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…?

First, It’s Thanksgiving Weekend!

Here are the holiday hours at the City of Guelph and WDG Public Health.

Feedback Wanted on New Eastview Park Amenities

Eastview Park is a big place, and the City of Guelph is going to enhance some of its features over the next few years, notably with the addition of a bike park and a new splash pad. The City is asking interested parties to fill out one or both surveys at the Have Your Say site by October 26 to log their feedback, and if you want take your involvement a step further, you can join the working group on the bike park. The deadline to apply is also October 26, and if you want to take part, you will have to commit to three meetings in November 2021, February 2022 and April 2022. Get those details here.

“The next five years for Eastview Park will see key amenities finished, making it a destination for everyone in our community and beyond,” said Mallory Lemon, park planner with the City. “A bike park will be a first for our community and it’s important for us to understand the needs of users and design it alongside them,” added Tiffany Hanna, another park planner. “The City will form a working group to refine the design concept after community engagement.”

Guelph Public Library Looking for New Board Members

The Guelph Public Library has some vacancies on their board of directors, and their looking some people that might be interested in joining. You have to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and currently not employed by the library or the City of Guelph. The deadline to submit an application form is October 23, and you can find relevant links and more information here.

Guelph Chamber Taking a Business Census

Guelph’s Chamber of Commerce is asking members and business owners to take part in their new census, which has the goal to understand how they can support Guelph’s business community during the post-pandemic recovery. It should only take between 15 and 20 minutes to complete, and the deadline to submit a completed survey is October 12.

Tree Removal Beginning at Area Parks

If there’s a tree in your area park marked with a big orange ‘X’ then it’s time to say goodbye because the City of Guelph is starting the work of bringing them down this month. The trees in question, ash and hazard trees, are being removed as part of the Emerald Ash Borer plan and the regular removal of dead and diseased trees. Be on the look out for City crews in the following parks from now until spring 2022: Ellis Creek Wetland, Mitchell Woods Park, Marksam Park, Margaret Greene Park, Hadati Creek, Ridgeway Greenway, Westminster Woods, Sugar Tree Woodlot, Elmira Park, 57 Elmira Road North, Dunhill Park, and Peter Misersky Park.

Tree Planting Beginning in Area Park

CN and Tree Canada have given a $25,000 grant to the City of Guelph, and 25 other communities across Canada, to plant trees. To kick things off, a tree planting event will take place on Saturday October 16 from 10 am to 12 pm in Peter Misersky Park, and if you’re interested in assisting with the tree planting, you can register online in advance by clicking here.

“Tree Canada, Canada’s only national tree-planting non-profit, is excited to continue our partnership with CN to bring CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up to deserving communities across Canada,” explained Danielle St-Aubin, the CEO of Tree Canada. “With this program, CN is creating a lasting legacy of sustainability for present and future generations, providing funding and much-needed awareness to the value of trees and green spaces to our health and well-being, as well as the environment.”

Metrolinx Announces Schedule and Price for London Trips

Starting on Monday October 18, the Kitchener Line of the GO train will be extended to and from London once a day. The eastbound train will leave the London VIA station at 5:20 am and arriving at Toronto’s Union Station at 9:13 am, while the returning westbound train will leave Union Station at 4:19 pm and arrive in London at 8:17 pm. A one-way trip between London and Toronto will cost $30, and a trip between Kitchener and London will cost $17.50. The train will also make stops in St. Thomas and Stratford.

More Emergency Funds for Guelph Groups

The City of Guelph has awarded another $178,700 to 18 different organizations, unincorporated groups and individuals in the second phase of the Emergency Funding meant to spurn post-pandemic economic recovery. The Guelph Film Festival, Guelph Dance, Lakeside HOPE House, and the Guelph Chamber Choir are among the recipients. In similar news, the third phase is now open with $485,000 available for qualified applicants, and you can get all that information on the City’s website here.

Poverty Task Force Now Under the United Way Umbrella

Guelph & Wellington Task Force for Poverty Elimination has itself found a new home with the United Way of Guelph Wellington Dufferin. Once a part of the local public health unit, the United Way said that the task force fits nicely with their strategic plan goals and new initiatives to tackle food insecurity, financial security, and affordable housing.

“COVID-19 demonstrated the cracks in social service systems and disproportionately impacted those living in poverty,” said Glenna Banda, executive director of the United Way in a statement. “The community is challenging the social services sector to address systemic issues and United Way hosting the Poverty Task Force provides an opportunity to continue to build our collective approach for social good.”

“Advocacy, engagement and collaboration are important aspects of the Poverty Task Force’s work to eliminate poverty in Guelph Wellington,” added Dominica McPherson,  the task force’s director. “We are excited to work in partnership with United Way and their diverse network of community partners and key players to mobilize the work of the Poverty Task Force.”