Q4 2024 Progress Report

KEN YEE CHEW GUELPH CITY COUNCILLOR Representing the Communities of Ward 6

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

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

kenyeechew.ca

Dedicated to the people of Guelph and Ward 6.

Key words and themes:

grit & grace attitude of gratitude continuous learning best is yet to come

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 visuals and graphics are originally created by Ken Yee Chew.

KHPS Council Winter Warm-Up Event

The Communities of South Guelph, Ward 6

Woodland Glen

HANLON CREEK PARK

Kortright Hills

Hanlon Creek

Rickson Ridge

PRESERVATION PARK Pineridge Vaughan Revell HANLON CREEK BUSINESS PARK

Westminister Woods

Clairfields CLAIR-GORDON COMMERCIAL PLAZAS

Dallan SOUTH END CO M M U N I T Y PA R K

Rolling Hills PARIS-GALT MORAINE

Your 2022-2026 Guelph City Council Guelph City Council is comprised of the Mayor and 12 independently elected councillors. Every four years, each ward elects two members of council to represent its residents. Ward 6 is one of the largest ward by land mass and population making up South Guelph. The constituency is represented by myself and Councillor Dominique O’Rourke. Both of us reside in the area and collaborate closely to respond to phone calls, emails, and case work through our personal capacity or by coordinating with the Mayor, council colleagues, city staff, businesses, and external agencies.

Cam Guthrie

Mayor of Guelph Ward 1

Ward 2

Ward 3

Ward 4

Ward 5

Erin Caton

Rodrigo Goller

Phil Allt

Christine Billings

Leanne Caron

Dan Gibson

Carly Klassen

Michelle Richardson

Linda Busuttil

Cathy Downer

Ward 6

Ward 6

Ken Yee Chew

Dominique O’Rourke

Message from Ken As 2024 comes to a close, I’m reflecting on the meaningful interactions I’ve had with residents, businesses, and community organizers—the unsung heroes who bring our city to life.

In September, I was pleased to see the South End Community Centre stay on track for its 2026 completion. I also visited local businesses and organizations, including the Guelph Humane Society, where Joey and I adopted two kittens on National Adoption Day. The Humane Society continues to do incredible work for animals and community wellness.

Many of you may recall that I returned to the University of Guelph in 2022 to complete my MSc in Planning. My research focused on improving knowledge translation in areas of city governance, land use planning, local entrepreneurship, and civic literacy. Over the past two years, I’ve applied these insights to my council work, research, and teaching. I’m happy to share that I completed my research and convocated in October.

That same month, Council discussed the Housing Affordability Strategy, including the Community Planning Permit System to streamline development while ensuring meaningful community benefits. We also reviewed the Fireworks Bylaw, with 56% of 1,327 respondents supporting stricter measures. I supported stronger fines over a full ban to enable practical enforcement and address nuisance offenders more effectively with our resourcing power.

In November, the focus shifted to the 2025 Budget Deliberations, balancing careful spending with advancing key projects like the Gordon Street Improvements. We also welcomed Bishop Macdonell High School students to Council Chambers for a discussion on local government.

During the session, we got the students to weigh in on our fireworks bylaw review and got some genuinely insightful feedback, just in time for the final meeting on the matter.

During our November planning meeting, we discussed the future of the Rutherford Conservatory with the university. Given the structure’s deterioration, I proposed to the university leadership a design competition in collaboration with the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) to transform the space into a commemorative garden. This project would honour the OAC legacy while creating a functional gateway that seamlessly connects the University Centre bus loop for students and visitors.

Council also supported grassroots advocacy for a proposed Urban National Park on the reformatory lands, reflecting our community’s strong desire for a space dedicated to recreation, culture, health, and wellness. It’s important to note that this endorsement does not preclude future discussions about other potential uses, such as a hospital—an idea that continues to be actively explored by stakeholders and the public. Ultimately, the final decision rests with Infrastructure Ontario, the site’s landowner. For this reason, I supported the urban national park proposal as an idea in principle as a way to encourage action from upper levels of government on the future of these lands.

At the end of November, the Kortright Hills Public School Parent Council hosted a wonderful holiday event at the school. That same weekend, the Guelph Chinese Culture Group held a vibrant gathering at Centennial CVI, featuring cultural performances and vendor pop-ups.

