Issuu

Dedicated to the people of Guelph and Ward 6.

Key words and themes:

attitude of gratitude best is yet to come continuous learning grit & grace

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.

KHPS Council Winter Warm-Up Event

The Communities of South Guelph, Ward 6

Rolling Hills

PARIS-GALT MORAINE

Dallan

Vaughan Revell

Westminister Woods

Pineridge

Rickson Ridge

Hanlon Creek Kortright Hills

Clairfields

PRESERVATION PARK

CLAIR-GORDON COMMERCIAL PLAZAS

HANLON CREEK BUSINESS PARK

SOUTH END COMMUNITY PARK

Woodland Glen

HANLON CREEK PARK

Your 2022-2026 Guelph City Council

Guelph City Council is comprised of the Mayor and 12 independently elected councillors. Every four years, each ward elects two members of council to represent its residents. Ward 6 is one of the largest ward by land mass and population making up South Guelph. The constituency is represented by myself and Councillor Dominique O’Rourke. Both of us reside in the area and collaborate closely to respond to phone calls, emails, and case work through our personal capacity or by coordinating with the Mayor, council colleagues, city staff, businesses, and external agencies.

Ken Yee Chew Dominique O’Rourke

Ward 1 Ward 2Ward 3Ward 4Ward 5

Mayor of Guelph

Ward 6

Phil Allt Cam Guthrie

Rodrigo Goller Erin Caton

Michelle Richardson Carly Klassen

Dan Gibson

Ward 6

Message from Ken

As 2024 comes to a close, I’m refecting on the meaningful interactions I’ve had with residents, businesses, and community organizers—the unsung heroes who bring our city to life.

In September, I was pleased to see the South End Community Centre stay on track for its 2026 completion. I also visited local businesses and organizations, including the Guelph Humane Society, where Joey and I adopted two kittens on National Adoption Day. The Humane Society continues to do incredible work for animals and community wellness.

Many of you may recall that I returned to the University of Guelph in 2022 to complete my MSc in Planning. My research focused on improving knowledge translation in areas of city governance, land use planning, local entrepreneurship, and civic literacy. Over the past two years, I’ve applied these insights to my council work, research, and teaching. I’m happy to share that I completed my research and convocated in October.

That same month, Council discussed the Housing Affordability Strategy, including the Community Planning Permit System to streamline development while ensuring meaningful community benefts. We also reviewed the Fireworks Bylaw, with 56% of 1,327 respondents supporting stricter measures. I supported stronger fnes over a full ban to enable practical enforcement and address nuisance offenders more effectively with our resourcing power.

In November, the focus shifted to the 2025 Budget Deliberations, balancing careful spending with advancing key projects like the Gordon Street Improvements. We also welcomed Bishop Macdonell High School students to Council Chambers for a discussion on local government. During the session, we got the students to weigh in on our freworks bylaw review and got some genuinely insightful feedback, just in time for the fnal meeting on the matter.

During our November planning meeting, we discussed the future of the Rutherford Conservatory with the university. Given the structure’s deterioration, I proposed to the university leadership a design competition in collaboration with the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) to transform the space into a commemorative garden. This project would honour the OAC legacy while creating a functional gateway that seamlessly connects the University Centre bus loop for students and visitors.

Council also supported grassroots advocacy for a proposed Urban National Park on the reformatory lands, refecting our community’s strong desire for a space dedicated to recreation, culture, health, and wellness. It’s important to note that this endorsement does not preclude future discussions about other potential uses, such as a hospital—an idea that continues to be actively explored by stakeholders and the public. Ultimately, the fnal decision rests with Infrastructure Ontario, the site’s landowner. For this reason, I supported the urban national park proposal as an idea in principle as a way to encourage action from upper levels of government on the future of these lands.

At the end of November, the Kortright Hills Public School Parent Council hosted a wonderful holiday event at the school. That same weekend, the Guelph Chinese Culture Group held a vibrant gathering at Centennial CVI, featuring cultural performances and vendor pop-ups.

In early December, the Code Ninjas Grand Opening celebrated the growth of small businesses in the Hanlon Creek Business Park. This month, I will wrap up my neighbourhood visits and fnish delivering the remaining postcards to residents.

At Council, we will discuss the zoning bylaw amendment to permit four units, including refnements to regulations based on heavy feedback from residents, as well as downtown heights and densities during our fnal planning meeting. We’ll also address provincial issues related to mental health, homelessness, and addictions. With snow arriving earlier than expected, it’s the perfect time to say goodbye to fall and embrace the holiday season in our community. Take a stroll down Woodland Glen to see a street flled with festive Holiday Minions, and don’t miss the downtown Christmas Market during its fnal weekend on December 13th, 14th, and 15th.

