New trail head signage installed in Westminister Woods, picture taken by James Wood, March 21, 2025
With Tony from WhyNot Italian and Stacey at DBL CRS Sim Lounge, February 27, 2025
Future Student Housing Project
Dairy Bush
STONE ROAD CORRIDOR
Glen
KORTRIGHT PLAZA
Creek Hills
Hanlon Creek Park
Rickson Ridge
UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH GUELPH INNOVATION DISTRICT
UNIVERSITY SQUARE PLAZA
Clairfields PRESERVATION PARK
FUTURE SOUTH END COMMUNITY CENTRE THE HANLON CREEKFOREST
Dawn Vaughan Revell
Malvern-Ridgeway-Arkell Communities The Arboretum
CLAIR-GORDON COMMERCIAL PLAZAS
Gosling Gardens-DallanPoppy Drive Communities
City of Guelph, Ward 6
The communities of South Guelph, Ward 6
Rolling Hills
PARIS-GALT MORAINE
Town of Puslinch
Town of Puslinch
City of Guelph
Westminister Woods
Pineridge
Hanlon
Woodland
HANLON CREEK BUSINESS PARK
What You Need to Know for the Election
Councillor Dominique O'Rourke is on a Leave of Absence
As the federal election unfolds, Councillor O’Rourke has taken an unpaid leave of absence from City Hall to run as a candidate. In the meantime, please let your friends and neighbours know they are welcome to contact me directly. I am currently taking on all the casework for Ward 6 and will continue to support residents during this time.
Changes to Federal Election Boundaries
It’s also important to note that federal election boundaries have changed. The majority of South Guelph, Ward 6 is now part of the newly formed Wellington–Halton Hills North riding, currently represented by incumbent MP Michael Chong. However, the neighbourhoods remain within the formal Guelph riding. Take the time to look into the parties and local candidates so you can vote with confidence on Monday, April 28, 2025.
Rickson Ridge Hanlon Creek &
Who to vote for in South Guelph, Ward 6
Janice Folk-Dawson, NDP
Gurvir Khaira, Conservative
Dominique O'Rourke, Liberal
Jeff Swackhammer, PPC
Anne-Marie Zajdlik, Green
Andrew Bascombe, NDP
Michael Chong (Incumbent), Conservative
Sean Carscadden, Liberal
Pamela Geiger, PPC
Liam Stiles, Green
WELLINGTON-HALTON HILLS
Dawn Vaughan Revell
Westminister Woods Pineridge
Clairfields
PRESERVATION PARK
Malvern-RidgewayArkell Communities
Rolling Hills
Gosling Gardens-Dallan-Poppy Drive Communities
Woodland Glen
Kortright Hills
Rickson Ridge Hanlon Creek
Opportunities to Meet the Candidates in Your Riding
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Puslinch Community Centre, 23 Brock Road South, Aberfoyle
WELLINGTON-HALTON HILLS NORTH
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Puslinch Community Centre, 23 Brock Road South, Aberfoyle
Start time: 6:30 p.m.
Hosted by the Wellington Federation of Agriculture (WFA) and the Optimist Club of Puslinch, this forum begins with an informal opportunity to meet the candidates and pick up campaign materials. Each candidate will then make a short presentation, followed by a moderated Q&A session with the public. The venue is accessible, and light refreshments will be provided.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Italian Canadian Club, 135 Ferguson Street, Guelph
GUELPH
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Italian Canadian Club, 135 Ferguson Street
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Event runs 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Hosted by the Guelph Wellington Coalition for Social Justice, this event offers residents a chance to hear from federal candidates running in the Guelph riding. The venue is wheelchair accessible and free to attend. Donations are welcome to help cover event costs.
Annual Hanlon Creek Forest Tree Planting
The annual Earth Day Tree Planting event returns on Saturday, April 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Hanlon Creek Forest (335 Laird Road). Come out with your friends, family, and neighbours to plant native trees and shrubs, including oaks, maples, and serviceberries, as part of a future pollinator corridor. It’s free and a great event for the kiddos!
Hanlon Forest Tree Planting, April 27, 2024
Clair Road Theatre Reopens
The Cineplex theatre on Clair Road has officially reopened after eight months of restoration work due to flood damage from last July’s record-setting rainfall. While it was originally expected to reopen last fall, the extent of the damage caused delays.
