Q1 2025 Progress Report

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

WARD 6 WINTER REPORT | Q1 | JANUARY 2025 - MARCH 2025

The Snow is Clear Spring is here

2025 Federal Election / Hanlon Tree Planting / Tariff Impacts / 2026 Budget Talks / Winter Snow Fall Recap / Housing CIP / Road Safety Advocacy

kenyeechew.ca

New trail head signage installed in Westminister Woods, picture taken by James Wood, March 21, 2025

02

Councillor Chew Q1 Winter Progress Report

With Tony from WhyNot Italian and Stacey at DBL CRS Sim Lounge, February 27, 2025

kenyeechew.ca

03

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.

Photo taken by Sean Kearnan, 2013

The contents of this report are accompanied by links to original sources

im its

Town of Puslinch

The Niska Niska Lands Revitailization Lands

River Bend Campground

lim its

only. The opinions and views presented are not endorsed by the City of

Ci ty l

This report is produced for education and communication purposes

Ci ty

Dedicated to the people of Ward 6.

Township of Guelph/Eramosa

Kortright

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.

Main themes at a glance

08 GENERAL UPDATES 20 FISCAL FOCUS 32 HOUSING & INFRASTRUCTURE 36 ROAD SAFETY ADVOCACY

04

Councillor Chew Q1 Winter Progress Report

Ci ty

lim

its

W

Future Student Housing Project

Dairy Bush

UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH

The Arboretum

GUELPH INNOVATION DISTRICT

STONE ROAD CORRIDOR

Woodland Glen

City of Guelph Town of Puslinch Hanlon Creek Park

KORTRIGHT PLAZA

Hills

UNIVERSITY SQUARE PLAZA

Hanlon Creek

Rickson Ridge

P R ESERVATI ON PA R K

Malvern-Ridgeway-Arkell Communities

Dawn Vaughan Revell

Pineridge

HANLON CREEK BUSINESS PARK

Westminister Woods

Clairfields TH E H ANLON CREEKFOREST

CLAIR-GORDON COMMERCIAL PLAZAS

FU T U R E SO U T H E N D COM MUN I T Y C E N T R E

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

kenyeechew.ca

05

Stay up to date with regular communications These reports are shaped by my ongoing documentation of both community conversations and Council activity. Each edition reflects evolving priorities, key decisions, and behind-the-scenes context from my perspective. Whether you're skimming for a snapshot or looking for deeper insight, this is my way of making the work at City Hall more approachable and relevant— bridging the gap between policy and application for our communities in South Guelph.

Distilling Discussions and Decisions at Council

Council Workshop on February 19, 2025

Providing Commentary for Community Conversations 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

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

summer outlook

GUELPH CITY COUNCILLOR

GUELPH CITY COUNCILLOR

GUELPH CITY COUNCILLOR

GUELPH CITY COUNCILLOR

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

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

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

nurturing neighbourhoods

navigating progress, change and difficult conversations

capital improvements / advocacy / strategic plan updates / legislative changes

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

kenyeechew.ca

kenyeechew.ca

06

kenyeechew.ca

kenyeechew.ca kenyeechew.ca

01

Councillor Chew Q1 Winter Progress Report

kenyeechew.ca

01

Read the Latest Field Notes and Reports

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

Connect with me over coffee!

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

kenyeechew.ca

07

GENERAL UPDATES

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 Hanlon Creek represented by incumbent MP Michael Chong. However, the

& Rickson Ridge

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.

08

Councillor Chew Q1 Winter Progress Report

WELLINGTONHALTON HILLS NORTH Woodland Glen Kortright Hills

Hanlon Creek Rickson Ridge

Malvern-Ridgeway-

P RESERVATION Arkell Communities PARK Dawn

Pineridge

Vaughan Revell

Clairfields

Westminister Woods

Gosling Gardens-Dallan-Poppy Drive Communities Rolling Hills

Who to vote for in South Guelph, Ward 6 GUELPH

WELLINGTON-HALTON HILLS NORTH

Janice Folk-Dawson, NDP

Andrew Bascombe, NDP

Gurvir Khaira, Conservative

Michael Chong (Incumbent), Conservative

Dominique O'Rourke, Liberal

Sean Carscadden, Liberal

Jeff Swackhammer, PPC

Pamela Geiger, PPC

Anne-Marie Zajdlik, Green

Liam Stiles, Green

kenyeechew.ca

09

GENERAL UPDATES

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.

010 Councillor Chew Q1 Winter Progress Report

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.

kenyeechew.ca

011

GENERAL UPDATES

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

012 Councillor Chew Q1 Winter Progress Report

kenyeechew.ca

013

GENERAL UPDATES

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.

