Minutes: Tuesday, July 22, 2025

1. That Susan J Ferguson Prior, Jennifer Popkey, Kathleen Beitz, Cheryl Stacey, and Dean Martin be appointed to the Accessibility Advisory Committee for a term ending November 2026 or until such time as successors are appointed.

1. That By-law Number (2023)-20790, as amended, known as the Zoning By-law for the City of Guelph as it affects part of the property municipally known as 343 Waterloo Avenue, legally described as Part of Lots 11 and 12, Registered Plan 274, City of Guelph, County of Wellington be amended in accordance with Attachment 1 of the City Council Report, Public Meeting and Decision Meeting Item 343 Waterloo Avenue Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments Ward 3, dated July 22, 2025.
2. That a complete site-plan application be submitted to the satisfaction of the City chief planner and City engineer prior to issuance of building permits.
3. That permit approvals are contingent upon the applicant entering into an affordable housing agreement with the City of Guelph.
4. That the applicant pays all applicable planning and development fees associated with the project as determined by the City of Guelph.

1. That the Joint Social Services and Land Ambulance Committee recommends to City Council that the 2026 forecasted budget of $1,019,200 for PM0010 Paramedic Vehicle Replacement be advanced to 2025 to align the budget to the time of procurement per normal City process, as part of the Second Quarter Budget Monitoring Report scheduled for September 3, 2025.
2. That the Joint Social Services and Land Ambulance Committee recommends to City Council that the 2026 forecasted budget of $300,000 for PM0002 Paramedic Growth Vehicle be advanced to 2025 for the early ordering of one growth ambulance, as part of the Second Quarter Budget Monitoring Report scheduled for September 3, 2025.
3. That the Joint Social Services and Land Ambulance Committee recommends to City Council that the 2027 forecasted budget of $779,700 for PM0010 Paramedic Vehicle Replacement be advanced to 2025 for the early ordering of three ambulances, as part of the Second Quarter Budget Monitoring Report scheduled for September 3, 2025.

1. That the report on the Response Time Performance results for Guelph Wellington Paramedic Service in 2024 be received, and
2. That Committee recommends to City of Guelph Council that the Recommended Response Time Performance Plan for 2026 be approved.

1. That report number 2025-270 entitled Administrative Penalty System for Automated Speed Enforcement and Red Light Camera Violations, be received.
2. That Council approve the transition of Automated Speed Enforcement and Red Light Camera violations to an administrative penalty system, under and in accordance with the requirements of Ontario Regulation 355/22 made under the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, to take effect on or about January 1, 2026.
3. That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute any necessary agreements with the Ministry of the Attorney General, Ministry of Transportation, and any other government agency that may be required to transition Automated Speed Enforcement and Red Light Camera violations to an administrative penalty system.
4. That a new Administrative Penalty By-law for Contraventions Detected Using Camera Systems, substantially in the form attached as Attachment-1, be approved.
5. That a by-law to amend By-law Number (2025)-21056, being the Screening and Hearing Officer By-law, substantially in the form attached as Attachment-2, be approved.
6. That the City Solicitor be directed to update the policies, guidelines and procedures that apply to the administrative penalty system, as needed to give effect to the transition of Automated Speed Enforcement and Red Light Camera violations to an administrative penalty system, and make them publicly available on the City’s website.

1. That the Integrity Commissioner Report on Code of Conduct Complaint 2025-01, be received.

1. That a one-time grant of $600,000 be approved for 2027 as financial investment towards Guelph Storm Limited, contingent on a successful bid in securing the 2027 Memorial Cup in Guelph.
2. That a commitment of up to $100,000 of in-kind fees at Sleeman Centre associated with facility ice rental, licensing fees, and facility staff be approved for 2027, contingent on a successful bid in securing the 2027 Memorial Cup in Guelph.
3. That the one-time grant of $600,000 and the in-kind commitment of up to $100,000 in facility costs for Sleeman Centre be funded from the Municipal Accommodation Tax Reserve (184) in 2027, if the Guelph Storm bid is successful for the 2027 Memorial Cup.
4. That the Chief Administrative Office be directed to include a letter in the bid package confirming the 2027 financial investment and in-kind commitment at Sleeman Centre.
5. That the Chief Administrative Officer be directed to formalize and execute an agreement, to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, with Guelph Storm Limited that includes the particulars noted above and as outlined within the staff report entitled Guelph Storm 2027 Memorial Cup Bid, dated July 8, 2025.

