KEN YEE CHEW
GUELPH CITY COUNCILLOR
Representing South Guelph - Ward 6
Council Vacancy / Community Benefit Agreements / University Land Use Vision / Construction Updates / Biz Openings / Summer Events
Dedicated to the people of Ward 6.
This report is produced for education and communication purposes only. The opinions and 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, visit the sources for deeper context.
The communities of South Guelph, Ward 6
Town of Puslinch
Township of Guelph/Eramosa
Town
City
Main themes at a glance
Stay up to date with regular communications
These reports reflect ongoing community conversations and Council activity, offering key decisions and behind-the-scenes context from my perspective. Whether you're after a quick snapshot or deeper insight, my goal is to make City Hall more approachable by connecting policy conversations to everyday life in the City and Ward 6.
Distilling Discussions and Decisions at Council
Providing Commentary for Community Conversations
06 South End Community Centre is on track for Fall 2026 completion.
Site visit photo overlooking the swimming pool concrete structure.
Q2 Engagement Snapshots
Supporting small businesses, attending ribbon cuttings, celebrating arts and culture, connecting with neighbours across Ward 6, and serving as Acting Mayor at several events in June.
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1. Wellington–Halton Hills North Candidates Forum
2. Kiru and Gus Hand Crafted Cards
3. Solar Dental Grand Opening on 28 Clair Rd W, Longo’s Plaza
4. Hopewell Youth Connect Grand Opening
5. New Pizzeria - Saucy B’s Pizzeria on 115 Downey Rd
6. John F. Ross Arts Program Summer Exhibit
7. Guelph Mulicultural Festival with Guelph Police
8. Seniors Month Gathering at City Hall
Hot Summer Nights is back July 31st at Orin Reid Park
Join us for a fun evening on July 31 at Orin Reid Park! I’ll be there with face painting, ice cream, and treats for the kiddos. It’s a great chance to enjoy the summer weather, and reconnect with new and familiar faces. Hope to see you there! Don't worry if you can't make it, there will be more park events coming up these next few months!
Hot Summer Night at Orin Reid Park
Hot Summer Nights are back!
July 31st at Orin Reid Park
Applications for the Ward 6 Vacancy Process is now officially closed.
City Council will appoint a new Ward 6 Councillor at a public meeting on Tuesday, July 23, 2025, at 6:00 pm at City Hall. Certified candidates will each have up to five minutes to speak, followed by a Council vote. The first candidate to receive seven votes will be appointed.
Guelph City Hall Council Chambers
Understanding the fundamental role of municipalities
At the heart of the ideal candidate for Ward 6 is a strong service mindset, a willingness to listen, and a clear understanding of local priorities. Candidates who understand how municipal government works and how it is distinct from provincial and federal responsibilities will bring added credibility to the role. Many issues are often misunderstood or conflated with areas outside municipal jurisdiction. AMO’s Municipal 101 guide is a helpful primer on the structure and responsibilities of local government:
Guelph Lake Nature Centre
The Guelph Lake Nature Centre is coming along nicely! I caught a close look at the new building while out for a walk through the conservation area. The centre is set to officially welcome students in September 2025. Exciting to see it all taking shape!
Front view of the Nature Centre
Nature Centre entrance
"The economic horse pulls the social cart."
PREMIER WAB KINEW OF MANITOBA LEADER OF MANITOBA'S NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY
For in-depth commentary on the budget projections for 2026, refer to pages 22-27 in the Q1 2025 Progress Report
Private Tree Bylaw Update
In April, Council adopted a Private Tree Protection Bylaw aimed at protecting large, mature trees, particularly on larger lots. While staff initially recommended a 50 cm DBH threshold focused on mature trees, Council opted for stricter regulations. I proposed a compromise at 40 cm instead of the 30cm to help avoid a heavy-handed rollout, but the motion did not pass.
Ahead of the vote, Council heard from a local arborist, who supported the bylaw’s intent but cautioned against moving too quickly. He recommended maintaining the 50 cm threshold and proposed an incentive program to encourage tree planting. He also raised concerns that a sudden increase in prescriptiveness could stigmatize his profession in the community.
Parks staff have indicated that implementing these changes will require deferring other planned work. To be clear, I'm all for a stop-gap supporting tree preservation. However, my outstanding concern remains around capacity, as no amount of funding can instantly create the staffing or resources needed. I remain committed to practical, enforceable policies that build long-term trust and support good-faith stewardship in the broader community.