Since the flooding and First Capital’s planning open house last year, many of you have asked about the long-term future of the site. I’ve confirmed with our Chief Planner that First Capital is pursuing a zoning bylaw amendment as part of a broader planning exercise. This does not mean redevelopment is imminent. It simply creates the option for First Capital to add future residential uses alongside commercial space and parkland.
As a nearby resident, I know how much the theatre means to the community. I personally enjoy it and often stop by Harvey’s for a quick bite. There are no current plans to redevelop or remove the theatre, and First Capital has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping existing tenants in place.
If changes happen down the road, my goal is to ensure the process is smooth and straightforward. I’ll continue to work with staff and stakeholders to address any outstanding design concerns early, openly, and with care for the best interests of our community.
What would a future proposal look like in this area with a zoning change?
Plaza Vehicular Circulation
Residential Driveways
Woonerf (Shared Street)
Main Roadway
South End Community Centre
Dragon Fly Park
Bishop MacDonell Catholic High School
*First Capital’s pre-submission plan is subject to change. Illustration is for conversations and demonstration purposes only.
Poppy Drive W
Gosling Gardens
Clair Road W
Gordon St
How do we
Shops and Retail
Public Safety Updates
Two new bylaw officers have been brought on through contract positions, with a dedicated focus on responding to encampment-related concerns.
Following extensive feedback and monitoring of our Public Space Use Bylaw, Council approved an amendment to mention areas near schools and childcare centres. Specifically, the definition of “Sensitive Public Space” in section 3.5(1) of By-law (2024)-20990 was updated to include the following addition: After the words "includes but is not limited to," the phrase "any Public Space that shares a property line with a school or childcare centre" has been added.
Protecting our Base Employment
Earlier this year, City staff responded to growing economic pressures affecting Guelph’s base employment sectors. As part of this effort, the City launched a Tariff and Trade Hub on February 10 to monitor local impacts stemming from U.S. trade decisions.
This initiative led to a series of motions passed on March 18, aimed at strengthening local procurement and enhancing intergovernmental advocacy. Our economic development staff remain actively engaged and continue to work closely with local businesses and institutions to monitor developments and coordinate timely responses.
Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Brantford and Guelph are located further east on Highway 401 and specialize in producing auto parts, other advanced manufacturing and machinery and equipment, as well as agricultural exports. For example,
Guelph is home to Linamar’s headquarters (Canada’s second largest auto parts maker) as well as Sleeman Breweries.
Setting the Tone for the 2026 Budget
At the 2026 Budget Confirmation Planning Workshop held on March 19, the preliminary forecast projected a 7.44 per cent tax increase. I expressed during the workshop that this figure is too high, particularly given the affordability challenges many in our community are facing.
For a median home assessed at $410,000, this would represent an additional cost of $380 in 2026 if left unchecked. These increases, year after year, place added pressure on young families, seniors, and residents on fixed incomes.
Heading into the 2026 budget, the earlier we begin conversations at Council on what are our top priorities, the better positioned we will be to maximize staff time and provide meaningful direction on shared objectives.
Keeping in Mind the People We Serve
Every item on the council agenda this year, whether a service, project, or policy, must be considered through the lens of:
What it
costs,
who it serves
and
whether City staff has the capacity to deliver and execute it well.
Amid all the nuances and well-intentioned efforts that come with decision-making, these are the fundamental questions that must guide our choices this year.
Residents in the South End
Tax Levy Increase and
Dollar
Impact
per Median Household (Budget Year with Property Tax Policy Year) 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
In this estimate, property taxes with the 2026 forecast will have increased by $1,416 over five years for a median household with a home assessed at $410,000. From 2022 to the 2026 forecast, that works out to an average increase of about $283.20 per year. While each annual bump may seem manageable on its own, the cumulative impact is significant if council does not intervene.
Left to right: Neighbourhood kids on Gordon & council session
2026 Budget Forecast and Mayoral Direction
The Mayor has set the tone for the 2026 budget deliberations by issuing a Mayoral direction that asks staff to prepare a revised budget scenario starting with a 2.5 per cent increase to the City portion of the levy.
I look forward to continuing this conversation in a way that keeps core essential services and ongoing capital projects like the Gordon Street Improvements front and centre.
Priority Capital Project for Ward 6
Gordon Street Improvements from Lansdown Drive to Lowes Road
Lansdown Drive
Tax Levy Scenerios: Forecast vs Mayoral Direction
Understanding the Budget Breakdown
Previously, the City used a “Provincial Impacts” category to reflect external pressures—such as Bill 23 and the costs associated with responding to homelessness. This category has since been retired to better reflect governance responsibilities and clarify what falls within the City’s control.
