Dedicated to the people of Guelph and Ward 6.
This report is produced for education and communication purposes only. The opinions and views presented are not endorsed by the City of Guelph or any other entities. Unless otherwise indicated with a link or in-text citation, all visuals and graphics are originally created by Ken Yee Chew.
The contents of this report are accompanied by links to original sources and can be accessed by hovering your cursor over the visuals and graphics. To briefy 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.
As I refect on my inaugural year as your City Councillor, I have been focusing most of my time on laying the foundation for partnership-driven work ahead. Beyond attending statutory meetings, connecting with constituents every week, and fulflling my role as a trustee of the municipality, being a newcomer to elected offce has allowed me to forge new connections across the city. Similar to the unseen roots supporting the understory of our parks and natural heritage systems, there is a depth to our efforts that often goes unnoticed, but crucial for building lasting trust and rapport. Suffce to say, meaningful work take time to yield fruit, and I hope to bring you along for the journey.
The past year has seen signifcant milestones, including the construction of the South End Community Centre, progress in implementing new road safety policies, transit routes and the streamlining of building permitting and development applications. Additionally, there has been signifcant capital improvements in playgrounds, pedestrian crossings, and urban forestry efforts. Notably, city staff are laying the groundwork for major infrastructure upgrades along Gordon Street and the Downtown core, all while leaning into frank and honest conversations about the state of health and wellness in our City and downtown.
This report highlights my personal commitment to an honest co-crafting approach to public policy and administration, featuring progress updates that are focused on key areas in Ward 6: Navigating infll housing in long established neighborhoods, promoting small businesses in our plazas and business areas, discussing transit route expansion and outlining potential opportunities for long-range neighbourhood improvements, with an emphasis on addressing chronic traffc concerns.
The purpose of this report is to share my insights and lived experiences from the hours spent at council chambers, coffee shops, and community events. As your representative on City Council, my goal is to help demystify municipal government and ensure that your voice has a tangible impact on the affairs at City Hall. Ultimately, I seek to prompt you with relevant information so you can better understand how the process works and engage more effectively in the public discourse. Thank you for your ongoing trust and confdence as we navigate this term together. Stay connected, and do not hesitate to reach out.
Ken Yee Chew
Guelph City Councillor - Ward 6 226-332-5406 | ken.chew@guelph.ca | @kenyeechew
December 16, 2022
February 24, 2023
April 28, 2023
June 23, 2023
August 25, 2023
September 22, 2023
October 27, 2023
November 24, 2023
December 15, 2023
January 26, 2024
February 23, 2024
PERIOD TIME
9:30-11:16am
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9:30-10:45am
9:30-10:44am
9:30-10:07am
9:30-11:07am
9:30-11:49am
9:30-10:45am
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March 22, 2024 9:30-10:40am
with City Staff, community members and stakeholders
57 Community Events
1 Public Townhall
PERIOD
7-8:30pm, November 9, 2023
DESCRIPTION
Budget Town Hall @ Bishop Mac
PERIOD
DESCRIPTION
August 20-23, 2023 AMO in London, Ontario
To kick off the new term, updating the City Strategic Plan was a key priority for council. Despite the initial success of the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan, the language in my honest opinion was notably ambiguous, leaving considerable room for interpretation, (e.g. “Continuing working” vs “Build”). Nevertheless, the frst edition served its purpose by providing a framework for Council and senior staff.
Having a strategic plan that refects council priorities is essential for setting clear expectations to city staff over the next four years. While this exercise may appear insignifcant, the coordination of work can quickly become chaotic without clear direction. Therefore, laying down foundational principles is crucial, regardless of how lofty or altruistic the language may seem. The primary objective here is to establish clarity.
As a working board, our responsibility is to create the conditions for meaningful policy discussions that can lead to effective strategies for senior leadership to integrate into the City’s operations. More importantly, our role on council is to provide stability by governing at an arm’s length, allowing staff to deliver work to us with professionalism. Using thematic words to defne our service priorities helps convey important work in a more holistic manner; simplicity is crucial because our objectives must endure scrutiny spanning the council term. Therefore, the continuity of the plan remains intact regardless if the budget is set at a 4% or 8% increase, subject to consideration by Council and the Mayor’s approval.