014 Councillor Chew Q1 Winter Progress Report

Farley Dr

SUBJECT SITE

Hall’s Pond

Hawkins Dr

Private Road

Gordon St

Clair Rd E

Dallan Park

Poppy Dr E

y Dr W

Figure 2 - Aerial Photo - Immediate Context Part 1: Physical and Policy Context 1 Clair Road East, Guelph

7

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 PROPOSED PUBLIC PARK LOBBY ENTRANCE COMMERCIAL ENTRANCE Figure 9 - Built Form: Ground Floor Uses

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

kenyeechew.ca

37

015

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.

016 Councillor Chew Q1 Winter Progress Report

How do w

Guelph Public Library

Clair Road E

Shops and Retail Underground Parking

Central Plaza

Underground Parking

Outdoor Amenity Space

Woonerf

Underground Parking

Outdoor Amenity Space

New Park Poppy Drive E

we manage traffic flow and parking?

kenyeechew.ca

017

GENERAL UPDATES

Taking Care of Our Most Vulnerable October - February Winter Response The City and County’s Joint Social Services and Land Ambulance Committee has released their report on this winter’s response plan, providing a clearer picture of how frontline services responded to community needs during extreme weather conditions. The report outlines how resources were deployed to support unsheltered individuals during the colder months, including shelter usage, outreach efforts, and emergency response coordination. Below is a snapshot of key data and outcomes.

018 Councillor Chew Q1 Winter Progress Report

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.

kenyeechew.ca

019

FISCAL FOCUS

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.

020 Councillor Chew Q1 Winter Progress Report

"

Hanlon Creek Business Park, in Ward 6, houses key industries such as Sleeman Breweries, which sources aluminum from the United States.

Sleeman Breweries

kenyeechew.ca

021

FISCAL FOCUS

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 Residents in the South End

choices this year.

022 Councillor Chew Q1 Winter Progress Report

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

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

kenyeechew.ca

023

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

MATCHLINE SEE ABOVE

MATCHLINE SEE BELOW MATCHLINE SEE FIGURE 2

Lansdown Drive

MATCHLINE SEE ABOVE

SHEET No.

SITE LOCATION

IBI GROUP 101 - 410 Albert Street Waterloo ON N2L 3V3 Canada tel 519 585 2255 ibigroup.com

SCALE

NTS

DATE

MAY 10, 2020

PROJECT No.

117734

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

GORDON STREET "SCHEDULE B"

Gordon Street Improvements from Lansdown Drive to Lowes Road

024 Councillor Chew Q1 Winter Progress Report

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

Total: 7.44% ($379.68)

MATCHLINE SEE BELOW

SHEET No.

SITE LOCATION

Mayor's Direction April 1

MA

TC

HL

INE

SE

EF

IG U

RE

1

Total: 5.43% ($277.11)

Percentage Increase

DATE

MAY 10, 2020

PROJECT No.

117734

SITE LOCATION

LOW

NTS

E BE

SCALE

OVE

E SE

HLIN

E AB

GORDON STREET "SCHEDULE B"

MATC

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

E SE

CHLIN

MATCHLINE SEE FIGURE 1

IBI GROUP 101 - 410 Albert Street Waterloo ON N2L 3V3 Canada tel 519 585 2255 ibigroup.com

MAT

MATCHLINE SEE FIGURE 2

SHEET No.

BOV

EE A

INE S

CHL

MAT

MATCHLINE SEE FIGURE 3

Lowes Road IBI GROUP 101 - 410 Albert Street Waterloo ON N2L 3V3 Canada tel 519 585 2255 ibigroup.com

SCALE

NTS

DATE

MAY 10, 2020

PROJECT No.

117734

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

GORDON STREET "SCHEDULE B"

E

City Services LBSS Hospital Levy

kenyeechew.ca

025

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.

026 Councillor Chew Q1 Winter Progress Report

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

kenyeechew.ca

027

FISCAL FOCUS

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.

028 Councillor Chew Q1 Winter Progress Report

Discussion on windrow services During February’s significant winter weather event, the Mayor initiated a public conversation about whether the City should invest in windrow clearing, recognizing that these services are increasingly part of how residents intuitively judge the value City operations.

I’m very open to this dialogue around expanding snow plowing services, whether it's windrow services or more staffing capacity. When it comes to windrows, however, we need to carefully consider the effectiveness of such a service on our residential streets.

