2024 Annual Report

KEN YEE CHEW GUELPH CITY COUNCILLOR Representing South Guelph - Ward 6

PEOPLE CHANGE & PURPOSE

20 24

WARD 6 ANNUAL REPORT | 2ND EDITION | JANUARY - DECEMBER 2024

kenyeechew.ca

Dedicated to the people of Ward 6.

Table of Contents

This report is produced for education and communication purposes only. The opinions and

10 MANDATE AND PURPOSE

14 RESPONSIVE REPRESENTATION

12 FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY

18 FOCUSED ADVOCACY

views presented are not endorsed by the City of Guelph or any other entities. Unless otherwise indicated with a link or in-text citation, all images and graphics are created by Ken Yee Chew.

The contents of this report are accompanied by links to original sources and can be accessed by hovering your cursor over the visuals and graphics. To briefly view the front pages of any referenced reports, zoom in for a better view of the contents. To form a comprehensive view on the commentary provided, it is recommended to visit the sources provided for deeper context.

Sunrise over Clair Road, capturing Bishop Macdonell, the South End Emergency Service Centre, the Hanlon Creek Business Park, and the watertower, January 2024.

We are incredibly blessed to live and work in Guelph, a city shaped by by the dedication of its residents, volunteers, community leaders and city staff.

In a city of over 140,000 and growing, many contributions often go unnoticed behind the scenes of council chambers or the noise on social media. It is the and plazas that makes our city a vibrant place to live.

Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Kids from Vaughan St, a family enjoying newly resurfaced tennis court, Tony from Why Not Italian, Paramedic Superintendent Dawn, planning staff, and Unicorn Scoops ice cream at Mollison Park.

This year brought forward significant leadership changes, including former City

Policies, by their nature, are meant to set conditions rather than function

unsung efforts of those working with purpose in our streets, neighbourhoods

Treasurer Tara Baker stepping into the role of Chief Administrative Officer. These transitions came with departmental reorganizations and staff changes, creating

as rigid and legalistic “thou shall” directives. Conversations are essential for keeping policies relevant and responsive, while allowing for flexibility to better

opportunities for fresh energy and renewed perspectives.

serve the people who rely on our city departments for customer service.

Change was also evident among front-line staff, including those I frequently

As we move deeper into the New Year, significant changes are on the horizon.

follow up with on service requests. Despite facing internal turnovers, I have seen many staff members go above and beyond to fulfill their team’s responsibilities and accommodate the needs of residents.

This year, the planning department also welcomed many new members, providing opportunities for friendly interactions to connect and share the local

Council and senior staff are preparing for anticipated developments at the provincial and national levels. With the political landscape evolving rapidly, we are committed to ensuring our organization stays ready and responsive to legislative updates that may provide new financial opportunities for the City.

At the heart of change is finding champions and building relationships with

knowledge and history that has been passed on to me.

people who bring an open mind and a humble attitude to new ideas. Thank you

My hope is that these small interactions help provide subject area experts and

and working together more closely in 2025.

for your continued input and collaboration. I look forward to hearing your ideas

policy implementers a deeper understanding of our city’s unique context and social needs, so sincerity and meaning are better integrated into our policies.

Ken Yee Chew Guelph City Councillor - Ward 6

For over 30,000 of us and counting, home is South Guelph South Guelph is a blend of newly built and established neighbourhoods, where families and neighbours are connected by an abundance of parks, trails, and local amenities.

Abutting Highway 6, the neighbourhoods of Kortright Hills and Woodland Glen sit on the rural-urban edge, bordered by the Townships of Puslinch and Guelph/ Eramosa across the Speed River. Surrounded by conservation land, these areas are celebrated for their natural heritage features and strong sense of community.

Moving southeast, the heart of South Guelph is shaped by Hanlon Creek and Preservation Park, offering a unique mix of cultural forest and meadow landscapes. Rich with wetlands and woodlots, these areas provide residents with opportunities to spot waterfowl and deer, particularly during the winter and early spring.