1. That Council endorse a community-led approach to increasing the accessibility of businesses in Guelph with initiatives such as the StopGap Foundation.
2. And that the Downtown Guelph Business Association and the Chamber of Commerce be encouraged to raise awareness about these initiatives and grant opportunities with Guelph businesses to enhance accessibility for all.

That clause 1 be amended to include "and permanent solutions"

1. That Council endorse a community-led approach to increasing the accessibility of businesses in Guelph with initiatives such as the StopGap Foundation, and permanent solutions.
2. And that the Downtown Guelph Business Association and the Chamber of Commerce be encouraged to raise awareness about these initiatives and grant opportunities with Guelph businesses to enhance accessibility for all.

Council recessed (6:45 p.m.). Council reconvened (7:00p.m.).

1. That the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program Capital Implementation Plan, 2025, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved.
2. That the sequencing plan for Phase 1: Wyndham Street North Reconstruction including extended working hours, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved.
3. That the recommended Concept Plan for St. George’s Square, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved including the following:
   1. That staff be encouraged to include flexibility in the design of St. George’s square to allow for present and future seasonal patios and community events, including but not limited to:
      • Consider that site furniture such as benches, chairs, and waste receptacles are designed and located to allow for east reconfiguration or temporary removal to accommodate different uses and events.
   2. That staff be encouraged to integrate more natural materials and design elements that reflect the heritage and character of our downtown into the final design of St. George's Square including but not limited to:
      • Use of stone, wood, or other natural finishes where feasible; including the use of the limestone in the city’s salvaged material storage,
      • Incorporation of heritage-inspired features such as: signage or art that shares local history and indigenous stories, gateway features such as low stone walls, or planters that tie the space to the downtown's historical context, planting and landscaping with native species and that soften hard surfaces, brick or stone paving patterns that reflect traditional streetscape.
   3. That staff provide council with final design updates (including a new main design image that can be used when sharing and telling the good news story about the redesign of our downtown) and present design details through future public engagement and online resources before the end of 2025.
   4. That staff report back on budget impacts, if applicable, associated with clauses 1 and 2, via either the 2026 budget monitoring process or the 2027 budget update.
4. That the construction mitigation plan for Phase 1: Wyndham Street North Reconstruction, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved.
5. That the delegation of authority by-law, By-law (2024) – 20994, be amended to delegate authority to the DCAO of Infrastructure, Development and Environment, with written approval from the City Treasurer, to modify the following user fees at various times as needed for the duration of the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program, with lost revenue being funded through the construction mitigation budget for the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program:
   • Seasonal patio program parking stall rental fees
   • Downtown hourly parking fees
   • Encroachment agreement fees related to the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program
6. That an amending by-law be brought forward for approval at the July 22, 2025,  City Council meeting.
7. And wherever possible, the sidewalk height and slope should be raised to increase front door accessibility to buildings.

That clause 3 of the main motion, be amended to replace the word encouraged with directed.