Parts of Guelph has a highly intricate street and block pattern, particularly in older parts of the City like downtown, where implementing windrow clearing may prove to be more challenging and less consistent.

kenyeechew.ca

029

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

030 Councillor Chew Q1 Winter Progress Report

Figure 1: Map of Grand River Watershed Snow Survey Results for March 14, 2025

Grand River Conservation Authority Agenda - General Meeting Page 195

kenyeechew.ca

031

HOUSING & INFRASTRUCTURE

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

032 Councillor Chew Q1 Winter Progress Report

kenyeechew.ca

033

HOUSING & INFRASTRUCTURE

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.

034 Councillor Chew Q1 Winter Progress Report

Guelph Wastewater Treatment Plant

kenyeechew.ca

035

ROAD SAFETY ADVOCACY

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 discussion and approval so the public has adequate time to weigh in on more significant street interventions.

Niska Case Study: Historic conflict between thoroughfare traffic and the need for pedestrian and neighbourhood safety. Read pg.18 Q2 2024 Report

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.

036 Councillor Chew Q1 Winter Progress Report

kenyeechew.ca

037

ROAD SAFETY ADVOCACY

The Case for prioritizing Horizontal Traffic Calming Measures over Vertical Measures As we look ahead to future traffic calming implementations, my ongoing advocacy to staff continues to focus on prioritizing permanent horizontal measures such as curb extensions and lane narrowings, rather than vertical ones like speed humps. While vertical measures can deliver quicker results, they often come with trade-offs, including negative impacts on accessibility and a more jarring driving experience.

Horizontal interventions, while more incremental to implement, tend to deliver stronger longterm outcomes. They help create safer, more predictable streetscapes and are better suited to the character of each neighbourhood.

Downey Road is a good example. While staff invested considerable effort into redesigning the corridor years ago, the continued reliance on temporary elements such as painted lines without permanent features has made it difficult for both drivers and pedestrians to fully benefit from the intended improvements.

I have reiterated this in Council discussions: we need to be careful that traffic calming interventions do not turn everyday driving into a frustrating or unpleasant experience. It is like surgery—you want to correct the issue without causing unnecessary strain or discomfort.

It is always a balancing act, ensuring that winter maintenance and future upgrades can proceed smoothly while steadily improving the quality of the experience on the ground.

Transforming our historic streets, especially in the downtown core for example, back to what is used to be: walkable, safe, and pedestrian-friendly spaces will take time. It will be an incremental process, but our policies are ensuring the direction allows staff the capacity to enhance the street experience amicable for all road users, including drivers.

038 Councillor Chew Q1 Winter Progress Report

More of this long term

Less of this short term

kenyeechew.ca

039

ROAD SAFETY ADVOCACY

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

040 Councillor Chew Q1 Winter Progress Report

, an evaluation process, thereconstructing preferred solution, potential impac partners like Enbridge will continue their natural gas system and relocating gas meters ahead of the city’s reconstruction efforts. ns, and input from consultation with the public and stakeholder 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 Wardin to Progress Downtown Gordon Street Improvements Detail Design Pedestrian Bridge. Construction activities as determined are planned to commence 2028.

ose of the study is to investigate the need for safety and opera ments and traffic management for Gordon Street between Edinb ad, and a on preferred alternative solution to address For recommend more information 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.

StudyYorkArea Road Reconstruction: 2024 saw the successful completion of a particularly Below is a list and description of our higher impact 2024 construction projects.

complicated and impactful portion of York Road from Stevenson Street to Victoria

(Phase 3). Gordon There will be Street some completion deficiency work in adjacent spring 2025 y AreaRoad includes andand immediately lands, extended road closure will not be required. York Road Phase 4 (east of Victoria h Roadbut and Lowes Road, in the City of Guelph, as shown in Exh Street to the city limits) will see the first of 3 stages commence in 2025 from Watson Parkway South to road the city limits that will in support the creation of up todirection 3,900 an important arterial running a north-south w units.

50 km/hour north of Hands Drive and 60 km/hour south of Han Speedvale Avenue East Reconstruction: We will complete minor deficiency repairs e posted speed increases km/hour south ofStreet Clair Road. G and final utility relocation work atto the 70 Speedvale Avenue and Woolwich intersection over 2025. The replacement of the Speed River Bridge is on track to pproximately 27,000 vehicles per day north of Arkell Road and commence in spring 2026. outh of Arkell Road (as of 2016 traffic counts) and has a rightEmma 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.

sed in Section 1.4.6, Gordon Street was previously widened fro ween Harts Lane to Clair Road, completed as an urban cross-se 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

Street at Arkell Road (Existing Conditions) kenyeechew.ca

041

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

043

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