In early December, the Code Ninjas Grand Opening celebrated the growth of small businesses in the Hanlon Creek Business Park. This month, I will wrap up my neighbourhood visits and finish delivering the remaining postcards to residents.

At Council, we will discuss the zoning bylaw amendment to permit four units, including refinements to regulations based on heavy feedback from residents, as well as downtown heights and densities during our final planning meeting. We’ll also address provincial issues related to mental health, homelessness, and addictions. With snow arriving earlier than expected, it’s the perfect time to say goodbye to fall and embrace the holiday season in our community. Take a stroll down Woodland Glen to see a street filled with festive Holiday Minions, and don’t miss the downtown Christmas Market during its final weekend on December 13th, 14th, and 15th.

As always, I’m grateful for your engagement, feedback, and support. It’s a privilege to serve as your representative, and I look forward to continuing our work in 2025 to build a more connected, practical, and informed Ward 6. A united Ward 6 provides us with a strong mandate to foster city-wide conversations toward a more prosperous Guelph.

Ken Yee Chew Guelph City Councillor - Ward 6 ken.chew@guelph.ca 226-332-5406

attitude of gratitude

FOLLOW COUNCILLOR KEN ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

facebook.com/kenyeechew instagram.com/kenyeechew

kenyeechew.ca

07

Westminister Woods, South End, Guelph (Chew, 2022)

How to navigate this report 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.

Read the last progress report

KEN YEE CHEW GUELPH CITY COUNCILLOR Representing the Communities of Ward 6

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

summer outlook navigating progress, change and difficult conversations Business Spotlight City Leadership Transition Conservation Areas Strategy Strategic Real Estate Partnerships Pilot Structured Shelter Model Association of Municipalities of Ontario Regulating Parks and Open Spaces Conversations on Zoning for 4-Units GPS Youth Programs and Events Budget 2025 UGDSB High School Updates

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

kenyeechew.ca kenyeechew.ca

08

Monthly Field Notes

Field Notes #1

Field Notes #2

Fall is here in South Guelph

Shaping 2025

South End Community Centre Construction Housing Affordability Strategy Public Safe Use Bylaw General Updates

2025 Budget Ward 6 Park Upgrades Planning Community Meetings Fireworks Bylaw General Updates

Visit linktr.ee/kenyeechew

Visit linktr.ee/kenyeechew

kenyeechew.ca

After receiving your feedback on the progress reports, many of you expressed a preference for more frequent updates. In response, I’ve launched monthly Field Notes to complement the quarterly Progress Reports. These will be released during the second and third months of each quarter when quarterly reports are not issued. For more in-depth insights on various topics, feel free to click the links or visit my Linktree page.

kenyeechew.ca

Q4 Engagement Highlights Guelph Public Library South End Makerspace October 9, 2024

GCAT Spooktacular Ride October 24, 2024

Alectra (GRE&T) Centre 5 Year Anniversary November 4, 2024

010 Councillor Chew Q4 Fall Progress Report

Kortright Hills Public School Winter Warm Up November 28, 2024

Guelph Chinese Canadian Culture Group November 30, 2024

DENSO Assembles Annual Bicycle Build-a-Bike Program December 5, 2024

kenyeechew.ca

011

preface Message from Ken How to Navigate this Report Q4 Engagement Highlights

16

september

24

october

South End Community Centre Guelph Humane Society Visit Local Business Appreciation OPPI Conference Connections

Housing Affordability Strategy Fireworks Bylaw Review

grit & grace

attitude of gratitude

28 40

november Bishop Mac School Visit 132 Clair Road West. Planning Open House 2025 Budget Deliberations The Future of the Rutherford Conservatory

december University Housing Announcements 2024 City External Audit Code Ninjas Grand Opening Christmas Festivities

kenyeechew.ca

013

Important PSA!

014 Councillor Chew Q4 Fall Progress Report

kenyeechew.ca

015

Toured the construction of the South End Community Centre On budget and on track for 2026 completion Twin ice pads Aquatic centre with a lap and teaching pool Double gymnasium Walking track and multi-purpose rooms

best is yet to come 016 Councillor Chew Q4 Fall Progress Report

grcae & grit

South End Community Centre Construction Site Visit kenyeechew.ca

017

Visited the Guelph Humane Society with Joey Joey and I toured the facility with Executive Director Lisa Veit and her team. We learned about the GHS adoption process and, in the end, adopted two kittens, which we named Pekoe and Panko on National Adoption Day.

