Q3 2025 Progress Report

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

WARD 6 PROGRESS REPORT | Q3 | JULY 2025 - SEPT 2025

summer renewal

Guelph Lake Nature Centre / Meet Katherine Hauser / Parks Construction / Pergola Commons / GID Lands / Affordable Housing Incentives / Budget 2026 Forecast

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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.

Future Student Housing Project

Township of Guelph/Eramosa

Dairy Bush

The Arboretum

GUELPH INNOVATION DISTRICT

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UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH

STONE ROAD CORRIDOR

Ci ty

Town of Puslinch

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Kortright Hills Ci ty

City of Guelph Town of Puslinch Hanlon Creek Park

KORTRIGHT PLAZA

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River Bend Campground

Woodland Glen

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The Niska Niska Lands Revitailization Lands

UNIVERSITY SQUARE PLAZA

Hanlon Creek

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Rickson Ridge

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P RESERVATIO N PA RK

Malvern-Ridgeway-Arkell Communities

Dawn Vaughan Revell

Pineridge

HANLON CREEK BUSINESS PARK

Westminister Woods

Clairfields THE HANLON CREEKFOREST

CLAIR-GORDON COMMERCIAL PLAZAS

FUTURE SOUTH END COMMUNITY CENTRE

Gosling Gardens-DallanPoppy Drive Communities

Rolling Hills PARIS-GALT MORAINE

City of Guelph, Ward 6 Town of Puslinch

The communities of South Guelph, Ward 6

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Councillor Chew Q3 2025 Progress Report

Main themes at a glance

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GUELPH LAKE NATURE CENTRE

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MEET KATHERINE HAUSER

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SOUTH END PARKS UNDER CONSTRUCTION

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SUMMER DOG DAYS

24 HOUSING & INFRASTRUCTURE 024

PERGOLA COMMONS REZONING

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GUELPH INNOVATION DISTRICT

34 FISCAL FOCUS & CUSTOMER SERVICE 034

INCENTIVIZING AFFORDABLE HOUSING

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THE 2026 BUDGET PROJECTIONS IN PERSPECTIVE

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Stay up to date with the latest info and updates

Past reports and writings consolidated on linktr.ee/kenyeechew

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Councillor Chew Q3 2025 Progress Report

Follow @kenyeechew for real time updates on Instagram

Schedule an in-person coffee chat

Find me at Cavan Coffee on Gordon St, one of my regular spots for meetings

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GENERAL UPDATES

Guelph Lake Nature Centre On September 4, 2025, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) and the Grand River Conservation Foundation (GRCF) opened the new Guelph Lake Nature Centre (GLNC). I still remember walking the site with the board two years ago. Shoutout to all the donors and supporters of the Grand River Conservation Foundation for making all this possible despite the COVID delays, funding shortfall and inflationary pressures.

Top to bottom, left to right: Susan Frasson, supporters and Greg Meridith

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Councillor Chew Q3 2025 Progress Report

In front of the nature centre with GRCA CAO Samantha Lawson & GRCA Board Chair John Challinor II

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GENERAL UPDATES

Meet Katherine Hauser On July 24, City Council appointed Katherine Hauser as the new Ward 6 Councillor following a tied vote with candidate Rebecca Adam.

The tie was broken by a draw, in accordance with the Council Vacancy Policy, and Katherine was formally sworn in at the special Council meeting.

A longtime Guelph resident, Katherine has served as the Ward 6 & Puslinch School Trustee since 2022 and works at the University of Guelph. Since her appointment, Katherine and I have made multiple appearances together at public events throughout the summer in South Guelph. We are both committed to working collaboratively with each other for the remainder of the term.

July 24th Special Council Meeting

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GENERAL UPDATES

South End Parks Under Construction Back in July, Amelia, a young girl in the South End, wrote to me to share how sad she was not to have nearby parks to play in this past summer. I know many families felt the same frustration, especially when it looked like no work was happening after the old equipment was removed.

In reality, several behind-the-scenes steps were underway, including site preparation, utility locates, survey work, and concrete forming for new accessible pathways and ramps. These tasks often don’t look like visible progress but are necessary to meet safety and accessibility standards before new equipment can be installed. Like baking bread: the ingredients need to be prepared and measured, the dough proofed and baked, before you can enjoy the final result.

Both Colonial Drive Park and Holland Crescent Park are scheduled to reopen by the end of October with modern, safe, and fully accessible play spaces that will serve families for years to come.

For now, I would encourage you to visit the newly renovated Gosling Gardens Park for a teaser of what to expect.

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Overlooking construction on Holland Crescent Park, PC James Wood, July 23, 2025

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GENERAL UPDATES

Summer Dog Days This summer stood out for the increased initiative shown by local residents and business owners. Compared to last year, there was a clear increase in neighbourhood-led gatherings and projects. From the return of Hot Summer Nights at Orin Reid Park to the Clairfields Block Party, as well as Summer Chill Night, the Kortright Plaza Community Block Party, and the Hanlon Creek Boardwalk Project, it was encouraging to see more participation and volunteerism.