Further south along Gordon Street, newer neighbourhoods like Vaughan-RevellDawn, Clairfields, Westminster Woods, and Pineridge stand alongside South Guelph’s historic areas, Malvern-Ridgeway and Arkell. These neighbourhoods are connected by preserved woodlots and trails, leading to plazas along the Gordon Street corridor, schools, and the future South End Community Centre at Clair Road and Poppy Drive. To the south near Maltby Road, Rolling Hills marks the southeastern gateway to the city.

The Hanlon Creek Business Park anchors the area’s economy, hosting major employers like The Co-operators, DENSO, and Sleeman Breweries, as well as organizations such as the Guelph Humane Society and emerging businesses like Code Ninjas, Double Cross Sim Lounge, and Café 245.

Together, these neighbourhoods offer a balance of natural beauty, convenience, and opportunities for work, leisure, and connection, making home South Guelph.

Top to bottom: Summer, Fall and Winter from the South End

Future Student Housing Project

Township of Guelph/Eramosa im its

Dairy Bush

Ci ty l

River Bend Campground

The Niska Niska Lands Revitailization Lands

Ci ty

Photo taken by Sean Kearnan, 2013

Woodland Glen

GUELPH INNOVATION DISTRICT

City of Guelph Town of Puslinch

Hanlon Creek Park

KORTRIGHT PLAZA

UNIVERSITY SQUARE PLAZA

Hanlon Creek

lim

GORDON STREET CORRIDOR

Kortright Hills Ci ty

The Arboretum

STONE ROAD CORRIDOR

lim its

Rural-urban edge of Niska and Ptarmigan Drive

Town of Puslinch

UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH

Rickson Ridge

its

Deer wintering in Preservation Park behind Rickson Ridge P R E S E RVAT I O N PA R K

Malvern-Ridgeway-Arkell Communities

Dawn Vaughan Revell

Pineridge

HANLON CREEK BUSINESS PARK

Vaughan/Revell trail towards Dawn Ave and Clairfields

Westminister Woods

Clairfields THE HANLON CREEKFOREST

CLAIR-GORDON COMMERCIAL PLAZAS

FUTURE SOUTH END CO M M U N I T Y C E N T R E

Gosling Gardens-DallanPoppy Drive Communities

Rolling Hills PARIS-GALT MORAINE

Westiminister Woods and Pineridge communities

City of Guelph, Ward 6 Town of Puslinch

Hanlon Creek Business Park from Clair Road

The communities of South Guelph, Ward 6

MANDATE AND PURPOSE

MANDATE AND PURPOSE

Focus and clarity

Articulating our story

As we move into 2025, my focus remains on representing you by providing constructive feedback

Explore detailed insights and recaps of key issues by clicking on the 2024 reports for stories and

to staff, council colleagues, and stakeholders. The themes, goals, and priorities I’ve outlined are

narratives that is shaping the City and South Guelph. Whether you’re skimming quickly or diving

intended to serve as a canvas for conversations and ensuring accountability in my work.

into the full details, the goal is to give you a clear view of key news and focus issues.

KEN YEE CHEW

KEN YEE CHEW

KEN YEE CHEW

KEN YEE CHEW

Representing the Communities of Ward 6

Representing the Communities of Ward 6

Representing the Communities of Ward 6

Representing the Communities of Ward 6

GUELPH CITY COUNCILLOR

GUELPH CITY COUNCILLOR

GUELPH CITY COUNCILLOR

GUELPH CITY COUNCILLOR

WARD 6 SUMMER PROGRESS REPORT | Q3 | JUNE 2024 - AUGUST 2024

WARD 6 SPRING PROGRESS REPORT | Q2 | APRIL 2024 - JUNE 2024

nurturing neighbourhoods capital improvements / advocacy / strategic plan updates / legislative changes

WARD 6 FALL PROGRESS REPORT | Q4 | SEPTEMBER 2024 - DECEMBER 2024

summer outlook

season of gratitude

navigating progress, change and difficult conversations

fireworks bylaw review / community planning / budget deliberations / community musings / local business appreciation

new leadership / conservation / unlocking partnerships / advocacy / regulating parks and open spaces / zoning changes / fall events / budget

WARD 6 ANNUAL REPORT | 1ST EDITION | NOVEMBER 2022 - APRIL 2024

FOUNDATIONS nurturing growth beneath the surface

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Goals and Priorities Responsive representation to address local concerns and complex casework efficiently.