018 Councillor Chew Q4 Fall Progress Report

190 Hanlon Creek Boulevard kenyeechew.ca

019

Local business appreciation

attitude of gratitude Cavan Coffee 5 Year Anniversary, 1467 Gordon St S

#supportlocal Lina Ma Grand Opening, 1499 Gordon St Unit 4,

020 Councillor Chew Q4 Fall Progress Report

Visiting Haris at Circle K and Esso on Kortright Rd. and Gordon St.

grit & grace

Meeting Ali Tahini, co-owner of Tahini’s, and crew in Guelph location on 5 Clair Rd.

With Ged and Matt at Double Cross, 589 Hanlon Creek Boulevard, Units

Hailbut House owner Julie at the Guelph location grand opening, 702 Woolwich St

kenyeechew.ca

021

OPPI Conference Connections

Connected with planning professionals to discuss strategies for navigating growth in mid-sized municipalities.

I also had the opportunity to engage with City of Guelph planning staff, making meaningful connections outside the formalities of council chambers.

continuous learning 022 Councillor Chew Q4 Fall Progress Report

At the Hamilton Convention Centre with Guelph planning staff and James, our EcDev GM.

kenyeechew.ca

023

Housing Affordability Strategy

City staff provided drop in sessions for the Housing Affordability Strategy session at the Guelph Public Library. From planning staff, Cushla Matthews, Craig Vallesi, and Brittany Manley. (left to right) were there to facilitate conversations.

I dropped in at one of the sessions at the South End Library and had a productive discussion with staff. We covered key actions, including the Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) for major growth areas, and how it can help the city meet its social and economic needs while creating win-win outcomes for development applicants—such as infrastructure upgrades, new parks, and improved public spaces.

Ingredients for successful community planning: Stability, predictability, and flexibility are essential for successful multi-disciplinary, private-public collaboration.

What is a CPPS? The CPPS is a flexible land-use tool that streamlines the development approval process by combining zoning, minor variances, and site plan control into a single permit. While mid-sized municipalities have been slow to adopt it, I’m excited to see Guelph’s planning staff take the lead on this initiative.

Having worked on a CPPS in another municipality, I’ve seen firsthand how it encourages creativity, challenges group-think, and brings forward concrete commitments from city departments and stakeholders. At the same time, it retains the necessary rigour to ensure thorough plan review and accountability.

Goals and Objectives: To manage development more efficiently while aligning with the city’s community goals and policies, ensuring projects maximize community benefits.

024 Councillor Chew Q4 Fall Progress Report

Guelph’s Strategic Growth Areas

Overlaid graphics from the Growth Management and Affordable Housing Monitoring Report 2023

Understanding where growth will take place throughout the City HIG

HW

AY 7 Table 4. Strategic growth area densities and targets (residents and jobs per hectare).

ELP

JO B S A N D E M P LOY M E N T

H J

UN

CTI

H E A LT H Y N E I G H B O U R H O O DS S C HO O L S A ND PA RKS

ON

RA

I LW

WO O D L AW N R D

CO NESTO G A CO L L EGE

AY

G U E L P H G E N E RA L H OS P I TA L

P O L L I NATO R PA RK

Sp eed Ri

ve r

GU

H E A LT H Y NE I GH B OUR H OODS S C HO O L S A ND PA RKS

H E A LT H Y NEIG HB OUR H OODS

Map ID

Strategic Growth Area Name

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

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

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

Target Density (residents and jobs per hectare) 120 100 110 130 100 160 130 100 100 120 130 100

