Boundary expansion will make your Downtown stronger Marty Williams, Executive Director, Downtown Guelph Business Association Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) like the Downtown Guelph Business Association (DGBA) are all defined by geography. When they are established, so too are their boundaries, and in the case of Downtown Guelph that area has been the same since its inception 45 years ago. Much has changed in that time– including what most people would define as “Downtown Guelph”–but the boundary has not. All that could change this year. This month City Council will consider the DGBA Board’s request to begin the process to expand–mostly north and west of the current zone. If that passes, business and commercial property owners in the current BIA as well as those in the proposed expansion area will vote on whether to go forward with the idea or not. In this process, the City acts like “Elections Canada.” They run the vote but it is up to us to make the case. We have been developing our value proposition and we are basing our outreach on four essential reasons for expansion: that it would make the DGBA stronger, broader, more efficient, and fairer. Boundary expansion means we’ll be stronger. Representing more business and property owners strengthens the voice of Downtown and additional funds means we can broaden our scope and range of service, and be more able to partner with the City on capital projects. We will also be able to enhance partnerships with resident associations and condo boards to make the case for appropriate services to enhance safety, the perception of safety, cleanliness and waste removal, and a rational parking system. We will also be broader, and physical
improvements such as banners, flowers, lights, benches, bike racks (etc.) will expand to a wider area. It will mean more robust social media (and traditional media) platforms, with consistent quality and support of the Downtown brand. The office will be more efficient as well, since many organizational costs would remain the same (rent, audit, etc.) so new dollars can go directly into service delivery. This means we’ll be able to make more of an impact with the resources we have. Lastly, an expanded boundary is fairer. As I said at the top of this article, the current geographical definition of the BIA is 45 years old and out of date. In that time business and commercial property owners within the DGBA have contributed millions of dollars into the public realm–to the benefit of all, especially those proximate to it. Going forward it makes sense to bring our neighbours on board. After all, they are as “downtown” as the DGBA. The process (if approved) will take some time to unfold and there will be many opportunities to discuss and debate the merits of this boundary expansion project. I am looking forward to engaging with folks and am confident that this is a sensible way forward and our future is better together. All of this boils down to a simple message to those in the expansion area: “we’re downtown, you’re downtown–let’s get together.” downtownguelph.com
Recently, the Southern Cruisers–Chapter 501–helped celebrate a day of gardening by showing off their bikes and providing a donation to Hopewell. (supplied photo)
Hopewell Children’s Homes Many of you have likely passed it many times over, the large house on Highway 86 on your way to Elmira for the Maple Syrup Festival or on a trip north for the weekend and likely wondered about the house and its inhabitants. Hopewell Children’s Homes began nearly 35 years ago by a family who had a heart as big as the house itself. It takes a special kind of family to open their home to children with high medical and complex needs but John and Johanna Oosterhuis did just that beginning in 1983 at their home in Ariss, Ontario. With the family living in the top floor, individuals with special needs most of which considered medically fragile with cognitive delays were supported in their own space on the main floor. In 1983, supports such as respite, which provides exhausted families a break to be able to recuperate or spend time with other children, was virtually non-existent. Many families had to seek out of home supports in order to maintain care for their profoundly complex child. The Oosterhuis family recognized this need and dedicated themselves to supporting children who could no longer be cared for at home.
Families who sought the support of Hopewell, continued strong relationships with their children and indeed shared in the overall care of their family member. Over the next 35 years Hopewell evolved into offering a continuum of supports to the Wellington and Guelph communities. Hopewell provides specialized residential care for individuals with developmental disabilities, respite care for children and adults across two homes, and community and recreational supports through PlaySense Activity Centre at the Shelldale Centre. As a result of a new strategic vision Hopewell is launching many new initiatives and engagement activities with the community. Hopewell envisions “a community where all people can reach their full potential in supportive and caring environments”. As Hopewell strives to achieve this vision we are always on the lookout for special people to make the lives of people we support meaningful. Consider volunteering with us. For more information please visit: www.hopewellchildrenshomes.ca or call 519-836-9641 ext 224.
Media release
Summer water fun now underway! The City’s splash pads, wading pools and outdoor pool opened June 10, with the exception of Northview, South End and Jubilee splash pads. Weekend splash pad hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and daily operation begins Monday, June 26. Construction on the Northview splash pad is nearing completion and the City expects the splash pad will open on June 26. South End should open later this month, and Jubilee will open mid-July once unscheduled repairs are completed. Residents should check the City’s website, guelph.ca for opening dates. Lyon Leisure Pool, located at 258 York Road, begins daily operation on Thursday, June 29. Public swims are from 1 to 8 p.m. daily with additional swims on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to BUSINESS VENTURE • Page 10 June/July 2017 ISSUE
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noon. Leisure swims are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to noon. Regular admission fees apply. Mico Valeriote Park wading pool will open daily beginning Friday, June 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the wading pools in Sunny Acres and Exhibition parks will open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 to 7 p.m. The splash pads, wading pools and Lyon Leisure Pool close for the summer season on Tuesday, September 5. The Market Square water feature operates daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. until September. Admission is free at the splash pads, wading pools, and water feature. Residents should check guelph.ca, Twitter or Facebook for any closure notices due to inclement weather or maintenance.