Focused advocacy to champion the priorities of our neighbourhoods.

Financial accountability to ensure responsible use of municipal resources.

Key Intentions Building civic awareness by demystifying how the city functions.

Fostering public trust through transparent communications and dialogue.

Facilitating stronger connections across our neighbourhoods.

Facilitating a school visit at City Hall, November, 2024

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FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY

Demonstrating Fiscal Prudence

Navigating the 2025 Budget

Maintaining financial accountability remains a key priority, as we navigate economic changes

The 2025 budget process, like every year, was a careful exercise in negotiation—a balancing act

and shifts at upper levels of government. Locally, my focus is to ensure Ward 6 taxpayers see

between addressing community needs, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and accommodating

practical progress on community investments like the South End Community Centre.

priorities raised by councillors, community stakeholders, organizations, and residents from

City portion Outside Boards

across the city. Some of the items I heard from you directly included funding for the Guelph Tool On the whole, this year Guelph earned a triple-A credit rating from S&P Global Ratings for the

Library, phasing in a youth recreation subsidy, and expanding Bus Route 5 in the South End. You

third consecutive year, underscoring the city’s strong financial standing. Council also approved a

can find a full recap of the process in the 2024 Q4 Progress Report.

tax levy increase cap of 4%, with the final budget set at 3.66%. This disciplined approach ensures resources are allocated effectively while addressing long-term needs.

Under the City’s direct control, the negotiation process evolved through several key stages in mid-october to the end of November.

To further strengthen financial accountability, key governance reforms are underway, including a review of community benefit agreements and operational value-for-money audits. Additionally,

October 17: The Mayor set the stage with an initial proposal started at 2.59%, reflecting efforts

the city’s finance department has been transitioned to direct oversight under the CAO’s office,

to maintain essential services while addressing inflation and growth pressures.

enhancing oversight and alignment with organizational priorities.

November 14: Following internal discussions and input from the community, the draft increased to 3.21% to account for emerging priorities.

November 28: Further deliberations and amendments brought forward by councillor colleagues resulted in a final figure of 3.66% for the city portion.

Total: 6.09%

November 28

Total: 5.64%

November 14

October 17

Budget Townhall Consultation for Wards 5 & 6, November 2024

012 Councillor Chew 2024 Annual Report

Total: 5.02%

Percentage Increase kenyeechew.ca

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RESPONSIVE REPRESENTATION

RESPONSIVE REPRESENTATION

211 Case Work related meetings

56 Council Sessions

on call or in-person with residents, stakeholders and city staff

Committee of the Whole, Planning & City Council Meetings

Month

Meetings

Quarter/Month

Meetings

Hours

Average Hours

January

19

February

26

Q1 2024

13

28.0

2.2

March

19

January 2024

4

3.0

0.75

April

18

February 2024

5

18.5

3.7

May

14

March 2024

4

6.5

1.6

June

8

July

4

Q2 2024

14

35.0

2.5

August

20

April 2024

3

7.0

2.3

September

21

May 2024

5

15.5

3.1

October

28

June 2024

6

12.5

2.1

November

24

December

10

Q3 2024

10

27.5

2.8

July 2024

5

7.5

1.5

Total:

211

August 2024

2

9.0

4.5

September 2024

3

11.0

3.7

Q4 2024

6

17.0

2.8

57 in my first year to 36. This shift also stemmed from a desire to use my time to strengthen

October 2024

3

17.0

5.7

relationships and prioritize crafting stronger communication materials to ensure meetings with

November 2024

8

22.5

2.8

people deliver preciser outcomes and clearer messaging.