As always, I’m grateful for your engagement, feedback, and support. It’s a privilege to serve as your representative, and I look forward to continuing our work in 2025 to build a more connected, practical, and informed Ward 6. A united Ward 6 provides us with a strong mandate to foster city-wide conversations toward a more prosperous Guelph.

Ken Yee Chew Guelph City Councillor - Ward 6 ken.chew@guelph.ca

226-332-5406

facebook.com/kenyeechew

instagram.com/kenyeechew

Westminister Woods, South End, Guelph (Chew, 2022)

How to navigate this report

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.

Read the last progress report

KEN YEE CHEW

GUELPH CITY COUNCILLOR

Business Spotlight

City Leadership Transition

Conservation Areas Strategy

Strategic Real Estate Partnerships

Pilot Structured Shelter Model

Association of Municipalities of Ontario

Regulating Parks and Open Spaces

Conversations on Zoning for 4-Units

GPS Youth Programs and Events

Budget 2025

UGDSB High School Updates

Monthly Field Notes

Field Notes #1

Fall is here in South Guelph

South End Community Centre Construction

Housing Affordability Strategy

Public Safe Use Bylaw

General Updates

Visit linktr.ee/kenyeechew kenyeechew.ca

Field Notes #2

After receiving your feedback on the progress reports, many of you expressed a preference for more frequent updates. In response, I’ve launched monthly Field Notes to complement the quarterly Progress Reports. These will be released during the second and third months of each quarter when quarterly reports are not issued. For more in-depth insights on various topics, feel free to click the links or visit my Linktree page.

Shaping 2025

2025 Budget

Ward 6 Park Upgrades

Planning Community Meetings

Fireworks Bylaw

General Updates

Visit linktr.ee/kenyeechew kenyeechew.ca

October 9, 2024

GCAT Spooktacular Ride

October 24, 2024

5 Year Anniversary November 4, 2024

Kortright Hills Public School Winter Warm Up

November 28, 2024

Guelph Chinese Canadian Culture Group

November 30, 2024

DENSO Assembles Annual Bicycle Build-a-Bike Program

December 5, 2024

Message from Ken

How to Navigate this Report

Q4 Engagement Highlights

South End Community Centre

Guelph Humane Society Visit

Local Business Appreciation

OPPI Conference Connections

24 october

Housing Affordability Strategy

Fireworks Bylaw Review

28 november

Bishop Mac School Visit

132 Clair Road West. Planning Open House

2025 Budget Deliberations

The Future of the Rutherford Conservatory

40 december

University Housing Announcements

2024 City External Audit

Code Ninjas Grand Opening

Christmas Festivities

Important PSA!

Toured the construction of the

South End Community Centre

On budget and on track for 2026 completion

Twin ice pads

Aquatic centre with a lap and teaching pool

Double gymnasium

Walking track and multi-purpose rooms

best is yet to come

Visited

the

Guelph Humane

Society with Joey Joey and I toured the facility with Executive Director Lisa Veit and her team. We learned about the GHS adoption process and, in the end, adopted two kittens, which we named Pekoe and Panko on National Adoption Day.

Local business appreciation

Cavan Coffee 5 Year Anniversary, 1467 Gordon St S

Lina Ma Grand Opening, 1499 Gordon St Unit 4,

Visiting Haris at Circle K and Esso on Kortright Rd. and Gordon St.

Meeting Ali Tahini, co-owner of Tahini’s, and crew in Guelph location on 5 Clair Rd.

With Ged and Matt at Double Cross, 589 Hanlon Creek Boulevard, Units

Hailbut House owner Julie at the Guelph location grand opening, 702 Woolwich St

OPPI Conference Connections

Connected with planning professionals to discuss strategies for navigating growth in mid-sized municipalities.

I also had the opportunity to engage with City of Guelph planning staff, making meaningful connections outside the formalities of council chambers.

continuous learning

At the Hamilton Convention Centre with Guelph planning staff and James, our EcDev GM.

Housing Affordability Strategy

City staff provided drop in sessions for the Housing Affordability Strategy session at the Guelph Public Library. From planning staff, Cushla Matthews, Craig Vallesi, and Brittany Manley. (left to right) were there to facilitate conversations.