H E A LT H Y N E I G H B O U R H O O DS S C HO O L S A ND PA RKS

H I STO R I C D OW N TOW N J O B S A N D E M P LOY M E N T

Era

- OUS E TH E B OATH C UTTE N F I E L DS

WEL LING TON 124

H I G H WAY 6

STONE R OAD MAL L

HE A LT H Y NEIG H BOUR H OODS

J O B S , E M P LOY M E N T AND SAF E TY

UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH STO N E RD

H E A LT H Y NE I GH B OUR H OODS

S C HO O L S A ND PA RKS

H E A LT H Y NE I GH B OUR H OODS

S HO P P I NG A ND CO M M ERC E

S C HO O L S A ND PA RKS

GOR D ON ST COR R I D OR

PRESERVATION PARK

CAM B RID GE

H A N LO N C R E E K BUS I NE SS PAR K

H E A LT H Y N E I G H B O U R H O O DS S C HO O L S A ND PA RKS

JOBS AND E M P LOY M E N T S OUTH E ND P L AZ AS SOUTH END CO M M U NI T Y C ENT RE

GH

WA Y 4

H E A LT H Y NE I GH B OUR H OODS

G O D R O N ST

HI

01

Community Planning Permit System Utilizing new planning tools to convene partnerships in Strategic Growth Areas UoG Stone Road Retail Lands THE DAIRY BUSH

ege

Coll

Ave

Elementary School Catholic Saint-René-Goupil

Edinb

urgh

Scottsd

ale Dr

Priory Park Public School

Rd

Stone Road Mall e

on

BUS TERMINAL

Ja

ne

fie

ld

W.E. HAMILTON PARK

Av

e

St

Rd

Stone Square Centre

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

“Shifting community, developer, Staff and Council understanding to a new process is one of the main obstacles that must be overcome. Therefore, development of a CPPS must be paired with a strong educational component and public engagement process.”

kenyeechew.ca

025

Fireworks Bylaw Review

Of the 1,327 respondents, opinions were nearly split, with 56% in favour of a fireworks ban.

After careful consideration, I supported stronger fines, education and curfews instead of a full ban. This approach allows bylaw enforcement to focus on addressing nuisance offenders more effectively within our current bylaw enforcement’s staffing capacity.

026 Councillor Chew Q4 Fall Progress Report

Field Notes #2

For extended commentary on my perspectives, visit Field Notes #2

Shaping 2025 2025 Budget Ward 6 Park Upgrades Planning Community Meetings Fireworks Bylaw General Updates Visit linktr.ee/kenyeechew

kenyeechew.ca

kenyeechew.ca

027

Bishop Mac School Visit

Councillor O’Rourke and I hosted two groups of grade 10 civics students from Bishop Mac. This was our second year welcoming South End students to city hall.

028 Councillor Chew Q4 Fall Progress Report

We facilitated a mock council meeting discussing our fireworks bylaw and went through a crash course on municipal governance and city operations.

continuous learning kenyeechew.ca

029

132 Clair Road West.

Planning Open House at Springfield Golf Course

030 Councillor Chew Q4 Fall Progress Report

On November 4th I attended the planning open house hosted by MHBC at Springfield Golf Course to discuss the proposal for 132 Clair Road West.

Discussions focused on: 1. Integrating the concept design with the surrounding area.

2. Distributing building heights and density to better support residents and businesses, particularly at the street level.

3. Leveraging unique spatial features, such as the proposed naturalized stormwater pond, to enhance the viability of local businesses and residential units.

We also explored potential improvements to Poppy Drive as part of the proposed road development, focusing on: 1. Connectivity and road safety.

2. Improving traffic flow from Bishop Macdonell and the future South End Community Centre toward Gordon Street.

I look forward to seeing how this feedback is incorporated as the proposal moves through the planning process. If you have any comments or would like more information, feel free to reach out to MHBC.

What do you want to see here?

North

Mixed use?

Residential? o unit enefits neighbourhood integration?

132 Clair Rd W

Future South End Community Centre

kenyeechew.ca

031

2025 Budget Deliberations Mayor and councillors corresponded with constituents and community organizations Joint Wards 5+6 Townhall to gather feedback Council meeting for public delegations Council meeting for amendments Local boards and service agencies to finalize budget January 22, 2025

attitude of gratitude Mayor Guthrie’s Ward 5+6 Townhall on November 4th 032 Councillor Chew Q4 Fall Progress Report

Main items secured for Ward 6 Request # & Name: 000848

South End Community Centre Twin ice pads Aquatic centre with a lap and teaching pool Double gymnasium Walking track and multi-purpose rooms

Project Name: PK0057

Orin Reid Park Splash Pad Washroom Picnic area and shelter

kenyeechew.ca

033

Project Name: PN0142 Kortright Rd

Gordon Street Improvements Edinburgh Rd

Develop road cross sections and identify impacts along Gordon Street - 2024 Design intersection and signal improvements – 2024/2025 Utility relocations and/or land acquisition - 2024/2025 Construction of road widening and Phase 2 Lowes Road – 2025/2026

Lowes Rd

Funding secured in 2024 Fiscal Year

Clair Rd

Route 5 Expansion for Fall 2025

Gordon Street Corridor from Edinburgh to Lowes Road

034 Councillor Chew Q4 Fall Progress Report

Commentary on the 2025 Budget The 2025 budget process, much like every year, is a careful exercise in negotiation—a balancing act between addressing community needs, emphasis on fiscal responsibility, and accommodating the priorities brought forward by councillors, community stakeholders, organizations and residents.