As members of Council, we bear the responsibility of setting the pace and direction for the city’s objectives. Ratifying the new strategic plan marked a critical frst step in providing city staff with a framework for executing Council’s priorities. My contributions to the development of the strategic plan when consulted was guided by my 2022 election platform. Using the platform empowered me to articulate key elements of Council’s strategic priorities. It was the roadmap I used to engage with residents across Ward 6 in 2022 and allowed me to articulate at a high level how city operations work, like the relation between monitoring pipes and sewers along through tangible asset management practices and the broader systemic patterns of climate change, where quantifying objectives are typically more wide reaching. (e.g. reducing corporate vs city emissions).
My goal is to help convey tangible action that is concrete and relatable, rather than a rigmarole of aspirations that may come across as esoteric in nature. When dealing with multi-faceted issues, the question should always circle back to the following: how does this [insert project/initiative] add value to our communities?.. and how do we create the conditions for people to buy-in on [insert major policy] change? In my view the spirit of these questions ought to be the focus of our conversations, so we can demonstrate value with our discussions and plan implementation at City Hall.
The discussion around housing is a good example for how the strategic plan framework provides value. One of my main motivations for assuming public offce was the call to help facilitate the conversations surrounding growth by bridging the gaps of understanding for residents and stakeholders for how to work under the process. Under the strategic plan, this would fall under “City Building,” with key performance indicators directed to staff to monitor progress.
May 2019
More Homes, More Choices Act (Bill 108)
March 2022
More Homes for Everyone Act, 2022 (Bill 109)
March 2023
April 2023
More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 (Bill 23)
Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023 (Bill 97) Changes to Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) in progress
As a primary processing authority, building permits and development applications are being processed much quicker than before. In 2023, all site plan applications were processed within the legislated 60-day timeline from Bill 109.
The province has rewarded the City with $4.68 million from the Building Faster Fund for meeting housing targets
Learn more about what the City is doing with Housing
Zoning is still a major tool that largely infuences land use planning in Guelph and North America as a whole. The new Guelph Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw represents a signifcant step forward in guiding development within the city by establishing land uses refective of our Offcial Plan urban structure. By replacing outdated regulations with clearer and consistent guidelines, the bylaw aims to create a more relevant framework for managing growth and development. Additionally, the bylaw introduces clearer regulations, aimed at making it easier for property owners, developers, and city offcials to navigate the zoning process.
• Zoning Bylaw (1995) – 14864 was adopted on June 19, 1995.
• On April 18, 2023, City Council approved the new Zoning By-law (2023)-20790.
• Zoning By-law (2023)-20790 is currently under appeal.
• Applications made during the appeal period must comply with both Zoning By-laws.
Guelph is a growing City and a gateway to rural Ontario on the rural-urban edge. With strict Provincial policies and regulations surrounding growth, we must work together and be informed by how change will affect our local neighbourhoods here at home.
The most notable features of the new comprehensive zoning bylaw is its provision for allowing three units and accessory dwelling units as of right. This grants homeowners and local builders with more options and reduces the need to go through rezoning. On April 9, 2024, Council will receive a report considering the implications of allowing four units as of right. These zoning initiatives aligns with growth policies designed to curb urban sprawl and protect prime agricultural farmland, wetlands and other natural heritage features. Consequently over the decade, the home building industry, allied professions, not-forproft housing and real estate market have gradually shifted towards in-fll development to accommodate for housing demand. Whether or not you subscribe to the notion of a housing crisis, this is the direction municipal policies and regulations are mandated to conform to - in other words, to grow upwards, not outwards. As your councillor, I understand the reservations many of you may have regarding the pace of change and shift in housing dynamics - especially its implications on urban forestry and critical infrastructure. Our staff are aware, and everyday intergovernmental efforts are being made to bring funding to Guelph to meet servicing needs. With pressures to accommodate the University population and multi-generational newcomers coming to Guelph, each neighbourhood has its unique characteristics that may feel threatened. Many of you have chosen your homes for personal reasons, whether it is for your children’s safety, proximity to a particular park, or simply the charming aesthetics of the mature trees on your streetand I understand. That said, we need to talk, so no one gets left behind by change.
