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PEOPLE CHANGE PURPOSE &

Dedicated to the people of 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 images and graphics are 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.

Sunrise over Clair Road, capturing Bishop Macdonell, the South End Emergency Service Centre, the Hanlon Creek Business Park, and the watertower, January 2024.

We are incredibly blessed to live and work in Guelph, a city shaped by

by the dedication of its residents, volunteers, community leaders and city staff.

In a city of over 140,000 and growing, many contributions often go unnoticed behind the scenes of council chambers or the noise on social media. It is the unsung efforts of those working with purpose in our streets, neighbourhoods and plazas that makes our city a vibrant place to live.

This year brought forward signifcant leadership changes, including former City Treasurer Tara Baker stepping into the role of Chief Administrative Offcer. These transitions came with departmental reorganizations and staff changes, creating opportunities for fresh energy and renewed perspectives.

Change was also evident among front-line staff, including those I frequently follow up with on service requests. Despite facing internal turnovers, I have seen many staff members go above and beyond to fulfll their team’s responsibilities and accommodate the needs of residents.

This year, the planning department also welcomed many new members, providing opportunities for friendly interactions to connect and share the local knowledge and history that has been passed on to me.

My hope is that these small interactions help provide subject area experts and policy implementers a deeper understanding of our city’s unique context and social needs, so sincerity and meaning are better integrated into our policies.

Policies, by their nature, are meant to set conditions rather than function as rigid and legalistic “thou shall” directives. Conversations are essential for keeping policies relevant and responsive, while allowing for fexibility to better serve the people who rely on our city departments for customer service.

As we move deeper into the New Year, signifcant changes are on the horizon. Council and senior staff are preparing for anticipated developments at the provincial and national levels. With the political landscape evolving rapidly, we are committed to ensuring our organization stays ready and responsive to legislative updates that may provide new fnancial opportunities for the City.

At the heart of change is fnding champions and building relationships with people who bring an open mind and a humble attitude to new ideas. Thank you for your continued input and collaboration. I look forward to hearing your ideas and working together more closely in 2025.

Ken Yee Chew Guelph City Councillor

- Ward 6

Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Kids from Vaughan St, a family enjoying newly resurfaced tennis court, Tony from Why Not Italian, Paramedic Superintendent Dawn, planning staff, and Unicorn Scoops ice cream at Mollison Park.

For over 30,000 of us and counting, home is South Guelph

South Guelph is a blend of newly built and established neighbourhoods, where families and neighbours are connected by an abundance of parks, trails, and local amenities.

Abutting Highway 6, the neighbourhoods of Kortright Hills and Woodland Glen sit on the rural-urban edge, bordered by the Townships of Puslinch and Guelph/ Eramosa across the Speed River. Surrounded by conservation land, these areas are celebrated for their natural heritage features and strong sense of community.

Moving southeast, the heart of South Guelph is shaped by Hanlon Creek and Preservation Park, offering a unique mix of cultural forest and meadow landscapes. Rich with wetlands and woodlots, these areas provide residents with opportunities to spot waterfowl and deer, particularly during the winter and early spring.

Further south along Gordon Street, newer neighbourhoods like Vaughan-RevellDawn, Clairfelds, Westminster Woods, and Pineridge stand alongside South Guelph’s historic areas, Malvern-Ridgeway and Arkell. These neighbourhoods are connected by preserved woodlots and trails, leading to plazas along the Gordon Street corridor, schools, and the future South End Community Centre at Clair Road and Poppy Drive. To the south near Maltby Road, Rolling Hills marks the southeastern gateway to the city.

The Hanlon Creek Business Park anchors the area’s economy, hosting major employers like The Co-operators, DENSO, and Sleeman Breweries, as well as organizations such as the Guelph Humane Society and emerging businesses like Code Ninjas, Double Cross Sim Lounge, and Café 245.

Together, these neighbourhoods offer a balance of natural beauty, convenience, and opportunities for work, leisure, and connection, making home South Guelph.

Top to bottom: Summer, Fall and Winter from the South End

Rolling

PARIS-GALT MORAINE Town of Puslinch Town of Puslinch

Rickson Ridge

Hanlon Creek Kortright Hills

CLAIR-GORDON COMMERCIAL PLAZAS

HANLON CREEK BUSINESS PARK

KORTRIGHT PLAZA

The communities of South Guelph, Ward 6

Deer wintering in Preservation Park behind Rickson Ridge

Photo taken by Sean Kearnan, 2013

Vaughan/Revell trail towards Dawn Ave and Clairfelds

Westiminister Woods and Pineridge communities

Hanlon Creek Business Park from Clair Road

Rural-urban edge of Niska and Ptarmigan Drive

Focus and clarity

As we move into 2025, my focus remains on representing you by providing constructive feedback to staff, council colleagues, and stakeholders. The themes, goals, and priorities I’ve outlined are intended to serve as a canvas for conversations and ensuring accountability in my work.