December 2024

3

2.6

4.2

At council, extended discussions and special meetings required significant time and

Total:

56

143.6

2.6

This year, my calendar schedule reflected a focus on providing casework resolutions. I attended 211 casework meetings, up from 119 in 2023, while community events decreased from

preparation. Key topics included the Public Space Use Bylaw in February and September, the Housing Affordability Strategy and Fireworks Bylaw in October, and the 2025 budget confirmation process in November.

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RESPONSIVE REPRESENTATION

RESPONSIVE REPRESENTATION

36 engagement events with businesses, neig bour ood and non profit groups

Promoting Environmental Stewardship South Guelph is one of the city’s largest areas by land mass, encompassing hundreds of hectares of protected conservation land. In 2024, Trees for Guelph hosted tree-planting events at Hanlon

Month

Engagements

Q1 2024

12 meetings

Q2 2024

11 meetings

Q3 2024

7 meetings

Q4 2024

8 meetings

Creek Forest and Teal Drive, bringing South End residents together to participate in natural stewardship of our natural heritage systems. These efforts are excellent for raising awareness towards the need to control invasive species, promoting education, and creating opportunities to meet neighbours, while enhancing naturalized connections between Preservation Park and key features of the Hanlon Creek area.

Building key connections with residents and organizations remained central to my representation this year. Notable highlights from Ward 6 in 2024 include: •

Welcoming Bishop Macdonell High School students to council chambers for a second year.

•

Provding remarks at cultural events like events organized by the Guelph Chinese Canadian CG.

•

Grand opening for new enterprises: Making Waves Swim School and Double Cross Sim Lounge.

•

Celebrating DENSO’s Year End Bike Donation, and Alectra-Guelph Hydro’s 5-Year Anniversary.

See event photos from the annual report cover page.

Government relations, networking and outreach activities Conferences

Period

FCM Calgary

June 6-9

AMO Ottawa

August 20-21

OPPI Hamilton

September 27

Issue at a glance: Permanent Funding for the Community Paramedicine Program

Meeting package prepared and presented to the Minister of Long Term Care to request

Hanlon Forest Tree Planting, April 27, 2024

permanent funding for our community paramedicine program at AMO delegation.

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FOCUSED ADVOCACY

Capital Improvements Because resources are distributed citywide, advocacy by Ward 6 Councillors is crucial to ensure local needs are effectively addressed and prioritized. This term, Ward 6 is seeing significant infrastructure investments aligned with capital priorities.

Councillor O'Rourke and I regularly receive updates, engage in discussions, and collaborate with staff to keep projects on track. Our roles includes advocating for key initiatives and providing on-the-ground feedback to complement data-driven insights from corporate asset management.

By addressing long-standing issues and prioritizing critical projects, we aim to ensure implemented improvements remain relevant and responsive to the community’s needs.

Key Updates: •

Neighbourhood Safety Enhancements: Multiple pedestrian crossovers installed, along with traffic calming measures, to improve safety in residential areas.

•

South End Community Centre: On track for a 2026 opening, this facility will feature state-ofthe-art recreation amenities.

•

Gordon Street and Lowes Road: Advocated for progress on Gordon Street improvements and the resolution of drainage issues on Lowes Road.

•

Downey Well and Pumphouse Access Laneway: Oversaw progress, including native tree planting, removal of invasive buckthorn, and preserving the bridge as a heritage feature, with potential for future trail recreation.