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

October 17: The Mayor set the stage with an initial proposal started at 2.59%, reflecting efforts to maintain essential services while addressing inflation and growth pressures.

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

Total: 5.02%

Percentage Increase

City portion Outside Boards

kenyeechew.ca

035

Actual Increase Compared to Last Year’s Multi-Year Budget Projection When combined with outside boards—such as public health, GPS, GRCA, and the Guelph Public Library—the total increase is expected to land at 6.09%, a significant improvement from the originally projected 9.80%. I heard loud and clear from many of you, through phone calls, emails, and in-person conversations, that 9.80% was too high.

Maintaining affordability is fundamental. Without careful budgeting, we risk pricing our friends and neighbours out of this city. As someone looking to enter the housing market, I know firsthand how challenging Guelph remains. While it may feel like a “chicken or egg” scenario—balancing spending with future investments— the reality is that critical infrastructure must remain a priority.

Building and upgrading infrastructure is what municipalities are designed to do and why we exist. Beyond being convenors of important conversations, we must ensure that community benefits align with our fiscal capacity and deliver long-term value for residents.

Ultimately, the budget process is about negotiation—balancing growth, infrastructure, and essential services while keeping life affordable.

Here’s the final breakdown: City-controlled budget: 3.66% utside boards pro ection to be ratified on anuary My rationale and position: The goal is to meet the needs of our growing city while keeping taxpayer costs manageable. I remain committed to advancing key infrastructure projects, such as the Gordon Street Improvements, and supporting essential social services. I will continue to advocate for transparent, merit-based decisions on community grants, including initiatives like funding the Guelph Tool Library and phased youth subsidies for access to extracurricular sports.

When it comes to community benefit agreements and grants, I strongly support programs that provide lasting educational and socio-economic empowerment for community members. What does that look like? Isn’t that subjective? That’s precisely why we have conversations—to build understanding and find consensus.

York Road reconstruction (Source: City of Guelph) 036 Councillor Chew Q4 Fall Progress Report

grit & grace

Highlights from November 28 Budget Amendment Meeting While I did not want to increase the budget beyond what was negotiated in the November 14th update, Councillor Klassen brought forward a motion to allocate up to $100,000 from the Tax Operating Contingency Reserve to expand sponsorship opportunities and identify corporate partnerships. Of all the proposed increases, I believe this was the most strategic investment with the most impact.

This motion accounts for only a 0.03% increase to the tax levy. By creating external revenue sources, we can reduce our reliance on the tax base, allowing us to fund critical programs and infrastructure without adding pressure on residents.

If executed well, this initiative could have significant impact—for example, through naming rights for the South End Recreation Centre.

Staff will report back on the progress of this initiative by the end of 2025.

Encouraging alternative revenue streams beyond tax collection strengthens community programs, advances capital projects, and ensures the cost of growth is shared more equitably. This approach reflects one of my key commitments from the election platform and continues to guide my decision-making rationale.

attitude of gratitude Road in need of repair (Source: City of Guelph) kenyeechew.ca

037

The Future of the Rutherford Conservatory The Rutherford Conservatory has long been a part of Guelph’s history, but its severe structural deterioration has made its future a challenging conversation.

Safety concerns are urgent, with engineers confirming the structure cannot withstand winter weather conditions, increasing the risk of glass and wood falling from the building.

Structural Challenges Three independent assessments showed an extensive restora needed to rebuild the structure.

I support heritage preservation when solutions are implemented collaboratively Wood • Estimatedenforcing that 10% or lesspreservation of the wood is original due to pre with stakeholders to address technical challenges. Strictly rebuilds and limited life cycle through planning policy is not the only way to ensure heritage and character • Even with a full restoration effort, the use of wood in a green structure will limit the life cycle of the building due to moistur are respected. In this case, the University’s greenhouse was deemed unsafe, decay. prompting Council and the University to find a middle ground.