Goals and Priorities

Responsive representation to address local concerns and complex casework effciently.

Focused advocacy to champion the priorities of our neighbourhoods.

Financial accountability to ensure responsible use of municipal resources.

Key Intentions

Building civic awareness by demystifying how the city functions.

Fostering public trust through transparent communications and dialogue.

Facilitating stronger connections across our neighbourhoods.

Articulating our story

Explore detailed insights and recaps of key issues by clicking on the 2024 reports for stories and narratives that is shaping the City and South Guelph. Whether you’re skimming quickly or diving into the full details, the goal is to give you a clear view of key news and focus issues.

Facilitating a school visit at City Hall, November, 2024

Demonstrating Fiscal Prudence

Maintaining fnancial accountability remains a key priority, as we navigate economic changes and shifts at upper levels of government. Locally, my focus is to ensure Ward 6 taxpayers see practical progress on community investments like the South End Community Centre.

On the whole, this year Guelph earned a triple-A credit rating from S&P Global Ratings for the third consecutive year, underscoring the city’s strong fnancial standing. Council also approved a tax levy increase cap of 4%, with the fnal budget set at 3.66%. This disciplined approach ensures resources are allocated effectively while addressing long-term needs.

To further strengthen fnancial accountability, key governance reforms are underway, including a review of community beneft agreements and operational value-for-money audits. Additionally, the city’s fnance department has been transitioned to direct oversight under the CAO’s offce, enhancing oversight and alignment with organizational priorities.

Navigating the 2025 Budget

The 2025 budget process, like every year, was a careful exercise in negotiation—a balancing act between addressing community needs, maintaining fscal responsibility, and accommodating priorities raised by councillors, community stakeholders, organizations, and residents from across the city. Some of the items I heard from you directly included funding for the Guelph Tool Library, phasing in a youth recreation subsidy, and expanding Bus Route 5 in the South End. You can fnd a full recap of the process in the 2024 Q4 Progress Report.

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

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

November 14: Following internal discussions and input from the community, the draft increased to 3.21% to account for emerging priorities.

November 28: Further deliberations and amendments brought forward by councillor colleagues resulted in a fnal fgure of 3.66% for the city portion.

211 Case Work related meetings

This year, my calendar schedule refected a focus on providing casework resolutions. I attended 211 casework meetings, up from 119 in 2023, while community events decreased from 57 in my frst year to 36. This shift also stemmed from a desire to use my time to strengthen relationships and prioritize crafting stronger communication materials to ensure meetings with people deliver preciser outcomes and clearer messaging.

At council, extended discussions and special meetings required signifcant time and preparation. Key topics included the Public Space Use Bylaw in February and September, the Housing Affordability Strategy and Fireworks Bylaw in October, and the 2025 budget confrmation process in November.

56 Council Sessions

of the Whole, Planning

RESPONSIVE REPRESENTATION

36 engagement events with businesses,

groups

Promoting Environmental Stewardship

South Guelph is one of the city’s largest areas by land mass, encompassing hundreds of hectares of protected conservation land. In 2024, Trees for Guelph hosted tree-planting events at Hanlon Creek Forest and Teal Drive, bringing South End residents together to participate in natural stewardship of our natural heritage systems. These efforts are excellent for raising awareness towards the need to control invasive species, promoting education, and creating opportunities to meet neighbours, while enhancing naturalized connections between Preservation Park and key features of the Hanlon Creek area.

Building key connections with residents and organizations remained central to my representation this year. Notable highlights from Ward 6 in 2024 include:

• Welcoming Bishop Macdonell High School students to council chambers for a second year.

• Provding remarks at cultural events like events organized by the Guelph Chinese Canadian CG.

• Grand opening for new enterprises: Making Waves Swim School and Double Cross Sim Lounge.

• Celebrating DENSO’s Year End Bike Donation, and Alectra-Guelph Hydro’s 5-Year Anniversary.

Hanlon Forest Tree Planting, April 27, 2024

Capital Improvements

Because resources are distributed citywide, advocacy by Ward 6 Councillors is crucial to ensure local needs are effectively addressed and prioritized. This term, Ward 6 is seeing signifcant infrastructure investments aligned with capital priorities.

Councillor O'Rourke and I regularly receive updates, engage in discussions, and collaborate with staff to keep projects on track. Our roles includes advocating for key initiatives and providing on-the-ground feedback to complement data-driven insights from corporate asset management. By addressing long-standing issues and prioritizing critical projects, we aim to ensure implemented improvements remain relevant and responsive to the community’s needs.