I can relate to the emotional bond we have with the built environment that surrounds our neighbourhoods. Having grown up in the Lower Mainland, I have personally witnessed the transformation of my childhood city grow at much more rapid pace than Guelph. Some changes were positive, while others left a mixed impression, this is human. Witnessing my childhood environment evolve was a driving force behind my career choice to be a designer. My training revolves around fnding ways to enhance the aesthetic functionality of our physical environments. I share this personal anecdote because it is important for you to know that as your representative, I understand the emotional effect physical change has on our routines, day to day and overall quality of life. Considering these factors, when faced with change, we are prompted to ask: How can our community adapt with change? Are there creative ways to establish community use? [e.g. by how we orient the common amenity space in new site plan developments] These are the types of questions that warrant engagement from all of us. But we need to create the conditions to discuss. At the local level, our public process exists for discourse. We reconcile divergent interests that stem from both the rational and emotional levels. As our communities evolve, more of us need to actively participate in shaping the conversation rather than succumbing to fear and adversary when it affects us most. Change cannot just be left to the policymakers, planners, developers, and activists; it starts with the individual willingness on all of us to engage.
Examples of changes to my neighbourhood growing up in the Lower Mainland
Change is the only constant in life. Ones ability to adapt to those changes will determine your success in life.
How can we nurture healthy and prosperous neighbourhoods while helping each other adapt to change?
What are ways for us to foster neighbourhood stewardship with new housing dynamics?
3-Unit in-fll Demonstration Plan axonometric (City of Guelph)
3-Unit Demonstration Plans
HOW do we boost the skilled labour supply?
decrease the cost of materials?
expedite site plan and building approvals?
maintain quality and professional due-diligence?
minimize adversarial relations?
set clear expectations for everyone?
do we create the conditions for ensure residents can adjust?
have largely resulted in Midrise and Singles
How do we envision change in South Guelph, Ward 6? How can engagement evolve to play a better role in today’s planning environment?
Over the last three years, the City of Guelph has diligently collaborated with the County of Wellington and local partners to expand the inventory of non-market housing. Guelph is a very generous community, and tapping into community benevolence is always effective so long as the purpose and commitment behind the cause is clear. The following projects serve as tangible evidence of the fruitful outcomes that result from relationships and collaboration when corporate, non-proft, and government partners come together.
8-bachelor-type units for youth private spaces for health care, one-to-one meetings and staff rooms.
28-bachelor-type units 4-accessible units on-site professional staff
87-unit apartment
28 unit independent living townhomes
The Elliot Community Grace Gardens Long-term care
29-long term care beds facility and ward expansion
In July, Home for Good approached the City of Guelph with a request for urgent assistance in funding the completion of the 10 Shelldale supportive housing project. The City’s fnancial support was crucial in helping Home for Good meet important funding targets set by stringent grant conditions. On August 16, 2023, City Council voted unanimously to facilitate the transfer of $500,000 from the City’s Affordable Housing Reserve.
32-unit permanent supportive housing project
24-hour support services provided by the Guelph Community Health Centre (GCHC)
$364,000 to St. Joseph’s Health Centre - Silver Maple Seniors Community Project
$800,000 to St. Joseph’s Health Centre - Silver Maple Seniors Community Project
$884,000 to Stepping Stone and $383,846 to Wyndham House (Bellevue Supportive Housing) for youth supportive housing.
$1,364,050 to Kindle Supportive Housing at 10 Shelldale Crescent
$250,000 to extend the daytime shelter hours at Royal City Mission (for 2023), and up to $500,000 in matching funds for the Homes for Good campaign.
$862,000 to The Elliot Community, with debt fnancing up to $6.2 million additional 29 long-term care beds.
2023
$202,500 to make the Welcoming Streets a permanent program
$260,000 for a special downtown police program for the summer months, and $862,000 to The Elliot Community, with debt fnancing up to $6.2 million for an additional 29 long-term care beds.