Toured the South End Community Centre construction, October, 2024

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Gordon Street Improvements will take place from Edinburgh Road to Lowes Road kenyeechew.ca

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Pedestrian priority intersection installed in 2024 on Downey Road and Pheasant Run-Quail Drive

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Housing Accelerator Fund Addressing housing policies at Council Planning Initiatives FOCUSED ADVOCACY

FOCUSED ADVOCACY

The Community Planning Permit System Stone-Edinburgh Road Study Area for the Community Planning Permit System

New Proposed Student Housing UoG Stone Road Retail Lands

THE DAIRY BUSH

e

Edinb

e Av

leg Col

urgh

Elementary School Catholic Saint-René-Goupil

Scotts dale D r Priory Park Public School

Rd

Stone Road Mall

BUS TERMINAL

Ja

ne

fie

ld

Av

e

W.E. HAMILTON PARK

o

ne

St

Rd

Stone Square Centre

Taken from pg. 4 Proposed Zoning Regulation Changes to Permit Four (4) Units per Lot. planning slide deck

The City's Housing Affordability Strategy has been

Page 241 of 642 4

the main focus of council planning this year. One of the key action items that is being initiated is community engagement by City planning staff on

The University will build more student housing

the Community Planning Permit System (CPPS).

This process aims to streamline development in the

Adjacent to this policy planning

strategic growth area of Stone Road and Edinburgh

area, the University of Guelph

Road. With its consolidated university lands and

announced plans to build

rental-heavy neighbourhoods, this area serves as an ideal pilot for a new development planning process.

new student residences on its Development Advisor Cusla Matthews

City of Guelph Information Report Friday, September 27, 2024 CPPS for Downtown and Stone Road/Edinburgh Road Strategic Growth Areas

endowment lands—a significant step forward after years of advocacy. I look forward to

“Shifting community, developer, staff and council understanding to a new process is one

seeing their plans unfold as we

of the main obstacles that must be overcome. Therefore, development of a CPPS must be

progress into 2025.

paired with a strong educational component and public engagement" 022 Councillor Chew 2024 Annual Report

Rendering from UoG of the student housing on Edinburgh and College Ave. kenyeechew.ca

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Overlaid visuals are taken from the City's Growth Management and Affordable Housing Monitoring Report 2023

Understanding where most growth will take place HIG

HW

A

Y zoning 7 RL.1 & RL.2 Lots where 4-Units will likely be seen in new home builds

Strategic Growth Area Densities and G ELP Targets (Residents and Jobs perU hectare) H

N O R THWEST IND U STRIA L PA RK

JUN

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Woodlawn Road / Woolwich Street Silvercreek Parkway Paisley Road / Imperial Road Silvercreek Junction Eramosa Road Watson Parkway / Starwood Road Stone Road at Edinburgh Road Guelph Innovation District Gordon Street at Harvard Road Gordon Street at Arkell Road Gordon Street at Clair Road Gordon Street in Clair-Maltby

Current Density (2023) 68 59 43 0 48 65 61 0 50 58 56 6

CT

I O NDensity Target RA I LW (residents and AY jobs per hectare) 120 100 110 130 100 160 130 100 100 120 130 100

CO N E STOGA COL L EG E POLLIN ATOR PARK

iv e r

Strategic Growth Area Name

Baseline Density (2021) 63 59 35 0 48 42 61 0 50 58 49 6

Speed R

Map ID

DOWNTOWN G UELPH

Eramosa R iv

er

CUTTEN FIELDS

W EL LI NG TO N 12

4 THE UNIVERSITY OF G UELPH

HIG HWAY 6

STON E R OAD COR R IDOR

CA MBRI DG E

STONE RD

P R E S E RVAT I O N PARK

H A N LO N C R E E K B U S INESS PA RK

HI

GH

WA Y 4

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GODR ON ST

SOUTH END COM M UN IT Y C E N T R E

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FOCUSED ADVOCACY

FOCUSED ADVOCACY

Allowing four units on properties that meet lot size requirements

Delineating what additional dwelling units can look like.