Key Updates:

• Neighbourhood Safety Enhancements: Multiple pedestrian crossovers installed, along with traffc calming measures, to improve safety in residential areas.

• South End Community Centre: On track for a 2026 opening, this facility will feature state-ofthe-art recreation amenities.

• Gordon Street and Lowes Road: Advocated for progress on Gordon Street improvements and the resolution of drainage issues on Lowes Road.

• Downey Well and Pumphouse Access Laneway: Oversaw progress, including native tree planting, removal of invasive buckthorn, and preserving the bridge as a heritage feature, with potential for future trail recreation.

Toured the South End Community Centre construction, October, 2024

Gordon Street Improvements will take place from Edinburgh Road to Lowes Road

Pedestrian priority intersection installed in 2024 on Downey Road and Pheasant Run-Quail Drive

Housing Accelerator Fund Initiatives

Addressing housing policies at Council PlanningThe Community Planning Permit System

The City's Housing Affordability Strategy has been the main focus of council planning this year. One of the key action items that is being initiated is community engagement by City planning staff on the Community Planning Permit System (CPPS). This process aims to streamline development in the strategic growth area of Stone Road and Edinburgh Road. With its consolidated university lands and rental-heavy neighbourhoods, this area serves as an ideal pilot for a new development planning process.

City of Guelph Information Report Friday, September 27, 2024 CPPS for

“Shifting community, developer, staff and council understanding to a new process is one of the main obstacles that must be overcome. Therefore, development of a CPPS must be paired with a Development Advisor Cusla Matthews strong educational component and public engagement"

The University will build more student housing

Adjacent to this policy planning area, the University of Guelph announced plans to build new student residences on its endowment lands—a signifcant step forward after years of advocacy. I look forward to seeing their plans unfold as we progress into 2025.

Understanding where most growth will take place

Allowing four units on properties that meet lot size requirements

At the end of 2024, Council approved a zoning bylaw amendment allowing up to four residential units as of right, aligning with our federal Housing Accelerator Fund commitments and Affordable Housing Strategy. While meeting federal funding obligations is essential, I have actively engaged resident feedback, and reviewed refnements to lot frontage and size requirements. In our fnal meeting on this matter, I supported a motion to adjust these requirements, aiming for the zoning bylaw amendment to facilitate better integration of multiunit properties into neighbourhoods most likely to experience these changes.

From my discussions with neighbourhood groups, most concerns focused on traffc management as an impact of increased density. Depending on the context, some of these issues can be addressed through future traffc impact studies and road safety improvements. I emphasized to residents that the visual and structural impacts of these changes ultimately rest with homeowners and developers as they navigate site plan and building permitting processes.

I sincerely hope this new policy can empower homeowners to retroft their properties in more meaningful ways, fostering greater variety and intergenerational living. In the end, the future integrity of our neighbourhoods depends not just on policy prescribed to built form, but on the active participation of residents who contribute to making our streets a more vibrant and welcoming place to live.

Fourplex typology on Semi-Detached home

Base renderings of the proposed typologies for four units. Prepared by O2 Planning. City of Guelph, 2024.

Delineating what additional dwelling units can look like.

Decision Report Permitting Four Dwelling Units on a Lot City-initiated Zoning By-law Amendment 2024-405, 2024-405

1. 4.12.1(g)(vi)B. An additional dwelling unit must be setback from an exterior side lot line no less than the exterior side yard setback of the main dwelling unit.

Decision Report Permitting Four Dwelling Units on a Lot City-initiated Zoning By-law 2024-405, 2024-405

That the City-initiated Offcial Plan Amendment to exclude multi-unit residential buildings with four units or less from the net density calculation in the low-density residential designation be approved, as shown in Attachment-1 of Report 2024-405 dated December 10, 2024. That the City-initiated Zoning By-law Amendment to permit up to four units on lowdensity residential lots be approved, as shown in Attachment-2 of Report 2024-405 dated December 10, 2024.

That in accordance with Section 34 (17) of the Planning Act, City Council has determined that no further public notice is required related to the minor modifcations to the proposed Offcial Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments permitting up to four units on a lot.

Motions from December 10, 2024 City of Guelph Council Planning meeting

Primary Unit with Assessory Dwelling Units

Community Safety and Well-Being

Throughout 2024, Council and staff addressed key issues, including homelessness, mental health, and community safety.

A signifcant initiative was enacting the Public Space Use Bylaw. For full details, see Progress Report Q3: Navigating Progress, Change, and Diffcult Conversations for commentary on this.