I dropped in at one of the sessions at the South End Library and had a productive discussion with staff. We covered key actions, including the Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) for major growth areas, and how it can help the city meet its social and economic needs while creating win-win outcomes for development applicants—such as infrastructure upgrades, new parks, and improved public spaces.

Ingredients for successful community planning: Stability, predictability, and fexibility are essential for successful multi-disciplinary, private-public collaboration.

What is a CPPS? The CPPS is a fexible land-use tool that streamlines the development approval process by combining zoning, minor variances, and site plan control into a single permit. While mid-sized municipalities have been slow to adopt it, I’m excited to see Guelph’s planning staff take the lead on this initiative.

Having worked on a CPPS in another municipality, I’ve seen frsthand how it encourages creativity, challenges group-think, and brings forward concrete commitments from city departments and stakeholders. At the same time, it retains the necessary rigour to ensure thorough plan review and accountability.

Goals and Objectives: To manage development more effciently while aligning with the city’s community goals and policies, ensuring projects maximize community benefts.

Guelph’s Strategic Growth Areas

Understanding where growth will take place throughout the City

Community Planning Permit System

Fireworks Bylaw Review

Of the 1,327 respondents, opinions were nearly split, with 56% in favour of a freworks ban. After careful consideration, I supported stronger fnes, education and curfews instead of a full ban. This approach allows bylaw enforcement to focus on addressing nuisance offenders more effectively within our current bylaw enforcement’s staffng capacity.

Bishop Mac School Visit

Councillor O’Rourke and I hosted two groups of grade 10 civics students from Bishop Mac. This was our second year welcoming South End students to city hall.

We facilitated a mock council meeting discussing our freworks bylaw and went through a crash course on municipal governance and city operations.

132 Clair Road West. Planning Open House at Springfeld Golf Course

On November 4th I attended the planning open house hosted by MHBC at Springfeld Golf Course to discuss the proposal for 132 Clair Road West.

Discussions focused on:

1. Integrating the concept design with the surrounding area.

2. Distributing building heights and density to better support residents and businesses, particularly at the street level.

3. Leveraging unique spatial features, such as the proposed naturalized stormwater pond, to enhance the viability of local businesses and residential units.

We also explored potential improvements to Poppy Drive as part of the proposed road development, focusing on:

1. Connectivity and road safety.

2. Improving traffc fow from Bishop Macdonell and the future South End Community Centre toward Gordon Street.

I look forward to seeing how this feedback is incorporated as the proposal moves through the planning process. If you have any comments or would like more information, feel free to reach out to MHBC.

2025 Budget Deliberations

Mayor and councillors corresponded with constituents and community organizations

Joint Wards 5+6 Townhall to gather feedback

Council meeting for public delegations

Council meeting for amendments

Local boards and service agencies to fnalize budget

January 22, 2025

attitude of gratitude

Mayor Guthrie’s Ward 5+6 Townhall on November 4th

Main items secured for Ward 6

Request # & Name: 000848

South End Community Centre

Twin ice pads

Aquatic centre with a lap and teaching pool

Double gymnasium

Walking track and multi-purpose rooms

Project Name: PK0057

Orin Reid Park

Splash Pad

Washroom

Picnic area and shelter

Project Name: PN0142

Gordon

Street Improvements

Develop road cross sections and identify impacts along Gordon Street - 2024

Design intersection and signal improvements – 2024/2025

Utility relocations and/or land acquisition - 2024/2025

Construction of road widening and Phase 2 Lowes Road – 2025/2026

Funding secured in 2024 Fiscal Year

Route 5 Expansion for Fall 2025

Kortright Rd

Edinburgh Rd

Lowes Rd

Clair Rd

Gordon Street Corridor from Edinburgh to Lowes Road

Commentary on the 2025 Budget

The 2025 budget process, much like every year, is a careful exercise in negotiation—a balancing act between addressing community needs, emphasis on fscal responsibility, and accommodating the priorities brought forward by councillors, community stakeholders, organizations and residents.

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.

Actual Increase Compared to Last Year’s Multi-Year Budget Projection

When combined with outside boards—such as public health, GPS, GRCA, and the Guelph Public Library—the total increase is expected to land at 6.09%, a signifcant improvement from the originally projected 9.80%. I heard loud and clear from many of you, through phone calls, emails, and in-person conversations, that 9.80% was too high.

Maintaining affordability is fundamental. Without careful budgeting, we risk pricing our friends and neighbours out of this city. As someone looking to enter the housing market, I know frsthand how challenging Guelph remains. While it may feel like a “chicken or egg” scenario—balancing spending with future investments— the reality is that critical infrastructure must remain a priority.