(“Housing in Guelph,” City of Guelph, 2023, July 11, )
Following the August council meeting, my team and I facilitated connections between the local businesses of the Kortright Plaza and the Home for Good campaign. With news of the City’s response to Kindle still fresh, a unique opportunity arose to collaborate with these businesses for an event aimed at raising awareness for the Kindle project. Advocacy to residents was intensifed through personal doorto-door outreach and social media broadcasts. This community event resulted in numerous small donations to Kindle and provided an opportunity for over 300 residents to directly learn about the City’s prompt response to an urgent need. While this event was small in scale, it was a privilege to help bring the businesses together to serve the community for the frst time post-COVID. All in all, this was a success in my books and now the businesses have an event structure that can be replicated next year.
Since the beginning of this term, there has been a concerted effort from all of City Council to encourage our staff to establish closer ties with the County of Wellington. In Guelph, the County serves as the designated Consolidated Municipal Services Manager for social services, while the City oversees ambulance services. Despite their interdependence in providing these services, their administrations operate independently. To improve relations, this past year the County and City representatives participated in a joint workshop to discuss ambulance services. Subsequently, joint representatives have participated in a Housing and Health Symposium, hosted by the County to discuss the provision of social services. Furthermore, our staff played a pivotal role in facilitating the restructuring of the social services committee to restore representation from Guelph City Council which was absent since 2010. These initiatives have all received unanimous support from City Council, providing our staff with the conditions to engage with our County partners in an open and transparent manner.
Joint County and City Council Workshop on Guelph Wellington Paramedic Services June 1, 2023
1st Wellington-Guelph Health and Housing Symposium January 30-31, 2024
Council appoints four members to the Joint Social Services and Land Ambulance Committee February 27, 2024
Social Services and Land Ambulance Committee term begins April 1, 2024
2nd Wellington-Guelph Health and Housing Symposium April 17, 2024
Construction is currently underway with scheduled completion for 2026. The South End Community Centre was initially budgeted at $80 million in October 2020, but when the construction tender closed in March 2022, the cost closed at $121.1 million.
To address this, the city changed how the project would be managed and brought in a construction manager to fnd ways to save money. By working with Aquicon, they cut costs by nearly $24 million.
The original budget would have grown to $92 million by March 2022, but the actual cost was $129 million. To fx this, the city took steps to bring costs down to $115.5 million. This is closer to what the budget should have been by October 2022, around $108 million. These changes will not affect the project’s plans or its programming elements. (City of Guelph, Scott, 2023)
• Ground broken on October 17th
• 85% Covered by Development Charges
• 15% Taxes
. The decision to construct the new South End Community Centre stems from its frst inclusion in the City's Parks and Recreation Master plan in the early 2000s. With projections indicating substantial growth in the south end of the city in the coming years, this facility not only ensures recreation service levels are improved, but also ensures equitable access to services for residents in this area of Guelph. Now, residents no longer have to travel, for example, to Victoria Road Recreation Centre or the YMCA, to access swimming lessons. Bus transit for Route 19 was also recently established to connect residents in Kortright Hills and Woodland Glen to the recreation centre. As for the current status of the project, groundbreaking occurred in October 2023, and the contractor is presently on-site, focusing on earthworks to prepare the site for foundation work. The South End Community Centre is envisioned as a 160,000 square foot multi-use recreational facility, featuring twin ice pads, a double gymnasium, lap and teaching pools, a walking track, and various multipurpose rooms.
Notably, the construction process will incorporate elements to support the City's net-zero energy goals, contributing to a signifcant reduction in the building's carbon footprint. Despite challenges such as infation and market volatility in the construction sector, the project has persevered, with the methodology shifted to a Construction Management approach to address budgetary concerns.
Aquicon Construction Ltd. has been awarded the contract for construction management and the completion date is anticipated in the second half of 2026. After two decades of planning, the realization of this project marks an exciting milestone for the community, despite delays attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lobby rendering (MJMA, n.d.)
1. Gosling Gardens Park, 75 Gosling Gardens
2. Howden Crescent Park, 35 Howden Crescent
During this term, there is an opportunity to help shepherd meaningful groundwork for expanded parks and recreation that advance goals for urban forestry and natural rehabilitation. Our parks department has been incredible with roll out programs, such as Parks Stewards, to better engage the community in partnership.