I was glad to support several of these events. If you have any future initiatives, please let me know. I am happy to help promote, point to resources, and spread the word. Just reach out and contact me over phone or email.

South Guelph is filled with many first-generation homes and families. There is a strong desire for connection, and I’m always looking for ways to support community members willing to take the personal initiative to strengthen our community fabric.

Hot Summer Nights are back!

July 31st at Orin Reid Park

Gelato from Councillor Chew & Hauser by WhyNot Italian Food

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Hot Summer Night Gelato line up at Orin Reid Park, July 31, 2025

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3rd Annual Kortright Plaza Block Party, September 7, 2025

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Hanlon Creek Boardwalk Maintenance Day, September 13, 2025

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2nd Annual Clairfields Block Party, September 20, 2025

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HOUSING & INFRASTRUCTURE

Pergola Commons Rezoning On September 9, we held the first public meeting to review the Pergola Commons rezoning application for 1 Clair Road, submitted by First Capital. Several local residents attended and shared their concerns with Council. One of the key challenges I highlighted was the traffic and circulation on Poppy Drive, which is expected to extend to the South End Community Centre next year. With the completion of the third tower at Gordon Square, residents in that area are already facing challenges related to waste staging and site access.

Feedback for traffic and Circulation I suggested to planning staff and the First Capital team that they explore making the woonerf access on Poppy Drive a temporary emergency access only, and consider shifting the secondary entrance on Hawkins Drive and Farley Drive instead. This would allow First Capital to maintain the woonerf design while minimizing and monitoring future impacts on traffic flow.

Urban Design Brief

1 Clair Road East City of Guelph

Prepared For FCHT Holdings (Ontario) Corporation August 2024

LEGEND SUBJECT SITE COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL LOBBY GRADE-RELATED TOWNHOUSE UNIT RESIDENTIAL FRONTAGE INDOOR AMENITY OUTDOOR AMENITY (NOT PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE) LANDSCAPED OPEN SPACE PUBLIC PLAZA

Figure 9 - Built Form: Ground Floor Uses

Emergency access only

PROPOSED PUBLIC PARK LOBBY ENTRANCE COMMERCIAL ENTRANCE

Part 2: Development Concept and Design Solutions 1 Clair Road East, Guelph

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What to expect moving forward We are still in the early stages of this process. Council asked First Capital what residents can expect once zoning is complete, but ultimately, whether construction moves forward will depend on the company’s long-term plans. While no one can predict the future, we do know there are long-term leases in place for tenants such as Cineplex, Harvey’s, The Beer Store, and the State & Main building. As an asset management company, First Capital is known for maintaining existing leases and working with local businesses in the plazas it acquires or develops. I trust they will work in good-faith with all stakeholders involved throughout the process.

My priority for this rezoning is to ensure that public feedback is clearly communicated early, before plans are finalized. Thank you to all residents who attended the meeting and provided thoughtful, constructive feedback. It was all well received. I will keep you posted on what's next.

KEYprinciples DESIGN PRINCIPLES Key design for us to consider

LANDSCAPE AND WOONERF

GROUND FLOOR ACTIVATION kenyeechew.ca

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What would a future proposal look like in this area with a zoning change?

Plaza Vehicular Circulation Residential Driveways Woonerf (Shared Street) Main Roadway

Gosling Gardens

South End Community Centre Dragon Fly Park Bishop MacDonell Catholic High School

Gordon St

Clair Road W

Poppy Drive W

*First Capital’s pre-submission plan is subject to change.

Illustration is for conversations and demonstration purposes only.

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How do w

Guelph Public Library

Clair Road E

Shops and Retail Underground Parking

Central Plaza

Underground Parking

Outdoor Amenity Space

Woonerf

Can we put the access here instead?

Underground Parking

Outdoor Amenity Space

New Park Poppy Drive E

we manage traffic flow and parking?

Gordon Square Towers 1,2 & 3

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HOUSING & INFRASTRUCTURE

Guelph Innovation District Block Plan

On September 10, 2025, Council held a special meeting to review updates on the Guelph Innovation District (GID) Lands. The discussion focused on next steps for the area’s long-term growth, including planning considerations for the street and block pattern. Council was asked to decide between the staff-recommended block plan (right) and the applicant’s proposal from Fusion Homes and MHBC Planning. (left) City staff had expressed concerns that the proposed community park and “park play corridors” (see next pages) were too small to accommodate amenities, and that there was a reduction in employment mixed-use lands compared to what was protected through the last Official Plan Amendment. They recommended modifications to address these points before Council considered endorsement.

After hearing from staff, delegates, and the applicant, Council approved the applicant’s block plan with several key amendments. These included locating the elementary school adjacent to the park without a road dividing them, ensuring the Frost Building is not within the park block, requiring a single-loaded road along the eastern edge of the site, and confirming adequate stormwater management design.

Council also directed that the plan return for further review if future modifications are not satisfactory to City staff.

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How are we envisioning our parks, natural spaces, employments, spaces for live/work/play?