• This will be a constant problem for any version of the b

New Photo going forward.

Council has decided to: 1.

Steel

• The steel framework must be significantly reinforced to bring up to code and ensure it can withstand winter weather cond • Structural engineers adding three times more Designate the site under the Ontario Heritage Act, focusing onrecommend the salvageable currently exists, which could impact the look of the building.

steel elements of the building.

New Photo

Glass • The current glass panes are too brittle and not current best

2. Allow the University to demolish the unsafe structure while preserving keyor tempered glass, • All glass would have to change to wired any original panes that may still remain. historical components.

The University has shown a meaningful commitment to honouring the Conservatory’s legacy from their latest proposal to Council. Salvaged historic elements will be incorporated into the space, and a student design competition will launch in January 2025, inviting landscape architecture students to reimagine the site as a commemorative garden.

038 Councillor Chew Q4 Fall Progress Report

The University of Guelph is committed to the following actions upon the demolition of the structure. Taken from UoG’s presentation to city council.

Our Path Forward

Rutherford Conservatory entrance and pathway towards the University Centre (Source: University of Guelph)

Designed by the Guelph Community – For the Community We will consult with U of G students, faculty, and staff to make sure that the space meets the needs of our community.

January 2025: launch a design competition for students in the landscape architecture program to submit their plans for the commemorative garden

Celebrating the Past Where possible we will explore opportunities to use materials from the existing structure and incorporate them into the design Will honour the original donors who contributed to the refurbishment of the conservatory in the garden so that their contribution to the University is preserved as well

This balanced approach addresses safety concerns, preserves elements of the site’s history, and transforms the space into something functional and meaningful for the community. I look forward to seeing the innovative designs that emerge and how this collaboration will honour Guelph’s agricultural and educational legacy.

Example commemorate gardens, Memorial Arena Park ‘59, Listowel, ON (Source: SHIFT Landscape Architecture)

Conduct a design competition with the UoG landscape architecture students

kenyeechew.ca

039

University Housing Announcements The University of Guelph’s plans to build new student residences are great news for our community. Adding housing on University lands has been a key point of advocacy during our Town and Gown meetings, and these projects will help relieve pressure on Guelph’s rental market.

Expanding purpose-built housing for first-year, graduate, and upper-year students benefits both students and residents by increasing supply and creating more accessible housing options. I look forward to seeing these plans move ahead.

For more information check out the university’s press releases: University of Guelph Developing First-Year Student Residence U of G Exploring Plan to Expand Graduate, Undergraduate Student Housing

best is yet to come

Rendering of planned residence building at College Ave W and McGilvray St. Early concept design, subject to change. (Source: University of Guelph)

040 Councillor Chew Q4 Fall Progress Report

The proposed residence at the corner of Gordon St. and College Ave. W. Early concept design, subject to change. (Source: University of Guelph)

A rendering of the proposal for Wellington Woods. Early concept design, subject to change. (Source: University of Guelph)

kenyeechew.ca

041

2024 City External Audit

In our last committee of the whole for the year, we received the City’s External Audit and the City’s Q3 Budget monitoring report.

I encourage residents to review two key reports that provide a clear picture of how the City of Guelph manages its finances: 1. 2024 Third Quarter Budget Monitoring Report • The City is projecting a small operating surplus of $850,000.

• Capital projects like the South End Community Centre and Baker District are progressing well.

2. KPMG Audit Planning Report • This outlines the plan for reviewing the City’s finances to ensure accuracy and accountability.

• These reports help explain how your tax dollars are managed and how we’re addressing financial challenges while keeping the City on a sustainable path.

continuous

Click below for the reports and feel free to reach out if you have questions.

Highlights

Audit strategy

Audit strategy – Group audit

Audit highlights

Corporation of the City of Guelph

Scope

Risk assessment

Key milestones and deliverables

No matters to report

Our audit of the consolidated financial statements (“financial statements”) of The Corporation of the City of Guelph and its subsidiaries (“the Company”) as of and for the year, ended December 31, 2024, will be performed in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards.