As your councillor, one of my main priorities is to help scope out opportunities for expanding our parks and recreation needs - by engaging with neighbourhood groups, sports interest groups, and prospective third-party organizations who may be interested in partnering with the city.
There are many opportunities to take the objectives of the PRMP and tie it into broader goals for economic development, community building and safety.
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan (PRMP) update outlines the vision and objectives for Guelph’s parks and recreation system over the next decade. This update replaces the previous plan from 2009, aligning priorities with current community needs, the City’s Strategic Plan, and best practices in park and recreation planning.
Guelph’s population growth is projected to exceed 208,000 residents by 2051, necessitating expanded parks and recreation amenities. The demographic shift towards an older population underscores the need for age-friendly facilities
Furthermore, the demand for parks and recreation land outpaces available resources, warranting the City to assess land acquisition strategies to meet park and recreation needs.
Over the past year, transportation staff have prioritized implementing speed limit reductions and upgrading traffc monitoring systems throughout the city. While opinions on how best to handle road safety may vary, the Vision Zero approach, adopted back in 2018, guides the city’s road safety policies. Originating in Sweden back in the 1990s, this approach emphasizes zero tolerance for road-related fatalities and injuries. Twenty cities in Canada, including Guelph, utilizes this framework to inform their road safety strategies, and is part of the rationale for the implementation of automatic speed enforcement cameras. It is not my favourite measure because of its’ unforgivingness, but consistent studies have shown it is an effective stand-alone measure that changes behaviours.
In February 2024, Engineering and Transportation Services launched the Vision Zero Collision Dashboard, Key Actions, and Storymap. These tools showcase traffc collision data in Guelph over a six-year period. They employ visuals and maps to assist residents, elected offcials, and researchers in comprehending where accidents occur and why. This body of work is intended to bridge the understanding between residents, elected offcials and city staff to ensure better parity across the city with the installation and upgrade of traffc calming interventions.
2023-2024 locations
The City’s Transportation Engineering staff utilizes the Ontario Traffc Manual (OTM), a provincial guideline used by transportation experts, to prioritize traffc control devices on city roads.
1. Pedestrian crossover (PXO)
2. Traffc control signal (including intersection and mid-block pedestrian signals).
The selection of an appropriate pedestrian crossing is based on the following criteria and consistent with the Ontario Highway Traffc Act (HTA):
• Posted speed limit of the roadway.
• Number of travel lanes.
• Pedestrian crossing volume and delay for the 8 or 4 hours.
• Vehicular traffc volume for the 8 or 4 hours.
all-way stops coming soon in 2024
1. Gosling Gardens at Doyle Drive
2. Farley Drive at Pine Ridge Drive
3. Farley Drive at Beaver Meadow
4. Jenson Boulevard at Pine Ridge Drive
1. Downey Road at Pheasant Run Drive
2. Clairfelds Drive East near Westminister Woods Park
3. Summerfeld Drive at Amsterdam Crescent
In March 2023, a temporary traffc signal was activated at the intersection of Gordon Street and Maltby Road. As the Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan progresses, a permanent signalized intersection will be established. The installation of this signalized intersection was an advocacy priority due to the high number of accidents in the area. The latest collision report from transportation engineering indicates that the Gordon-Maltby intersection had the highest percentage of collisions, based on extrapolated data from the Guelph Police Services. Click to view the full report below.
Clair-Gordon signalized intersection (Chew, 2023)
Route changes often provoke mixed reactions, as I experienced two months into my term when Route 19 was introduced onto Woodland Glen. This stop was part of a staff-led effort as per an approved route review initiated in 2019. To the residents of Woodland Glen, I understand the frustrations expressed by some of you who reached out to me. However, it is important for us to consider the broader network perspective and not isolate the decisions of transit with the ongoing needs for localized traffc calming. As your councillor, I am always advocating to staff for improvements around the bends on Woodland Glen. After refecting and seeing the ridership data, I am convinced Route 19 will be a crucial connector for Kortright Hills, north of Stone Road to Clair Road. Operationally, it takes time for transit frequency and ridership to mature and people only take transit when they can rely on it. That was my instinct as a full-time transit rider for most of my time living in Guelph. We are also seeing more teenagers take up public transit to school, the mall and volunteer activities. For these reasons, staff made the decision last year to allow this route time to fully mature before the completion of the South End Community Centre, Cooperators, and other commercial businesses over these next three years.