1. That the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program Capital Implementation Plan, 2025, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved.
2. That the sequencing plan for Phase 1: Wyndham Street North Reconstruction including extended working hours, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved.
3. That the recommended Concept Plan for St. George’s Square, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved including the following:
   1. That staff be directed to include flexibility in the design of St. George’s square to allow for present and future seasonal patios and community events, including but not limited to:
      • Consider that site furniture such as benches, chairs, and waste receptacles are designed and located to allow for east reconfiguration or temporary removal to accommodate different uses and events.
   2. That staff be directed to integrate more natural materials and design elements that reflect the heritage and character of our downtown into the final design of St. George's Square including but not limited to:
      • Use of stone, wood, or other natural finishes where feasible; including the use of the limestone in the city’s salvaged material storage,
      • Incorporation of heritage-inspired features such as: signage or art that shares local history and indigenous stories, gateway features such as low stone walls, or planters that tie the space to the downtown's historical context, planting and landscaping with native species and that soften hard surfaces, brick or stone paving patterns that reflect traditional streetscape.
   3. That staff provide council with final design updates (including a new main design image that can be used when sharing and telling the good news story about the redesign of our downtown) and present design details through future public engagement and online resources before the end of 2025.
   4. That staff report back on budget impacts, if applicable, associated with clauses 1 and 2, via either the 2026 budget monitoring process or the 2027 budget update.
4. That the construction mitigation plan for Phase 1: Wyndham Street North Reconstruction, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved.
5. That the delegation of authority by-law, By-law (2024) – 20994, be amended to delegate authority to the DCAO of Infrastructure, Development and Environment, with written approval from the City Treasurer, to modify the following user fees at various times as needed for the duration of the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program, with lost revenue being funded through the construction mitigation budget for the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program:
   • Seasonal patio program parking stall rental fees
   • Downtown hourly parking fees
   • Encroachment agreement fees related to the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program
6. That an amending by-law be brought forward for approval at the July 22, 2025,  City Council meeting.
7. And wherever possible, the sidewalk height and slope should be raised to increase front door accessibility to buildings.

1. That the size of the area for play be reduced to include an interactive placemaking structure, and minimum safety clearance zones as defined by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), in order to increase flexibility for programming and events within St. George's Square.
2. That staff explore the inclusion of placemaking lighting within the design of the pavers or through the use of projectors throughout St. George’s Square including enhancing the proposed interactive placemaking structure.
3. That staff explore modifying the size and materiality of the lower basin of the Family Fountain so that it is consistent with the design of St. George's Square, accommodates off-season intervention that contributes aesthetically to St. George's Square, includes placemaking lighting, and honours the integrity of the artwork.
4. That the final design for St. George's Square be brought forward for Council approval by the end of 2025.

This motion was requested to be voted on separately. 

1. That the size of the area for play be reduced to include an interactive placemaking structure, and minimum safety clearance zones as defined by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), in order to increase flexibility for programming and events within St. George's Square.

2.  That staff explore the inclusion of placemaking lighting within the design of the pavers or through the use of projectors throughout St. George’s Square including enhancing the proposed interactive placemaking structure.

3.  That staff explore modifying the size and materiality of the lower basin of the Family Fountain so that it is consistent with the design of St. George's Square, accommodates off-season intervention that contributes aesthetically to St. George's Square, includes placemaking lighting, and honours the integrity of the artwork.

4.  That the final design for St. George's Square be brought forward for Council approval by the end of 2025.

1. That the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program Capital Implementation Plan, 2025, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved.
2. That the sequencing plan for Phase 1: Wyndham Street North Reconstruction including extended working hours, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved.
3. That the recommended Concept Plan for St. George’s Square, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved including the following:
   1. That staff be directed to include flexibility in the design of St. George’s square to allow for present and future seasonal patios and community events, including but not limited to:
      • Consider that site furniture such as benches, chairs, and waste receptacles are designed and located to allow for easy reconfiguration or temporary removal to accommodate different uses and events.
   2. That staff be directed to integrate more natural materials and design elements that reflect the heritage and character of our downtown into the final design of St. George's Square including but not limited to:
      