This shift isn’t about “passing the buck” to the provincial or federal governments—it’s about being more transparent about who is responsible for what within our system of federalism. That way, our advocacy as elected representatives stays aligned with what residents rightly expect from each level of government.
To promote greater consistency and transparency, the City’s Finance team now communicates tax levy increases across three categories, making it easier for you to understand how each component affects your taxes
City of Guelph Services
Core municipal operations and services directly delivered by the City.
Local Boards and Shared Services (LBSS)
Includes the Guelph Police Service, Guelph Public Library, Wellington-DufferinGuelph Public Health, Grand River Conservation Authority, and social services administered by the County.
Hospital Levy
Introduced as a separate category after the implementation of Strong Mayor powers, the Hospital Levy reflects Council’s financial commitment to the Guelph General Hospital expansion. In 2025, it was funded through reserves, resulting in a 0% increase to the tax levy.
Measuring Property Tax Increases
Tax Levy Increase (%):
Each year’s percentage reflects the increase in total property tax requirements as published in the City’s official budget documents.
Dollar Impact per Median Home:
These estimates show how much more the average Guelph homeowner pays each year. They are based on applying the annual tax rate to a median single detached home assessed at $410,000 (e.g. $322.72 in 2025).
Looking Ahead to 2026:
Forecasts for 2026—such as the Preliminary Forecast and the Mayor’s Direction—are based on the City's multi-year budget plan and staff projections. These numbers are preliminary and will continue to evolve as Council begins formal budget deliberations.
Past Approved City Budgets
Winter Operations Recap
This past quarter, Guelph experienced one of the most active winters in recent memory. Amid all the public conversations, a resident petition from Kortright Hills regarding windrow clearing was submitted and formally acknowledged by the City. Thank you to all those that reached out to me. I appreciate all the phone conversations, feedback and email correspondence from you.
As 2026 budget discussions begin, I’ll be re-initiating conversations on how we can strengthen our winter response and ensure staff are properly resourced to deliver essential services that impact daily life and community safety.
City staff have worked hard under challenging conditions this past season, and I want to acknowledge their efforts. That said, I’ll also be raising the need for building more capacity to better align public expectations with how winter operations are communicated and delivered.
Heavy Winter Snowpack from this Past Winter
The Grand River Conservation Authority’s February 2025 Snow Survey confirms that this winter brought significantly higher-than-normal snowfall across the watershed. Snow depth and water content are the highest we’ve seen since 2001 and 2014.
In some areas, like Woolwich and Guelph, the amount of water stored in the snowpack exceeds current reservoir capacity. This means that as the snow melts, there could be an increased risk of localized flooding if warmer temperatures or heavy rain arrive quickly.
City and GRCA staff continue to monitor conditions closely to manage spring runoff and protect our neighbourhoods.
Updates on winter season snow conditions, GRCA Board Meeting, March 28, 2025
for March 14, 2025
Grand River Conservation Authority Agenda - General Meeting Page 195
Figure 1: Map of Grand River Watershed Snow Survey Results
Renovations, Retrofits and New Units
On February 11, Council approved updates to the City’s Housing Community Improvement Plan (CIP), with a focus on increasing affordability and encouraging more purpose-built rentals.
I’m encouraged by the direction of this program. It offers meaningful support for building owners, particularly in the downtown, to carry out much-needed renovations.
This not only helps welcome new tenants but also contributes to the upkeep of Guelph’s historic buildings. I am encouraging property owners to work with City staff and take advantage of the opportunities this program provides.
The Royal Inn Building on Carden St and Macdonell is a fantastic site to renovate as it blends in well with the commercial ground floor
Intergovernmental Initiatives
A $35 million funding request has been submitted through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) to support much-needed upgrades to our wastewater treatment system. Staff are pitching this project to the federal government as a key investment to support Guelph’s growing housing needs.
Initiatives like this are exactly the kind of work I’m encouraged to see coming out of City Hall. As a municipality, we have a unique opportunity to access intergovernmental resources and unlock long-term value for residents. Our staff continue to actively seek out grant funding and pursue strategic applications to support critical infrastructure and community needs.
Road Safety and Traffic Bylaw Update
On March 25, Council ratified updates to the Traffic Bylaw and reaffirmed our commitment to Vision Zero. These changes strengthen the policy framework and support a more responsive approach to traffic calming across the city.