The City’s approach to transit can be defned by a shift from the traditional hub and spoke model to a grid model, aimed at enhancing frequency and connectivity across the City.
The recent data on Route 19's performance underscores its signifcance. Initially switched from on-demand to full service in May 2023, the route has witnessed consistent growth in boardings since the extension. From May to September 2023, total boardings reached 50,396, averaging 94 boardings per day. In the subsequent months, from September to October 2023, boardings surged to 10,654, averaging 204 boardings per day, marking a remarkable 120% growth since the extension was introduced.
This growth in ridership highlights the importance of the Route 19 extension for residents in Ward 6. Despite initial apprehensions, it has proven to be a valuable transportation link, facilitating access to key amenities and fostering connectivity within the community. As we move forward, it's essential to address concerns while recognizing that improved transit infrastructure does enhance the mobility and accessibility for all residents.
As your City Councillor, I also represent the City of Guelph on the GRCA. The board comprises 26 members from 39 different municipalities, and our responsibilities include approving policies, programs, and budgets, largely funded by the Province and municipal apportionment.
My role on the GRCA involves advocating and representing the interests of both Guelph and the Conservation Authority. The GRCA oversees a watershed equivalent to the size of a small European country, managing parks, dams, critical infrastructure and an assortment of natural resources along navigable waterways. Serving on the board provides me with a valuable platform to establish relationships with conservation staff and elected representatives from other member jurisdictions, including the Region of Waterloo, Brant, Brantford, and the Wellington County townships to name a few.
Currently, I am focused on raising awareness for potential short, medium, and longterm community initiatives on conservation lands. This is especially vital for Ward 6, as a signifcant portion of the constituency falls within the protected natural heritage system zone. My motivation stems from the fundamental belief that to respect nature, one must have opportunities to immerse oneself in it. Therefore, improving sustainable access to these lands is crucial for enjoyment, education and stewardship.
Recently, the GRCA has had to adapt its internal policies due to signifcant changes made by Bill 23 to the Conservation Authority Act. Despite these changes, I still see this political season as a valuable moment for us to explore non-conventional avenues for empowering conservation staff; by fostering collaboration, and participation for long-term, revenueneutral initiatives that is grassroots driven. Engaging Ward 6 residents, third-party groups, the University and the Grand River Foundation will be instrumental in generating interest and momentum for future initiatives.
Click to learn more about the GRCF
Great news! The Guelph Lake Nature Centre remains on schedule for completion, with the tender award receiving unanimous approval from the Board of Directors on March 22, 2024. Revisions to the design had to be made in order for the project to move along without further delays due to construction costs. This new building has been long-awaited, with the initial report scoping out a new facility dating back to January 28, 2011. Funding for this project is primarily facilitated through fundraising efforts by the Grand River Conservation Foundation. The future Nature Centre facility will be a tremendous asset to Guelph and the Conservation Authority. Joining the board towards the end of the project’s completion of the Guelph Lake Nature Centre has inspired me to continue seeking partnership opportunities that has potential to materialize in the future.
“When
cities and neighborhoods have thriving civic spaces, residents have a strong sense of community; conversely, when such spaces are lacking, people may feel less connected to each other. Great civic spaces are really great public places.”
The Niska Lands, Kortright Hills •5•117acresofforest acresofmarsh•7.5acresof meadow •HanlonCreek-coldwater landleased
One of my major goals this term is to set the stage for community-led concept planning of the Niska Lands. This property is GRCA’s main land holdings in Guelph, ON and is located on the rural-urban edge of the City. This land has an extensive history dating back to Horace Mack’s creation of the Kortright Waterfowl Park in 1948. This land has been sitting empty over the decades with a no trespassing sign occupying the frontage of Niska Road. There is extensive restoration and natural rehabilitation work that needs to take place; but with that, comes along with opportunities to establish community benefts. There is a oncein-a-life time opportunity to proactively set the foundation for what could be for Ward 6, Guelph and Wellington County. Expect more engagement from me on this more frequently throughout the term. Happy to chat with anyone interested on this over a coffee.
