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…?
Urban Search and Rescue Training at OR Lands Monday
You may notice an increased presence of emergency vehicles, personnel, lights and noise throughout the coming week at the Ontario Reformatory lands in the east end as Ontario’s Urban Search and Rescue teams gather for their annual training. According to a City of Guelph press release, training exercises are planned 24 hours a day, but there will be minimal disruption to those living and working in the area, and training exercises will move inside during the late hours of the day and early morning hours. The site will be fenced off and closed to members of the public (and their drones), and no pictures either!
It’s TECH Day Today at Library’s Westminster Branch
If you’re curious about coding, 3D printing or robotics, or if you’re interested in learning how to explore the library’s online resources for research, or if you’d like to learn more about streaming movies and music and downloading books from the library’s collection, then you might want to visit the Westminster Square Branch of the Guelph Public Library today. Between 10 am and 1 pm in the Library’s Makerspace, you and the entire family will be able to enjoy an event that focuses on science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.), while meeting community innovators ready to share their passion and tech knowledge including Sylvan Learning, Royal City Science, Let’s Talk Science and Creative Encounters.
GRCA Says Keep Your Dog Leashed
The Grand River Conservation Authority wants you to know that pets are welcome to most areas, but when they’re in the area, they’ve got to be on a leash, and they’ve got to be under control or else you might be fined. This fall, GRCA conservation area staff will be increasing enforcement and encouraging guests to ‘Take the Lead’ when visiting with their pets. Naturally, this means you also have to pick-up after your pets and be considerate to others. For more information about visiting Grand River Conservation Areas with your pets, click here.
Wellington County Wins Excellence Award for Food Box
The International Economic Development Council has given Wellington County its 2022 Excellence Award for “exemplary economic development marketing campaigns, projects, and programmes.” The primary contributor to Wellington’s victory was the introduction of the Market Box Series, which was organized through the Taste Real initiative and brought local farmers’ markets products to the front doors of area residents in one convenient box.
“This year’s awardees exemplify the ingenuity, leadership, and determination needed to meet the challenges of today and the future,” said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle in a statement. “The winners of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development awards represent the best of economic development and demonstrate the level of leadership that our profession strives for every day.”
Our Food Future Wants You to “Reimagine Food”
Our Food Future, the office launched after Guelph and Wellington County won the Smart Cities Challenge, is kicking off a 12-month campaign to encourage residents to reimagine our food system, called “Reimagine Food.” How? There are four ways: Learning about circular food production and local farmers who are improving soil management, biodiversity and water quality; Understanding the importance of reducing household food waste; Learning more about local circular food innovators and sampling new upcycled food products being developed in Guelph-Wellington; and Joining events, arts experiences and celebrations of local food culture.
“Right now, there is risk of people being disconnected from food,” said Julia Grady, co-founder and executive director of 10C in a statement. “For example, we are not always aware of the impact our food choices may have on the environment, or of inequity in our community when it comes to accessing healthy food. Through Reimagine Food, we’re looking to re-establish our connection to food, and to make food more accessible through projects like the SEED’s pay-what-you-choose market.”
To learn more, you can visit the “Reimagine Food” website here.
Check Out Winners of “Imagine a Day Without Water” Poster Contest
Culled from 212 submissions in three categories from school students across Guelph, six winners have been named in the “Imagine a Day Without Water” poster contest. Evelyn and Jia from Rickson Ridge Public School won in the kindergarten to grade 3 category; Shanna from Sir Isaac Brock Public School and Nftaliem from Holy Trinity Catholic School won in grade 4 to 8; and Adam and Amelia from St James Catholic High School won in grade 9 to 12. The winning posters will be on display at Guelph Public Library branches, Guelph Museums and other City facilities for the next month (but you can see them below).
Additional Notes
Stephanie Cairns has been named the Kinross Chair in Environmental Governance at the University of Guelph.
Indira Naidoo-Harris, the U of G’s associate VP of diversity and human rights has been named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women for 2022.
The University of Guelph says that they’re working towards a settlement with the Faculty Association, but the fact that the UGFA just voted to strike last week doesn’t really send that message strongly.
The Upper Grand School Board is running a free webinar about strategies to deal with post-pandemic mental health and stress on Monday November 8 at 6 pm.
Serena Ryder will return to the River Run Centre stage on Sunday November 13 at 7 pm.
The Wellington County Library’s 14 branches will be celebrating Ontario Public Library Week next week from October 16-22.
Lawrie Jones, Bill Stevens and Walter Stachnyk will be celebrated for their 50 years of service through the Rotary Club at their October 21 meeting.
The Metrolinx Community Engagement Team will be on hand to talk about work along the Kitchener line on November 17 and December 1 and 15 at the main branch of the Guelph Public Library from 11 am to 2 pm.
New and Upcoming Construction
In the latest update for the Baker District Redevelopment, Enbridge Gas has completed their work, and now preparations are being made for Alectra Utilities to temporarily relocate hydro poles, while crews are set to start replacing watermains on the east side of Baker Street.
A geotechnical investigation will begin along York Road from Victoria to the eastern edge of town to support future construction work. This investigation is expected to take two weeks.
Construction on the new splash pad for Eastview Park is expected to begin on Monday October 24. The pad is scheduled to open in time for summer 2023.
The installation of new sewer and water pipes will force the closure of the cross streets Edgehill Drive and Division Street for two weeks starting on Monday October 24.
There will be lane reductions on Woolwich Street from Woodlawn to Marilyn for two weeks starting on October 26 in order to make the final connections for sewer and water pipes to 735-737 Woolwich Street.
The intersection at Speedvale and Dawson will be closed from 7 pm to 7 am on Thursday October 27 to replace a water main.
Mont Street will be closed between Woolwich and Exhibition for one week starting on Monday October 31 for the repair of sidewalks and to resurface the road.
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