On this matter, I commend the collaboration of our bylaw enforcement team, Guelph Police, and community stakeholders in implementing this sensitive policy. While opinions online can be divisive, I am grateful for the City's sensible efforts to address these challenging issues.

To add, I really appreciate the efforts from programs like the IMPACT team, for crisis response, and the Downtown Resource Offcer program. They have been instrumental in fostering safety through collaboration with community groups and helping to maintain our public spaces. We have also seen many dedicated volunteers step up to contribute towards helping those in need.

Community safety remains a priority city-wide, with Ward 6 particularly impacted by speeding concerns. I continue to advocate for increased patrol support from the Guelph Police Service (GPS) and found opportuntiies to voice these concerns, like during a GPS strategic planning workshop, with senior offcers and the board.

Resourcing to address speeding in neighbourhoods near city limits still remains a challenge. In the meantime, residents can request a "Slow Down" sign from the City to help raise visual awareness. While progress is incremental, I’m pleased to see the City’s Vision Zero policy advancing safety initiatives, including the recent installation of speed cameras in school zones, such as at Kortright Hills Public School.

Updates to the Fireworks Bylaw introduced stricter fnes and revised operating hours to address community concerns, particularly for residents on busy streets. For more on these efforts, refer to my progress reports.

Automatic speed enforcement camera in effect at Kortright Hills Public School

Council presentation by Chief Cobey on community safety

Grand River Conservation Authority

As a GRCA board member representing the City of Guelph and Ward 6, I attend monthly meetings at the Grand River Conservation Authority head offce in Cambridge. This role allows me to build stronger relationships with conservation staff and elected offcials from 36 member municipalities across our watershed. I love this organization and always look forward to these meetings every month.

Meetings attended at the GRCA Head Offce in Cambridge

Putting into perspective Southern Ontario's largest watershed

The GRCA watershed spans an area of 6,800 km², making it the largest in southern Ontario. To highlight its scale, it is:

• More than twice the size of Luxembourg (2,586 km²).

• Over 10 times larger than Singapore (728 km²).

January 2024

February 2024

March 2024

April 2024

May 2024

June 2024

September 2024

November 2024

December 2024

Total:

With resources spread thin across the watershed, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, educational outreach, and voluntary compliance among communities is essential for effective stewardship of this dispersed geopolitical landscape.

GUELPH

LUXEMBOURG

SINGAPORE

GRCA Board meeting in session

The Grand River watershed from the vantage point of Southwestern Ontario

Lake Huron Georgian Bay

Lake Erie

Lake ON

Recognizing GRCA staff initiatives for promoting knowledge sharing and educational outreach

Clean water is essential to Guelph, and our wastewater treatment systems play a signifcant role in protecting the environment. In Guelph, our Wastewater Treatment Plant processes over 64 million litres of wastewater daily, ensuring it’s clean before returning to the ecosystem.

Watershed-Wide Wastewater Optimization Program (WWOP)

At the December 2024 board meeting, the GRCA provided updates on its Watershed-wide Wastewater Optimization Program (WWOP) and its annual competition for wastewater plant operators. This voluntary initiative encourages municipalities to adopt best practices for reducing nutrient loads, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, to improve water quality in the Grand River and downstream to Lake Erie.

Programs like this often go unnoticed by the public, but they highlight the resourcefulness of staff in making the responsibility of environmental stewardship both engaging and fun in the workplace. The program’s friendly competition motivates municipalities to collaborate, share best practices, and strive for excellence in wastewater treatment.

In 2023, Guelph earned a bronze award, demonstrating its dedication to effciency and innovation. I’m excited to see the results for 2024 and hope Guelph achieves gold.

Wastewater treatment plant, click to see youtube video

A Critical Examination for Revitalizing the Niska Lands: Integrating Nature with Built Form

In 2024, I collaborated with a design cohort of Master of Landscape Architecture students from January to April to brainstorm, critique, and analyze scenarios for reimagining the 8-hectare cash crop feld on the Niska Lands.

The sessions focused on strategies to protect the natural heritage system, preserve natural features, and promote conservation by integrating strategic built form with progressive building science, and naturalized open spaces.

Some of the notable goals discussed was aimed at conversations around how to revitalize the heavily altered cash crop felds while enhancing groundwater infltration into the creek through investments in blue-green infrastructure.

Present day condition of the former Niska Waterfowl Park, GRCA Niska Land Holdings. Read more about the Niska Lands in the 2023 Annual Report and Q2 Progress Report.

Guelph

Naturalized play environment using reclaimed wood (Hapa Collaborative, 2013)

Charette session with MLA grad students

Construction for the New Guelph Lake Nature Centre is on track for September 2025

Click the rendering from the GRCA website for more information.