At the end of 2024, Council approved a zoning bylaw amendment allowing up to four residential units as of right, aligning with our federal Housing Accelerator Fund commitments and Affordable Housing Strategy. While meeting federal funding obligations is essential,

Primary Unit with Assessory Dwelling Units

I have actively engaged resident feedback, and reviewed refinements to lot frontage and size requirements. In our final meeting on this matter, I supported a motion to adjust these requirements, aiming for the zoning bylaw amendment to facilitate better integration of multiunit properties into neighbourhoods most likely to experience these changes.

From my discussions with neighbourhood groups, most concerns focused on traffic management as an impact of increased density. Depending on the context, some of these issues can be addressed through future traffic impact studies and road safety improvements. I emphasized to residents that the visual and structural impacts of these changes ultimately rest with homeowners and developers as they navigate site plan and building permitting processes.

I sincerely hope this new policy can empower homeowners to retrofit their properties in more meaningful ways, fostering greater variety and intergenerational living. In the end, the future integrity of our neighbourhoods depends not just on policy prescribed to built form, but on the active participation of residents who contribute to making our streets a more vibrant and welcoming place to live.

Fourplex typology on Semi-Detached home

Base renderings of the proposed typologies for four units.

Prepared by O2 Planning. City of Guelph, 2024.

026 Councillor Chew 2024 Annual Report

Decision Report Permitting Four Dwelling Units on a Lot City-initiated Zoning By-law Amendment 2024-405, 2024-405 Councillor Downer 1. 4.12.1(g)(vi)B. An additional dwelling unit must be setback from an exterior side lot line no less than the exterior side yard setback of the main dwelling unit.

Decision Report Permitting Four Dwelling Units on a Lot City-initiated Zoning By-law 2024-405, 2024-405 1. That the City-initiated Official Plan Amendment to exclude multi-unit residential buildings with four units or less from the net density calculation in the low-density residential designation be approved, as shown in Attachment-1 of Report 2024-405 dated December 10, 2024.

That the City-initiated Zoning By-law Amendment to permit up to four units on low2. density residential lots be approved, as shown in Attachment-2 of Report 2024-405 dated December 10, 2024.

That in accordance with Section 34 (17) of the Planning Act, City Council 3. has determined that no further public notice is required related to the minor modifications to the proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments permitting up to four units on a lot.

Motions from December 10, 2024 City of Guelph Council Planning meeting kenyeechew.ca

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FOCUSED ADVOCACY

Council presentation by Chief Cobey on community safety

Community Safety and Well-Being Throughout 2024, Council and staff addressed key issues, including homelessness, mental health, and community safety.

A significant initiative was enacting the Public Space Use Bylaw. For full details, see Progress Report Q3: Navigating Progress, Change, and Difficult Conversations for commentary on this.

On this matter, I commend the collaboration of our bylaw enforcement team, Guelph Police, and community stakeholders in implementing this sensitive policy. While opinions online can be divisive, I am grateful for the City's sensible efforts to address these challenging issues.

To add, I really appreciate the efforts from programs like the IMPACT team, for crisis response, and the Downtown Resource Officer program. They have been instrumental in fostering safety through collaboration with community groups and helping to maintain our public spaces. We have also seen many dedicated volunteers step up to contribute towards helping those in need.

Community safety remains a priority city-wide, with Ward 6 particularly impacted by speeding concerns. I continue to advocate for increased patrol support from the Guelph Police Service (GPS) and found opportuntiies to voice these concerns, like during a GPS strategic planning workshop, with senior officers and the board.

Automatic speed enforcement camera in effect at Kortright Hills Public School

Resourcing to address speeding in neighbourhoods near city limits still remains a challenge.

In the meantime, residents can request a "Slow Down" sign from the City to help raise visual awareness. While progress is incremental, I’m pleased to see the City’s Vision Zero policy advancing safety initiatives, including the recent installation of speed cameras in school zones, such as at Kortright Hills Public School.

Updates to the Fireworks Bylaw introduced stricter fines and revised operating hours to address community concerns, particularly for residents on busy streets. For more on these efforts, refer to my progress reports.