Building and upgrading infrastructure is what municipalities are designed to do and why we exist. Beyond being convenors of important conversations, we must ensure that community benefts align with our fscal capacity and deliver long-term value for residents.

Ultimately, the budget process is about negotiation—balancing growth, infrastructure, and essential services while keeping life affordable.

Here’s the fnal breakdown:

City-controlled budget: 3.66%

utside boards pro ection to be ratifed on anuary

My rationale and position: The goal is to meet the needs of our growing city while keeping taxpayer costs manageable. I remain committed to advancing key infrastructure projects, such as the Gordon Street Improvements, and supporting essential social services. I will continue to advocate for transparent, merit-based decisions on community grants, including initiatives like funding the Guelph Tool Library and phased youth subsidies for access to extracurricular sports.

When it comes to community beneft agreements and grants, I strongly support programs that provide lasting educational and socio-economic empowerment for community members. What does that look like? Isn’t that subjective? That’s precisely why we have conversations—to build understanding and fnd consensus.

York Road reconstruction (Source: City of Guelph)

Highlights from November 28 Budget Amendment Meeting

While I did not want to increase the budget beyond what was negotiated in the November 14th update, Councillor Klassen brought forward a motion to allocate up to $100,000 from the Tax Operating Contingency Reserve to expand sponsorship opportunities and identify corporate partnerships. Of all the proposed increases, I believe this was the most strategic investment with the most impact.

This motion accounts for only a 0.03% increase to the tax levy. By creating external revenue sources, we can reduce our reliance on the tax base, allowing us to fund critical programs and infrastructure without adding pressure on residents. If executed well, this initiative could have signifcant impact—for example, through naming rights for the South End Recreation Centre.

Staff will report back on the progress of this initiative by the end of 2025.

Encouraging alternative revenue streams beyond tax collection strengthens community programs, advances capital projects, and ensures the cost of growth is shared more equitably. This approach refects one of my key commitments from the election platform and continues to guide my decision-making rationale.

The Future of the Rutherford Conservatory

The Rutherford Conservatory has long been a part of Guelph’s history, but its severe structural deterioration has made its future a challenging conversation. Safety concerns are urgent, with engineers confrming the structure cannot withstand winter weather conditions, increasing the risk of glass and wood falling from the building.

Structural Challenges

Three independent assessments showed an extensive restoration needed to rebuild the structure.

I support heritage preservation when solutions are implemented collaboratively with stakeholders to address technical challenges. Strictly enforcing preservation through planning policy is not the only way to ensure heritage and character are respected. In this case, the University’s greenhouse was deemed unsafe, prompting Council and the University to fnd a middle ground.

Council has decided to:

Wood

• Estimated that 10% or less of the wood is original due to previous rebuilds and limited life cycle

New Photo

• Even with a full restoration effort, the use of wood in a greenhouse structure will limit the life cycle of the building due to moisture, decay.

• This will be a constant problem for any version of the building going forward.

Steel

• The steel framework must be significantly reinforced to bring up to code and ensure it can withstand winter weather conditions.

1. Designate the site under the Ontario Heritage Act, focusing on the salvageable steel elements of the building.

• Structural engineers recommend adding three times more currently exists, which could impact the look of the building.

Glass

New Photo

2. Allow the University to demolish the unsafe structure while preserving key historical components.

• The current glass panes are too brittle and not current best

• All glass would have to change to wired or tempered glass, any original panes that may still remain.

The University has shown a meaningful commitment to honouring the Conservatory’s legacy from their latest proposal to Council. Salvaged historic elements will be incorporated into the space, and a student design competition will launch in January 2025, inviting landscape architecture students to reimagine the site as a commemorative garden.

The University of Guelph is committed to the following actions upon the demolition of the structure. Taken from UoG’s presentation to city council.

Our Path Forward

We will consult with U of G students, faculty, and staff to make sure that the space meets the needs of our community.

January 2025: launch a design competition for students in the landscape architecture program to submit their plans for the commemorative garden

Celebrating the Past

Where possible we will explore opportunities to use materials from the existing structure and incorporate them into the design

Will honour the original donors who contributed to the refurbishment of the conservatory in the garden so that their contribution to the University is preserved as well

Rutherford Conservatory entrance and pathway towards the University Centre (Source: University of Guelph)

This balanced approach addresses safety concerns, preserves elements of the site’s history, and transforms the space into something functional and meaningful for the community. I look forward to seeing the innovative designs that emerge and how this collaboration will honour Guelph’s agricultural and educational legacy.

