As we’ve so often heard, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed almost every aspect of our daily lives, and doing business at Guelph City Hall is one of those aspects. Even as we look forward to emerging from the second wave, the City of Guelph is looking to make it easier to access their services online, whether you want public information or whether you want to rent a picnic shelter.

“This new online tool gives people the opportunity to book an appointment from the comfort of home or from anywhere, choosing a date and time that works best for them,” said program manager of Web and Digital Stuart Robertson in a statement. “This action also eliminates the need for people to stand in line as we continue to limit the number of people in our facilities as a way to reduce the potential risk of COVID-19 spread and keep our residents safe.”

There are now three services that have gone online to start, which includes making an appointment with the Commissioner of Oaths. This is the person who witnesses signatures for documents like a legal name change, and you can now book an appointment with the commissioner either online here, or by calling the clerk’s office at 519-837-5603.

You can also now file your access to (or freedom of) information requests online by emailing privacy [at] guelph.ca, by calling 519-822-1260 ext. #2349, or by applying online here.

Booking picnic shelters will also be another thing you can do online now, but if you’re looking to book a shelter for a special event you will still need to talk to a Special Event team member at City Hall. However, if you’re looking to book a picnic shelter for you and a few other people, you don’t have to fill out a physical form anymore, you just have to go to the City’s website here.

So that’s three out of a great number of different services, but the City added that there will be other services offered online in due time including building permit questions, building records requests, building Services inquiries, business licences, Committee of Adjustment applications, Inspection questions, marriage ceremony, pool and hot tub questions, property records requests, rental housing questions, zoning inquiries, and driveway, curb cuts and fence questions.

The expansion of online tools is funded by money invested in the 2021 budget approved by council last fall. “Using technology is one way the City is improving how it delivers services to the public,” added Robertson