64 hectares
49 hectares protected natural heritage system zone for rehabilitation and restoration
15 hectares potential for parks, open space and community building
Kortright Waterfowl Park operated from 1965-2005
Commercial lease with Niska Wildlife Foundation from 1977–2014
Future co-design opportunities after management plan is ratifed for trails maintenance, ecological rehabilitation, third-party collaborations.
Prioritizing partnership building is paramount for effectively managing the human-nature biodiversity on the Niska Lands. Upon refecting on the past successes and shortcomings of the Waterfowl Park, there exists a distinct opportunity to collaborate with educational, not-for-proft, and institutional partners to adopt a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach on site. Such partnerships are crucial for ensuring that the land is utilized to its fullest potential for stewardship that encompasses conservation, economic development, and neighborhood enhancement. Personally, I draw my inspirations and convictions from the lessons learned from witnessing past planning and coordination efforts I have seen developed growing up. While the following world-renown projects are quite ambitious in nature, these endeavors are entirely feasible with the right conditions and willing partners. The key lies in creating a culture of governance for a collaborative environment conducive to long-term planning efforts - guided by a trust oriented design approach.
• In 2018 the GRCA Board directs staff to develop the management plan.
• Draft management plan released for public comment May 2023
• Public comments presented to GRCA Board with Draft management plan
• Final version is still subject to ratifcation from the GRCA Board of Directors.
The GRCA Management Plan aims to enhance recreational and conservation opportunities. It encourages discussions with the City of Guelph and other parties to establish maintenance agreements for land parcels, supporting both recreation and conservation. Collaboration with stakeholders has been reiterated as one of utmost importance for effective management, maintenance, accessibility and ecological sustainability of the site.
Since the 2022 election, I have returned to my alma mater for a master’s degree in Rural Planning and Development. My research is centered on utilizing participatory planning to cultivate co-design opportunities for private-public partnerships in rural-urban settings. Through my academic and research pursuits, I am exploring ways to apply them to community issues here as a Councillor in Guelph and Ward 6.
Simultaneously, I have taken on the role of a teaching assistant and guest reviewer for senior landscape architecture students in the BLA and MLA programs. Guiding senior design students through the creative process has been incredibly fulflling. I have been able to use many of my interactions over the three semesters as TA and guest reviewer to foster student interest for local community building before they head into the workforce. With the undergraduate and graduate students, we have examined sites like Niska and discussed strategies to bring in tactical improvements for traffc calming and speed reductions. We also delved into discussions about natural rehabilitation and cost-effective ways to balance recreational and commercial interests, while examining the dynamics between the community, city staff, and intergovernmental actors involved with planning.
While my current ideation efforts so far are academic in nature, the next phase involves seeking meaningful opportunities to engage stakeholders to advance projects, without encroaching on internal work by GRCA management and City staff. This includes advancing the GRCA Management Plan, Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and local economic development endeavors. Ultimately the bottom line is to leverage my network and integrate design thinking into the way we view local issues - combining a healthy blend of local, professional and technical expertise to address the challenges effectively.
Canadian and international design students from left to right: Matthew Lundstrom, Carol Pietka, Ali EbadI; Melissa Lein, Jennille Neal, Sarah Deratnay, and Natalie Magel; Emalie, Olivia Hobbs & Niloufar Mohsenivafa
Senior BLA Studios with multiple instructors
Throughout the year, Councillor O’Rourke and I, together and on separate occasions, have had the pleasure of welcoming members of the public for tours of Council Chambers. Below are highlights from a recent school visit from Bishop Macdonell on December 4, 2023. During this visit, Councillor O’Rourke and I provided a brief overview of the three levels of government and facilitated a mock council meeting with the students. Our clerks and city staff shared insights into their jobs and the process involved in running City operations. If you are interested in a tour of City Hall, please feel free to contact me. I am happy to arrange a visit, especially for educational groups. I still vividly remember my frst visit to council chambers was as an undergraduate student at the University of Guelph.
Spring Q1 2023
Winter Q4 2023
Representing the Communities of Ward 6