"The cost of implementing the revised bylaw is pegged at $261,000. Regulation creates a permitting process, fees, inspections and, potentially, fines for violations."
RICHARD VIVIAN, GUELPHTODAY
Corporate Asset Management Master Plan
On June 3rd, Council received the City's Corporate Asset Management Plan to guide how we care for public infrastructure, including roads, pipes, parks, and public buildings. The goal is to ensure services stay reliable, affordable, and well-maintained over time.
State of the Assets
* N/A – Not applicable, Undefined Condition Rating 2025
Many assets are nearing the end of their life cycle. Without steady investment, we risk declining service and rising maintenance backlogs.
Provincial regulations now require more
As of July 2025, municipalities must report not only on current service levels, but also outline future targets and how they will be funded.
Our infrastructure is worth $7.7 billion. That equals about $50,000 per resident if we had to replace everything today.
Bottom Line
Delivering critical infrastructure is one of the City’s core responsibilities. It’s the foundational heavy lifting that supports our communities, businesses, and housing. Many of these investments, notably water mains, sewers, and facility systems, often go unseen.
To ensure long-term reliability and public safety, it’s essential that our infrastructure needs are continuously monitored and prioritized. This plan helps the City focus on managing risk, meeting community expectations, and balancing safety with long-term costs.
By visualizing the condition and service levels of our assets, the plan brings greater transparency and discipline to tough decisions, especially in a time of growing demand and limited resources.
LOS Example - Roads
LOS Example - Roads
LOS Example - Roads
Community Benefit Agreements Review
In response to the 2025 budget, City staff reviewed the Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) program to improve clarity, transparency, and effectiveness. CBAs are strategic, City-led partnerships that fund community organizations better positioned to deliver specific outcomes. The review found strengths in structure and relationships but also gaps in purpose, selection, and accountability.
Bottom line
Recommendations include aligning CBAs with the City’s strategic plan and multi-year budget, improving intake and renewal processes, and introducing clearer reporting and evaluation standards. The updated CBA process will bring stronger oversight and clearer value for public investment in the community. Full implementation is expected by 2026.
Guelph City Hall from Market Square, photo taken from Moriyama Teshima Architects
2025 Internal Audit Projects
Value for Money and Operational Review of Permit Approvals and Inspections
Following up with our City's internal auditor, this project is set to begin in Q4. Residents, builders, and businesses depend on clear and timely decisions, whether they are planning home renovations, starting a new build, or scheduling safety inspections. When processes are delayed or unclear, it creates frustration, adds costs, and slows down progress.
Bottom line
This review will help pinpoint inefficiencies, improve turnaround times, and ensure staff time are more intentionally used to help customers. I’ll be keeping a close eye on this audit project as part of our broader efforts to strengthen service delivery and accountability. This remains one of my key areas of advocacy for those navigating the planning and building process.
Guelph City Hall, photo taken from Moriyama Teshima Architects
HOUSING & INFRASTRUCTURE
Poppy Drive is being extended to connect to the future South End Community Centre.
Views looking West towards the Poppy Dr West extension
2025 Construction Highlights
Wyndham-Wellington Water and Wastewater Capacity Improvement project - On April 24, the City of Guelph held a groundbreaking ceremony for the first phase of the Downtown Renewal Infrastructure Program (DTIRP). Supported by $2.1 million from the provincial HousingEnabling Water Systems Fund, the project will upgrade infrastructure along Wellington and Wyndham Streets and enable 150 shovel-ready housing units by 2027. This milestone marks the beginning of long-term infrastructure investments to support housing and renewal downtown.
Wyndham-Wellington W/WW Capacity Improvement
Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program
Capital
Implementation Plan
Scope: Municipal right-of-ways within the Downtown Secondary Plan area north of the Metrolinx corridor, plus Wyndham Street South from the Metrolinx corridor to Wellington Street, and Wellington Street from Gordon Street to Neeve Street
Drivers: Prepare a phasing plan and conceptual designs for the implementation of the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Plan
Schedule: Planning 2020 – Q4 2025, Design and Construction 2025 to 2038 (expediated)
Engagement: completed, informational report to Council Q3
Impacts: Investigative field work complete –minimal disruption
DTIRP Phase 1: Wyndham Street North
Scope: Full reconstruction of Wyndham Street North from Farquhar Street to Woolwich Street. Replacement of watermain, sanitary and storm sewers, third-party utility improvements, and renewed streetscape
Drivers: Aging infrastructure at the end of service life, capacity improvements to enable growth and housing, and economic development of downtown core.