Example commemorate gardens, Memorial Arena Park ‘59, Listowel, ON (Source: SHIFT Landscape Architecture)

Conduct a design competition with the UoG landscape architecture students

University Housing Announcements

The University of Guelph’s plans to build new student residences are great news for our community. Adding housing on University lands has been a key point of advocacy during our Town and Gown meetings, and these projects will help relieve pressure on Guelph’s rental market.

Expanding purpose-built housing for frst-year, graduate, and upper-year students benefts both students and residents by increasing supply and creating more accessible housing options. I look forward to seeing these plans move ahead.

For more information check out the university’s press releases:

University of Guelph Developing First-Year Student Residence U of G Exploring Plan to Expand Graduate, Undergraduate Student Housing

best is yet to come

Rendering of planned residence building at College Ave W and McGilvray St. Early concept design, subject to change. (Source: University of Guelph)

The proposed residence at the corner of Gordon St. and College Ave. W. Early concept design, subject to change. (Source: University of Guelph)

A rendering of the proposal for Wellington Woods. Early concept design, subject to change. (Source: University of Guelph)

2024 City External Audit

In our last committee of the whole for the year, we received the City’s External Audit and the City’s Q3 Budget monitoring report.

I encourage residents to review two key reports that provide a clear picture of how the City of Guelph manages its fnances:

1. 2024 Third Quarter Budget Monitoring Report

• The City is projecting a small operating surplus of $850,000.

• Capital projects like the South End Community Centre and Baker District are progressing well.

2. KPMG Audit Planning Report

• This outlines the plan for reviewing the City’s fnances to ensure accuracy and accountability.

• These reports help explain how your tax dollars are managed and how we’re addressing fnancial challenges while keeping the City on a sustainable path.

Click below for the reports and feel free to reach out if you have questions.

Staff Report

To Committee of the Whole

Service Area Office of the Chief Administrative Officer

Date Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Subject 2024 Third Quarter Budget Monitoring Report

Recommendation

1. That the funding adjustments detailed in Table 4 of Attachement-2 of the 2024 Third Quarter Budget Monitoring Report dated December 4, 2024, be approved.

2. That a budget adjustment of $448 thousand for PM0001 Paramedics Facility Renewal, be approved.

Executive Summary

Purpose of Report

learning

The purpose of this report is to provide Council notice of any financial risks that could affect the 2024 year-end position, highlights significant capital project activity and milestones, as well as seeking approval of capital budget and funding changes This report includes the third quarter (Q3) actual financial information for both the operating and capital budget for each department and capital program of work as of September 30, 2024.

Key Findings

Overall, from an operating perspective, the City Budget is projected to have a small favourable variance of $850 thousand or 0.16 per cent of gross operating expenditure. Actual year-end results may fluctuate from this projection by plus or minus one per cent of gross operating expenditures.

Current year-end projections indicate the non-tax-supported budget will be in a deficit position of $0.9 million and the tax-supported budget will be in a surplus position of $1.7 million. This is a change from second quarter projections due to the ongoing challenges identified in the corporate drivers section of this report which are discussed below. Actual year-end results may be impacted by items yet unknown, as staff continue to focus on service delivery and expense management.

The 2024 budget assumed a greater level of financial risk by the City to help property tax affordability. This was achieved primarily through the phase-in of inflationary pressures and rising costs for social housing administered by the County over the multi-year budget period. In some cases, cost pressures in excess of those estimates are being experienced. Further inflationary adjustments are included in the 2025 Budget Update to address continued budget pressures in utilities, facility maintenance, medical supplies and software licensing fees.

From a capital perspective as outlined in Attachment-1, the City is trending positively and as expected with spending of $109.3 million and purchase order (PO)

Code Ninjas Grand Opening

Code Ninjas offers kids a fun, dojo-themed space to build critical thinking and problem-solving skills through coding and STEM activities.

Owners Pam and Jay, who met at the University of Guelph, returned to the city to raise their family in the South End after spending years working elsewhere. Their journey with Code Ninjas began when they wanted to enroll their daughter in a STEM extracurricular program, but couldn’t fnd one locally—so they started their own.

Their passion for learning and children’s education shines through every corner of the Code Ninjas dojo. Congratulations on the grand opening, and thank you for investing in our community!

Hanlon Creek Business Park (30 Bett Court, Unit 1-5A).