      • Use of stone, wood, or other natural finishes where feasible; including the use of the limestone in the city’s salvaged material storage,
      • Incorporation of heritage-inspired features such as: signage or art that shares local history and indigenous stories, gateway features such as low stone walls, or planters that tie the space to the downtown's historical context, planting and landscaping with native species and that soften hard surfaces, brick or stone paving patterns that reflect traditional streetscape.
   3. That the size of the area for play be reduced to include an interactive placemaking structure, and minimum safety clearance zones as defined by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), in order to increase flexibility for programming and events within St. George's Square.
   4. That staff explore the inclusion of placemaking lighting within the design of the pavers or through the use of projectors throughout St. George’s Square including enhancing the proposed interactive placemaking structure.
   5. That staff explore modifying the size and materiality of the lower basin of the Family Fountain so that it is consistent with the design of St. George's Square, accommodates off-season intervention that contributes aesthetically to St. George's Square, includes placemaking lighting, and honours the integrity of the artwork.
   6. That staff provide council with final design updates (including a new main design image that can be used when sharing and telling the good news story about the redesign of our downtown) and present design details through future public engagement and online resources before the end of 2025.
   7. That staff report back on budget impacts, if applicable, associated with clauses 1 and 2, via either the 2026 budget monitoring process or the 2027 budget update.
4. That the construction mitigation plan for Phase 1: Wyndham Street North Reconstruction, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved.
5. That the delegation of authority by-law, By-law (2024) – 20994, be amended to delegate authority to the DCAO of Infrastructure, Development and Environment, with written approval from the City Treasurer, to modify the following user fees at various times as needed for the duration of the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program, with lost revenue being funded through the construction mitigation budget for the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program:
   • Seasonal patio program parking stall rental fees
   • Downtown hourly parking fees
   • Encroachment agreement fees related to the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program
6. That an amending by-law be brought forward for approval at the July 22, 2025,  City Council meeting.
7. That wherever possible, the sidewalk height and slope should be raised to increase front door accessibility to buildings.
8. And that the final design for St. George's Square be brought forward for Council approval by the end of 2025.

Clause 3 of this motion was requested to be voted on separately. 

1. That the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program Capital Implementation Plan, 2025, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved.

2. That the sequencing plan for Phase 1: Wyndham Street North Reconstruction including extended working hours, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved.

4. That the construction mitigation plan for Phase 1: Wyndham Street North Reconstruction, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved.

5. That the delegation of authority by-law, By-law (2024) – 20994, be amended to delegate authority to the DCAO of Infrastructure, Development and Environment, with written approval from the City Treasurer, to modify the following user fees at various times as needed for the duration of the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program, with lost revenue being funded through the construction mitigation budget for the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program:

• • Seasonal patio program parking stall rental fees
  • Downtown hourly parking fees
  • Encroachment agreement fees related to the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program

6. That an amending by-law be brought forward for approval at the July 22, 2025,  City Council meeting.

7. That wherever possible, the sidewalk height and slope should be raised to increase front door accessibility to buildings.

8. And that the final design for St. George's Square be brought forward for Council approval by the end of 2025.

3. That the recommended Concept Plan for St. George’s Square, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved including the following:

1. 1. That staff be directed to include flexibility in the design of St. George’s square to allow for present and future seasonal patios and community events, including but not limited to:
      • Consider that site furniture such as benches, chairs, and waste receptacles are designed and located to allow for easy reconfiguration or temporary removal to accommodate different uses and events.
   2. That staff be directed to integrate more natural materials and design elements that reflect the heritage and character of our downtown into the final design of St. George's Square including but not limited to:
      