Schedule: Design 2024-2025. Construction 2026-2027, Gas ongoing and hydro utility potential Q1 2026
Engagement: Enhanced Plan thru Diggable Downtown Campaign, construction liaison, DT office
Impacts: Full road closure with extraordinary construction mitigation plan to be finalised
Gordon Street and Clair/Laird Road Widening Environmental Assessment
Scope: study to assess and recommend preferred road cross section, drainage, etc. for Gordon Street from Clair Road to Maltby Road, Clair from Beaver Meadows to Victoria, and Laird from Clair to Southgate
Drivers: Growth and housing, Clair-Maltby Master Environmental Servicing Plan, Transportation Master Plan
Schedule: Kick-off Q1 2025, completion Q4 2026
Engagement: enhanced engagement planned, several open houses and online engagement opportunities
Impacts: Field investigations Q2 2025 throughout to Q2 2026 – minimal impacts to property owners and road users
University of Guelph Land Use Vision
The University of Guelph has released its long-term Real Estate Strategy and Land Use Vision to guide better use of its endowment lands. I participated in the engagement process and emphasized the need for more purpose-built student housing and strong urban design.
This plan focuses on proactive and thoughtful development, while evaluating long-term leases. The goal is to ease off-campus pressure by better utilizing university-owned endowment lands.
During my conversations with the project team, I emphasized that most of South Guelph is largely made up of first-generation subdivisions, with a built form that is not well-suited to absorbing additional population pressure.
For residents who value the character and stability of our neighbourhoods, this plan provides a pathway to reduce that pressure, while still supporting the long-term success of the university and the city as a whole. As your councillor, I remain committed to helping nurture a strong, collaborative relationship between the City and our University partners.
Future Development along on Stone Road Corridor
HOUSING & INFRASTRUCTURE
Figure 20: Height Strategy - Conceptual Approach
Figure 1: Aerial Photo of Guelph looking towards the city, Ontario (City of Guelph)
Proposing minor changes
Council approved the Downtown Heights Study Official Plan Amendment to support responsible growth while protecting key heritage views.
During the discussion, staff initially proposed including rooftop mechanical units within overall height caps. I disagreed with this approach, since our zoning already requires these elements to be screened and integrated. Including them would effectively remove one functional storey. For example, a 10-storey cap would result in only 9 usable floors.
Instead, I supported maintaining screening requirements while directing staff to review rooftop mechanicals more thoroughly through future Tall Building Standards, rather than locking in rigid limits now.
*We already require rooftop mechanical screening in our comprehensive zoning bylaw. This is nothing new.
Removing the rooftop height cap allows more livable or usable space without compromising the skyline. This flexible and practical change was unanimously supported by Council.
Encouraging density downtown is key to managing growth. With Conestoga College expanding, infrastructure upgrades underway, and downtown designated as a Major Transit Station Area, we must direct growth to where it fits best. Otherwise, pressure will shift to first generational subdivisions and low-density areas like South Guelph, which are not designed for it.
Many downtown residents I’ve spoken with, including those on Edwin Street, understand the expectations that come with growth. I will continue advocating for balanced, thoughtful planning to support our city’s future.
New Pedestrian crossings to be installed in Ward 6 this summer
New crossing to be installed near Gosling Gardens Park
New Pedestrian Crossover Installations
New pedestrian crossovers are planned for installation summer at:
1. Gosling Gardens at the entrance to Gosling Gardens Park (Type D)
2. Clairfields Drive East at McGarr Drive (Type D)
3. Downey Road at Hazelwood Drive (Type B)
Thank you to everyone who has reached out with feedback and advocacy. Every construction season, staff are working to implement more crossovers at strategic locations to improve safety and connectivity.
For more details on construction activities, visit the City's construction page here or contact me if you have any questions.
Type B
Type D
Updates to the Gordon Street Improvements
The City's Engineering Department is on track with the detailed design for Gordon Street. I look forward to seeing construction get underway next year.
Additional stormwater improvements have already been completed on Lowes Road and Gordon Street to better manage drainage and reduce flooding. Final repaving will take place during the reconstruction of Gordon Street.
Since the original project plans were developed, a few key changes have been made. I have asked engineering staff to provide an update on the design changes compared to the original scope.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
kenyeechew.ca/latest-work linktr.ee/kenyeechew
Brock Road Community Garden north of Pineridge Park, Ward 6
KEN YEE CHEW
GUELPH CITY COUNCILLOR
Representing South Guelph - Ward 6