I encourage residents to review the Urban Design Guidelines and consider the proposal based on its overall planning and design merits. The applicant has presented a forward-looking concept that integrates more dispersed parks and open spaces, a mix of housing types, and employment areas designed to blend with the neighbourhood, rather than relying on the traditional industrial warehouse model.

The plan features a connected street and block pattern that supports efficient servicing, snow clearing, emergency access, and accessibility for all users. It also includes thoughtfully designed open spaces, such as naturalized linear parks inspired by the trail experience in Westminster Woods.

The applicant has demonstrated a collaborative approach, remaining open to community feedback.

Earlier this year, they partnered with Sasaki, an internationally recognized design firm, to host a public open house and gather resident input.

We also discussed how modern employment uses are being reflected in the built form of the district, consistent with the intent of the Official Plan Amendment approved two years ago. There is still a long way to go and further opportunities ahead for Council and the public to help shape the outcome.

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How do we maximize the GID's potential?

THE YORK/ ELIZABETH PROJECT

COMMUNITY CORRIDOR

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DOWNTOWN GUELPH CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

URBAN GROUND CENTRE

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COMMUNITY NODE

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UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH

YORK INNOVATION DISTRICT

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SITE

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THE ARBORETUM

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250

500 m

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3.2.8 PARK PLAY CORRIDORS Accessible park spaces are provided centrally to the neighbourhoods in the form of Park Play Corridors, serving as vital connective pathways that integrate community amenities. Designed with flexibility, these pathways can be adapted to accommodate various planting and programming needs, enhancing both accessibility and engagement. By providing inviting and multi-use spaces, these corridors strengthen neighbourhood connectivity while supporting recreation and social interaction all within walking distance of residents.

FIGURE: References

ACTIVATION POCKETS

1.2.1

White Florwers Boulevard, Russia 8 Architects

YOGA

Sport activities on the lawn

COMMUNITY DESIGN ! SEASONALITY

ART INTEGRATION Parc Mallet Stevens Robert Mallet-Stevens

URBAN EDGES Big Bang, China 100 Architects

The Master Plan vision thoughtfully integrates the diverse rhythms of community life, embracing the fluidity of daily routines, seasonal shifts, and the dynamic nature of Guelph. It captures the essence of the city by celebrating its evolving character and weaving in unique programs that cater to all stages of life. From the vibrant energy of everyday interactions to the quiet reflection of changing seasons, the design creates spaces that grow and adapt with the community.

SPILL OUT AREAS

SMALL SPORTS

COMMUNITY AMENITIES

BIKELANES AND DOCKS

Ball Chair Finn Stone

Activity Zone, Poland SLAS Architects

Stadium Park, Perth HASSELL

Electric Scooter

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Active

SUMMER

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WINTER

Programming

Programming

Spill-out

Ground floor Activation

Spill-out

Ground floor Activation

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Passive

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SPRING

AUTUMN

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34 FISCAL FOCUS & CUSTOMER SERVICE Incentivizing Affordable Housing Thresholds with Property Tax Discounts

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In September, we approved a new property tax discount program to encourage more affordable rental housing in Guelph. Starting January 1, 2026, multi-residential properties that provide units meeting the Province’s definition of “affordable residential unit,” and that are regulated by agreements with federal, provincial, or municipal bodies, will be eligible for a 35% reduction on the municipal portion of property taxes.

This program is important because it gives the City a concrete tool (aka "carrot") to help encourage developers and landlords to create and maintain affordable rental units. By lowering ongoing costs for property owners who commit to affordability, we make it easier for them to include units at rent levels people can actually afford.

For residents concerned about impacts on the overall tax base, this program will not create a material increase in property taxes for others. It is designed to be a targeted incentive, limited in scope, and balanced within our overall financial framework. For the average homeowner, there will be no noticeable change on your tax bill.

South End Multi-Res Homes, Image taken from "Housing in Guelph"

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FISCAL FOCUS & CUSTOMER SERVICE

The 2026 Budget Projections in Perspective Tax Levy Increase and Dollar Impact per Median Household (Budget Year with Property Tax Policy Year)

Tax Levy Increase (%)

8.52% ($373)

7.44% ($380)

6.78% ($323)

4.21% ($154)

*2022

5.43% ($277)

4.46% ($186)

2023

*2024

*2025

2026 Forecast 2026 Mayoral Direction

2022-2026 Term of Council *2022 Budget was approved by the last Term of Council

*2024 Budget saw costs associated to Bill 23, Hospital, & Homelessness *The Hospital Levy was funded through reserves in 2025

City Services LBSS Hospital Levy

Tax Levy Scenerios: Forecast vs Mayoral Direction Preliminary Forecast March 19

Total: 7.44% ($379.68)

Mayor's Direction April 1

Total: 5.43% ($277.11)

Percentage Increase

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"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

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

FOLLOW KEN ON SOCIAL MEDIA facebook.com/kenyeechew instagram.com/kenyeechew LATEST WORK kenyeechew.ca/latest-work linktr.ee/kenyeechew kenyeechew.ca

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