The City of Guelph, and it’s various partners and agencies, put out a lot of information on a weekly basis, and while it all ends up on the City’s website somewhere, wouldn’t it be easier to just scroll through it all on one easy-to-read article on Guelph Politico here…?

City Looking for Thoughts About RVs and Trailers

Do you or a neighbour have an RV or trailer parked in your driveway? Got some thoughts about that? Until August 12, residents are being asked to offer their feedback on the Have Your Say site about where, what and when trailers can park in residential areas, including driveways. “Feedback will be used to help identify changes to regulations that recognizes the need for short-term parking options balanced with community safety that every neighbourhood wants,” said Scott Green, manager of Corporate and Community Safety in a statement. The gathered feedback will inform new policy that will be brought to council in November.

Red Light Cameras Being Installed This Summer

Red light cameras are coming to Guelph, six of them to be precise. The cameras are being installed this summer at six different intersections, one in each ward, so that they will be ready to go online in the fall as a deterrent to local speedsters. “Public awareness of red-light cameras reduces aggressive driving, running of red lights and right-angle collisions leading to safer travel for everyone,” said Steve Anderson, manager of Transportation Engineering, adding that studies show that red light violations are cut in half within just a few months of a red light camera being installed.

The red light cameras will be installed at the following locations: Wellington Street East at Wyndham Street South; Eramosa Road at Stevenson Street North; Speedvale Avenue West at Dawson Road; Imperial Road at Willow Road; Scottsdale Drive at Stone Road West; and, Clair Road West at Gordon Street.

No Big Book Sale for 2021

Unfortunate news for the legions of Guelphites that love giant book sales, and/or helping out the Guelph Public Library, but the Friends of the GPL will not be putting on their giant book sale for a second year in a row. The Friends are blaming pandemic uncertainties, and the lack of a big enough space for another cancellation. “Thank you so much for thinking of Friends of the Guelph Public Library in looking for a home for your book donations. We hate to lose out on the opportunity to receive these contributions,” said book sale sorting co-ordinator Sandi Wilkes. “Our only suggestions are Salvation Army or Goodwill. We sincerely appreciate your asking and wish you the best of luck in finding a new home for your donation if you need to dispose of it now.”

New Guide for Sexual Violence Survivors Released

Victim Services Wellington and the Guelph Police Service have just released a Support and Information Guide for Survivors of Sexual Violence. The guide, which you can get through hard copy or digital download, is designed to make sure that everyone has access to the same information.  “We were finding that different agencies were giving different advice,” explained Elizabeth Kent, executive director of Victim Services Wellington. “With this guide we are able to ensure everyone is receiving the same consistent messaging.” The guide comes complete with definitions, relevant sections of the Criminal Code, what constitutes consent, and legal options for survivors. You can download the guide here.

Trail Improvements Coming to Crane Park

Sections of the trail through Crane Park between Dovercliffe Road and College Avenue will be closed for a month starting on August 3 to perform trail improvements. This section of the park will be completely closed until September 3 weather permitting, while the section of the trail from Dovercliffe Road to the Speed River will be closed on weekdays from 7 am till 3 pm, but remain open on weekends. A third section of the trail, from the parking lot at College Avenue West to the Speed River, will be closed occasionally, but only on weekdays from 7 am to 3 pm. See the full map of the construction area below.

Construction on New Playground Equipment Has Begun

Construction to replace playground equipment at five Guelph parks began this week at Kortright Hills Park, Clair Park, Bullfrog Pond Park, Westminster Woods Park, and W.E. Hamilton Park. Work should be completed on all the parks before the end of the year, and you can see the renderings on the City’s website here.

Drill Hall Work in Progress

This past week, contractors for the City of Guelph began work to stabilize the old Drill Hall building at the corner of Wyndham and Farquhar, and explore future use and renovation plans. According to the City, the work will involve, “the replacement of all exterior foundation walls with a pile foundation and grade beam system while keeping the above-ground existing heritage fabric intact. Interior foundations will be replaced with a combination of pile foundations and shallow foundations.” Work is expected to continue through to next Spring, and people in the area are warned to expect potential lane-reductions and temporary sidewalk closures.

New Initiatives Started by Smart Cities Office

The Smart Cities office has launched two new programs that will  further their goals to eliminating food waste, and increasing access to nutritious, organic food. With the ReSource Exchange, businesses will be able to post what food wastes and byproducts they throw away that other businesses might be able to use. Alternatively, businesses can also use the service to offer the rental of excess space, tools and equipment, or to donate a particular food product to local food-relief organizations.

The second new program is the Circular Economy Digital Passport, which will connect entrepreneurs with innovations to offer and established businesses that could use some innovating in regards to circular economy programs, business resources and experts. It’s a passport because you can get digital stamps that allow businesses to share achievements and connects across social networks.

Both projects are the result of $5 million in new subsidies granted to the Smart Cities office back in April to fund new sustainability initiatives.

The New Guelph Arts Hub Goes Live Monday!

Reminder, the Guelph Arts Council is launching their new website, the Guelph Arts Hub, on Monday July 26. The new site promises an “accessible, user-friendly, and mobile-friendly site” that will serve as a “digital space for the arts community to come together.” The hub will be accessible through the same web address at guelpharts.ca. GAC’s executive director Patti Broughton recently appeared on the Guelph Politicast to talk about the new site, and you can download the episode here.