions, areas of expertise and training, including health and safety, conflict resolution, and de-escalation techniques.
   • Plans and resources to maintain safe operations, including facility management and operational protocols, health and safety, cleanliness, waste management, pest management, and general maintenance.
   • Summary of operational policies/rules/codes of conduct for clients and staff.
   • Summary of “good neighbour” approach to managing relationships with neighbours and compatibility with the surrounding community.
   • Sufficient washroom facilities during hours of operation for members of the public in need, regardless of whether they are utilizing the daytime shelter services.
7. That points be given to proposals located in areas with easily accessible Guelph Transit stops for routes that cover all areas of the city.

Council recessed (7:32 p.m.). Council reconvened (7.45 p.m.).

1. That Council approve staff actions to support the community in taking collective climate action as described in Guelph’s Community Call to Climate Action.

1. THAT the City of Guelph formally requests the Province of Ontario, through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, to amend the Ontario Building Code to include provisions that effectively require or create a clear pathway for the widespread adoption of energy-efficient heat pumps as a primary space heating and cooling solution in new residential and commercial constructions, and major renovations, where feasible.
2. THAT the City of Guelph formally requests the Province of Ontario to adopt a tiered building energy performance standard similar to the British Columbia Energy Step Code, providing a clear, incremental, and predictable regulatory pathway for all new buildings to achieve net-zero energy ready levels of performance by 2030 or sooner, thereby supporting a transition to a carbon-neutral future for Ontario.
3. THAT this resolution be forwarded to the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; Mike Schreiner, MPP for Guelph; Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Minister of Energy and Mines; Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks; Association of Municipalities of Ontario; and Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

1. That City Council declare the seat of Councillor Dominique O’Rourke, Ward 6 Councillor, to be vacant per Section 262 of the Municipal Act, 2001.

1. That the City Clerk be directed to conduct an appointment process based on an open call for nominations, as outlined in Attachment-1 to report 2025-264, as the method for filling the vacant office of Ward 6 Councillor.
2. That a Special City Council meeting be held on July 23, 2025 to consider and appoint an individual to the office of Ward 6 Councillor.
3. That the Council Vacancy Policy, included as Attachment-1 to report 2025-264, be approved.

1. That the Revised Code of Conduct for Council and Local Boards, included as Attachment-1 to report 2025-196 dated May 6, 2025, be approved.

1. Replace paragraph 2, Section 8, part I with: Where a member has chosen to enable public participation and comments on a social media account with content specific to their role as a member, the social media account will be considered a municipal public forum. Once a member establishes their social media as a municipal public forum, they cannot selectively exclude members of the public from that forum because they are critical of the member or express objectionable/contrary views.
2. Replace paragraph 3, Section 8, part I with: A member is not required to enable public participation and comments on their social media. Where a member has enabled public participation and comments on social media with content specific to their role as member, they should exercise due restraint prior to blocking individual members of the public from viewing or commenting on their social media. A member may be justified in blocking users where necessary to protect the member’s social media account by preventing it from being overrun by spam, bots, or from disseminating abusive, hateful and inciteful communication.
3. Include at the bottom of Section 8, part I: Members who have created a municipal public forum have a duty to moderate abusive, bigoted and hateful comments towards community members and groups when made aware of such comments. Moderation options vary from platform to platform and may include deleting or hiding user comments or posting with comments disabled.

1. That the Revised Code of Conduct for Council and Local Boards, included as Attachment-1 to report 2025-196 dated May 6, 2025, be approved, as amended.