Materiality $9M

Risk of management override of controls

Involvement of others

Audit strategy

Other significant risks

Updates to our prior year audit plan

Audit Planning Report for the year ended December 31, 2024

Presumed risk of fraudulent revenue recognition

Risk assessment Total

Audit strategy group audit Pr epar ed as of O c tober 21, 2024 f or pr es entation to the Counc il on Dec em ber 4, 2024

Appendices

Matters to report – see link for details

Total work performed

Total assets

Total revenue

100%

100%

Involvement of other KPMG member firms Involvement of non-KPMG firms

Other risks of material misstatement • • • •

Post employment benefits Tangible capital assets Obligatory reserve fund revenue and deferred revenue Asset retirement obligation

k pm g.c a/audit 1

042 Councillor Chew Q4 Fall Progress Report

4

Staff Report To

Committee of the Whole

Service Area

Office of the Chief Administrative Officer

Date

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Subject

2024 Third Quarter Budget Monitoring Report

Recommendation 1. That the funding adjustments detailed in Table 4 of Attachement-2 of the 2024 Third Quarter Budget Monitoring Report dated December 4, 2024, be approved.

2. That a budget adjustment of $448 thousand for PM0001 Paramedics Facility Renewal, be approved.

Executive Summary Purpose of Report The purpose of this report is to provide Council notice of any financial risks that could affect the 2024 year-end position, highlights significant capital project activity and milestones, as well as seeking approval of capital budget and funding changes.

This report includes the third quarter (Q3) actual financial information for both the operating and capital budget for each department and capital program of work as of September 30, 2024.

learning

Key Findings Overall, from an operating perspective, the City Budget is projected to have a small favourable variance of $850 thousand or 0.16 per cent of gross operating expenditure. Actual year-end results may fluctuate from this projection by plus or minus one per cent of gross operating expenditures.

Current year-end projections indicate the non-tax-supported budget will be in a deficit position of $0.9 million and the tax-supported budget will be in a surplus position of $1.7 million. This is a change from second quarter projections due to the ongoing challenges identified in the corporate drivers section of this report which are discussed below. Actual year-end results may be impacted by items yet unknown, as staff continue to focus on service delivery and expense management.

The 2024 budget assumed a greater level of financial risk by the City to help property tax affordability. This was achieved primarily through the phase-in of inflationary pressures and rising costs for social housing administered by the County over the multi-year budget period. In some cases, cost pressures in excess of those estimates are being experienced. Further inflationary adjustments are included in the 2025 Budget Update to address continued budget pressures in utilities, facility maintenance, medical supplies and software licensing fees.

From a capital perspective as outlined in Attachment-1, the City is trending positively and as expected with spending of $109.3 million and purchase order (PO) Page 1 of 24

kenyeechew.ca

043

Code Ninjas Grand Opening

Code Ninjas offers kids a fun, dojo-themed space to build critical thinking and problem-solving skills through coding and STEM activities.

Owners Pam and Jay, who met at the University of Guelph, returned to the city to raise their family in the South End after spending years working elsewhere.

Their journey with Code Ninjas began when they wanted to enroll their daughter in a STEM extracurricular program, but couldn’t find one locally—so they started their own.

Their passion for learning and children’s education shines through every corner of the Code Ninjas dojo. Congratulations on the grand opening, and thank you for investing in our community!

Hanlon Creek Business Park (30 Bett Court, Unit 1-5A).

continuous learning 044 Councillor Chew Q4 Fall Progress Report

kenyeechew.ca

045

Christmas Festivities

Visit downtown Guelph for one last weekend from Dec 13th, 14th and 15th

attitude of gratitude 046 Councillor Chew Q4 Fall Progress Report

Head over to Wagoner’s Trail in the Woodland Glen neighbourhood to see the entire street lit up with minions!

If you enjoy your visit, consider joining the neighbours in making a donation to the Salvation Army.

Wagoner’s Trail Minions (Source: @chrissy_amaya)

kenyeechew.ca

047

Thank you for your support.

Stay engaged with the City!

Comment on City projects on haveyoursay.guelph.ca

048 Councillor Chew Q4 Fall Progress Report

Learn more about the Downtown Renewal Program

Downtown Renewal workshop model and concept roll plan kenyeechew.ca

049 049

KEN YEE CHEW GUELPH CITY COUNCILLOR Representing the Communities of Ward 6