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FOCUSED ADVOCACY

Lake Huron

Grand River Conservation Authority As a GRCA board member representing the City of Guelph and Ward 6, I attend monthly meetings at the Grand River Conservation Authority head office in Cambridge. This role allows me to build stronger relationships with conservation staff and elected officials from 36 member municipalities across our watershed. I love this organization and always look forward to these meetings every month.

Georgian Bay

Putting into perspective Southern Ontario's largest watershed The GRCA watershed spans an area of 6,800 km², making it the largest in southern Ontario.

To highlight its scale, it is: •

More than twice the size of Luxembourg (2,586 km²).

•

Over 10 times larger than Singapore (728 km²).

Meetings attended at the GRCA Head Office in Cambridge Month

Hours Spent

January 2024

0.73

February 2024

0.76

March 2024

1.29

April 2024

1.61

May 2024

0.61

June 2024

3.38

September 2024

2.04

November 2024

0.61

December 2024

1.35

Total:

12.38

With resources spread thin across the watershed, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, educational outreach, and voluntary compliance among communities is essential for effective stewardship of this dispersed geopolitical landscape.

SIN GA PO RE

GU EL P H

LUXEMBOURG

Lake ON

Lake Erie

GRCA Board meeting in session

030 Councillor Chew 2024 Annual Report

The Grand River watershed from the vantage point of Southwestern Ontario

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FOCUSED ADVOCACY

Recognizing GRCA staff initiatives for promoting knowledge sharing and educational outreach

A Critical Examination for Revitalizing the Niska Lands: Integrating Nature with Built Form

Clean water is essential to Guelph, and our wastewater treatment systems play a significant role

In 2024, I collaborated with a design cohort of Master

in protecting the environment. In Guelph, our Wastewater Treatment Plant processes over 64

of Landscape Architecture students from January to

million litres of wastewater daily, ensuring it’s clean before returning to the ecosystem.

April to brainstorm, critique, and analyze scenarios for reimagining the 8-hectare cash crop field on the

Watershed-Wide Wastewater Optimization Program (WWOP)

Niska Lands.

At the December 2024 board meeting, the GRCA provided updates on its Watershed-wide Wastewater Optimization Program (WWOP) and its annual competition for wastewater plant

The sessions focused on strategies to protect the

operators. This voluntary initiative encourages municipalities to adopt best practices for

natural heritage system, preserve natural features,

reducing nutrient loads, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, to improve water quality in the Grand

and promote conservation by integrating strategic

River and downstream to Lake Erie.

built form with progressive building science, and

Charette session with MLA grad students

naturalized open spaces.

Programs like this often go unnoticed by the public, but they highlight the resourcefulness of staff in making the responsibility of environmental stewardship both engaging and fun in the

Some of the notable goals discussed was aimed at

workplace. The program’s friendly competition motivates municipalities to collaborate, share

conversations around how to revitalize the heavily

best practices, and strive for excellence in wastewater treatment.

altered cash crop fields while enhancing groundwater

2023 Watershed Overview of Wastewater Treatment Plant Performance In 2023, Guelph earned a bronze award, demonstrating its dedication to efficiency and

infiltration into the creek through investments in blue-green infrastructure.

Naturalized play environment using reclaimed wood (Hapa Collaborative, 2013)

August 2024 innovation.

I’m excited to see the results for 2024 and hope Guelph achieves gold.

Report Prepared by Simion Tolnai Grand River Conservation Authority

Present day condition of the former Niska Waterfowl Park, GRCA Niska Land Holdings. Read more about the Niska Lands in the 2023 Annual Report and Q2 Progress Report.

Click to watch the staff update from December's board meeting

Guelph Wastewater treatment plant, click to see youtube video

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Construction for the New Guelph Lake Nature Centre is on track for September 2025 Click the rendering from the GRCA website for more information.

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Thank you for your continued support!

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KEN YEE CHEW GUELPH CITY COUNCILLOR Representing South Guelph - Ward 6