      • Use of stone, wood, or other natural finishes where feasible; including the use of the limestone in the city’s salvaged material storage,
      • Incorporation of heritage-inspired features such as: signage or art that shares local history and indigenous stories, gateway features such as low stone walls, or planters that tie the space to the downtown's historical context, planting and landscaping with native species and that soften hard surfaces, brick or stone paving patterns that reflect traditional streetscape.
   3. That the size of the area for play be reduced to include an interactive placemaking structure, and minimum safety clearance zones as defined by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), in order to increase flexibility for programming and events within St. George's Square.
   4. That staff explore the inclusion of placemaking lighting within the design of the pavers or through the use of projectors throughout St. George’s Square including enhancing the proposed interactive placemaking structure.
   5. That staff explore modifying the size and materiality of the lower basin of the Family Fountain so that it is consistent with the design of St. George's Square, accommodates off-season intervention that contributes aesthetically to St. George's Square, includes placemaking lighting, and honours the integrity of the artwork.
   6. That staff provide council with final design updates (including a new main design image that can be used when sharing and telling the good news story about the redesign of our downtown) and present design details through future public engagement and online resources before the end of 2025.
   7. That staff report back on budget impacts, if applicable, associated with clauses 1 and 2, via either the 2026 budget monitoring process or the 2027 budget update.

1. That the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program Capital Implementation Plan, 2025, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved.
2. That the sequencing plan for Phase 1: Wyndham Street North Reconstruction including extended working hours, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved.
3. That the recommended Concept Plan for St. George’s Square, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved including the following:
   1. That staff be directed to include flexibility in the design of St. George’s square to allow for present and future seasonal patios and community events, including but not limited to:
      • Consider that site furniture such as benches, chairs, and waste receptacles are designed and located to allow for easy reconfiguration or temporary removal to accommodate different uses and events.
   2. That staff be directed to integrate more natural materials and design elements that reflect the heritage and character of our downtown into the final design of St. George's Square including but not limited to:
      
      • Use of stone, wood, or other natural finishes where feasible; including the use of the limestone in the city’s salvaged material storage,
      • Incorporation of heritage-inspired features such as: signage or art that shares local history and indigenous stories, gateway features such as low stone walls, or planters that tie the space to the downtown's historical context, planting and landscaping with native species and that soften hard surfaces, brick or stone paving patterns that reflect traditional streetscape.
   3. That the size of the area for play be reduced to include an interactive placemaking structure, and minimum safety clearance zones as defined by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), in order to increase flexibility for programming and events within St. George's Square.
   4. That staff explore the inclusion of placemaking lighting within the design of the pavers or through the use of projectors throughout St. George’s Square including enhancing the proposed interactive placemaking structure.
   5. That staff explore modifying the size and materiality of the lower basin of the Family Fountain so that it is consistent with the design of St. George's Square, accommodates off-season intervention that contributes aesthetically to St. George's Square, includes placemaking lighting, and honours the integrity of the artwork.
   6. That staff provide council with final design updates (including a new main design image that can be used when sharing and telling the good news story about the redesign of our downtown) and present design details through future public engagement and online resources before the end of 2025.
   7. That staff report back on budget impacts, if applicable, associated with clauses 1 and 2, via either the 2026 budget monitoring process or the 2027 budget update.
4. That the construction mitigation plan for Phase 1: Wyndham Street North Reconstruction, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved.
5. That the delegation of authority by-law, By-law (2024) – 20994, be amended to delegate authority to the DCAO of Infrastructure, Development and Environment, with written approval from the City Treasurer, to modify the following user fees at various times as needed for the duration of the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program, with lost revenue being funded through the construction mitigation budget for the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program:
   • Seasonal patio program parking stall rental fees
   • Downtown hourly parking fees
   • Encroachment agreement fees related to the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program
6. That an amending by-law be brought forward for approval at the July 22, 2025,  City Council meeting.
7. That wherever possible, the sidewalk height and slope should be raised to increase front door accessibility to buildings.
8. And that the final design for St. George's Square be brought forward for Council approval by the end of 2025.

1. That Section 1.5.1.3, Eligibility and Qualifications, of the Public Appointment Policy, approved by Council at the March 25, 2025 City Council meeting, be suspended.
2. That staff be directed to review the Eligibility and Qualifications section of the Public Appointment Policy and report back to Council with updates regarding residency eligibility that are reflective of the Advisory Committee of Council Governance Framework and individual Terms of Reference.