One of the main changes to the traffic bylaw is broadening the criteria to designate community safety zones. Thank you to everyone who responded to my last newsletter and shared feedback on the Vision Zero Action Plan and the use of automated speed enforcement (ASE) devices. Your input helped shape the conversation, including reinforcing the importance of setting reasonable expectations around how ASE cameras are deployed and calibrated by city staff.
We also ensured that any significant capital project (Action Item 4) come back to City Council for
Niska is an example of a thoroughfare that could be considered in the future as a community safety zone as a result of the policy change.
Niska Case Study: Historic conflict between thoroughfare traffic and the need for pedestrian and neighbourhood safety. Read pg.18 Q2 2024 Report
More of this long term
Less of this short term
Gordon St & Lowes Rd Improvements
Gordon Street improvements remain a key priority in Ward 6 and continue to be one of my main areas of advocacy. Our City Engineer has confirmed that detailed design work is currently underway, with construction planned for 2026. I’ve continued to emphasize the importance of keeping this project moving forward, and I remain hopeful we’ll see shovels in the ground before the end of this Council term.
In the meantime, a new storm sewer along Lowes Road was completed just in time for spring. This upgrade improves drainage and reduces the risk of flooding during the seasonal melt. Thank you to City engineering team for getting this delivered—I’m especially grateful to our engineering team for their hard work and follow-through on this important Ward 6 project.
Lowes Road storm sewers are installed
an evaluation process, the preferred solution, potential impacts
partners like Enbridge will continue reconstructing their natural gas system and relocating gas meters ahead of the city’s reconstruction efforts.
The St. Georges Square Concept Plan to re-envision the form and function of the public square as the Guelph downtown anchor will be completed Q2 2025 for inclusion in the reconstruction of Wyndham Street North (Phase 1).
Study Purpose
This year will also see the completion of the Macdonell and Allans Structures
Environmental Assessment which includes re-examining the Ward to Downtown Pedestrian Bridge. Construction activities as determined are planned to commence 2028.
Gordon Street Improvements Detail Design in Progress
purpose of the study is to investigate the need for safety and operational improvements and traffic management for Gordon Street between Edinburgh Road, and recommend a preferred alternative solution to address . Study
For more information on other projects
Please visit, and ask your constituents to check out guelph.ca/construction to learn more about these projects, including our annual paving program.
Below is a list and description of our higher impact 2024 construction projects.
Area
York Road Reconstruction: 2024 saw the successful completion of a particularly complicated and impactful portion of York Road from Stevenson Street to Victoria Road (Phase 3). There will be some completion and deficiency work in spring 2025 but extended road closure will not be required. York Road Phase 4 (east of Victoria Street to the city limits) will see the first of 3 stages commence in 2025 from Watson Parkway South to the city limits that will support the creation of up to 3,900 units.
Study Area includes Gordon Street and immediately adjacent lands, Edinburgh Road and Lowes Road, in the City of Guelph, as shown in Exhibit an important arterial road running in a north-south direction with 50 km/hour north of Hands Drive and 60 km/hour south of Hands
Speedvale Avenue East Reconstruction: We will complete minor deficiency repairs and final utility relocation work at the Speedvale Avenue and Woolwich Street intersection over 2025. The replacement of the Speed River Bridge is on track to commence in spring 2026.
The posted speed increases to 70 km/hour south of Clair Road. Gordon approximately 27,000 vehicles per day north of Arkell Road and south of Arkell Road (as of 2016 traffic counts) and has a right-
Emma to Earl Pedestrian Bridge: The construction of the pedestrian bridge will occur over 2025, for an anticipated opening in late 2025.
Gordon Street Widening (Lowes Road to Edinburgh Road) and Lowes Road Storm Sewer: In Q1 2025, the installation of a storm sewer along Lowes Road to improve drainage on Lowes Road will be completed to be prepared for spring melt. Detailed design for Gordon Street will continue through 2025 for 2026 construction.
discussed in Section 1.4.6, Gordon Street was previously widened from between Harts Lane to Clair Road, completed as an urban cross-section
Silvercreek Parkway Reconstruction – Speedvale Avenue West to Woodlawn Road West: Phase 2 from Campbell Road to Speedvale Avenue West will be completed spring 2025. The road will remain open to traffic. The key improvement is the installation of multi-use path. This work is being completed prior to the planned
