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 Accepting Applications for Resilience Fund

The City of Guelph is making $60,000 in funding available to not-for-profit organizations in Guelph to support and strengthen operations and planning for their future sustainability. The Resilience Fund, a capacity-building grant for local not-for-profits, offers one-time funding for strategic planning and modelling, evaluation and measurement, staffing and volunteer recruitment and training, and communications and marketing.

This fund is not intended to support programs or service delivery; it’s intended to enhance internal operations of existing not-for-profits through planning. Any local non-profit is invited to read the guidelines, and then submit an application by July 27. You can also ask for a paper application by contacting communityinvestment [at] guelph.ca or by calling 519-822-1260 extension 3967.

Tool Library’s Circular Store Sticks Around Another Year

The Guelph Tool Library has announced that their Circular Store Pilot Program will be extended another year. The store, which operates as a thrift store and mini recycling centre in Old Quebec St. Shoppes, accepts donations of in-season clothing, toys, arts and craft supplies, and small housewares and then sells the usable items, or finds homes for the unusable ones as art materials for local creators. It’s worked with both Community of Hearts and the J.O.E. Program to provide volunteer and work opportunities for participants.

“We’re really grateful to the community for their outstanding support while we launched this project, and look forward to seeing this program continue.” said the Circular Store’s assistant manager Xandine Arnott in a statement. “I think the local artist connections are going to be a key aspect of ensuring our landfill diversion plans continue to succeed going forward.”

You can learn more about the Circular Store, its hours of operations, or how to donate by visiting their website here.

Grove Looking for Youth Ambassadors

The Grove Wellington Guelph youth wellness hub is looking for some youth ambassadors. These are the people who oversee the drop-in programs at each of The Groves sites, ensuring there is always a friendly face when youth arrive. They also provide tours of the facilities, engage in peer-to-peer support and participate in programming including workshops and events. Youth Ambassadors also contribute to programming at The Grove, providing relatable services and content designed by youth, for youth.

“As a youth ambassador with The Grove, I have the wonderful and unique opportunity to meaningfully engage with youth, guiding them through the resources and services available to them through our sites,” said ambassador Amy Weston in a media release. “Connecting with youth has been such a rewarding experience, and has changed my perspective on mental health, wellness and the importance of accessible resources for youth.”

Applicants between the ages of 18 and 26 can email their cover letter, resume and unofficial transcript to fran [at] thegrovehubs.ca by Monday July 10 at 4 pm.

New Rotary Prez Has Two Goals

University of Guelph political science prof Nanita Mohan has been named the new president of the Rotary Club of Guelph for the 2023-2024 term. Although she has a short history with the club, her family has a long history with the club through her uncle who rose through the ranks to district governor. Mohan’s two goals for the coming year, and they may be self-evident.

“After a few challenging years following the pandemic, my goal is to follow the wonderful work left behind by my predecessors as we collectively continue to build this club back up to its full potential,” Mohan said. “My two biggest goals for this club are to promote and increase equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our club’s agenda and to increase membership engagement.”

You can read Mohan’s complete message here.

New Videos Aim to Raise Awareness About Domestic Violence

The Guelph Police Service and Victim Services Wellington have teamed up to produce a series of videos about intimate partner violence. The funding is courtesy of the Victim Support Grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General, which allowed the two groups to produce the series of three videos with the assistance of the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care and Treatment Centre at the Guelph General Hospital.

You can see the videos on the Guelph Police Service YouTube page, but view discretion is  advised because those videos contain content that may be disturbing to some viewers.

If you want to talk or are in need of support, information, options, or medical and emotional support, please reach out to one of the following:

• Guelph Police Service non-emergency line – 519-824-1212 (or 911 in an emergency or to report something in progress)
• Victim Services Wellington – 519-824-1212, ext. 7304
• Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care and Treatment Centre at Guelph General Hospital – 519-837-6440, ext. 2728 (24/7 access available through the Emergency department)

Additional Notes

The City of Guelph’s Hot Summer Nights returns this summer starting on Thursday July 13 in Margaret Green Park.

The Guelph Jazz Festival has announced its 2023 line-up. (The festival takes place from Thursday September 14 to Sunday September 17.)

It may be July, but vendors are being sought for the third annual Christmas Market at Wellington County Museum and Archives.

Tours of the Wellington County Museum and Archives, once known as the Poor House, are being offered every Saturday in July and August.

Also at the County Museum, the line-up for their Thursday evening Summer Concert Series has been announced!

The Taste Real Local Food Map for 2023 is now available by request in digital and hard copy forms.

Current “Have Your Say” Opportunities:

The Downtown Parking Master Plan, Culture Plan, Race to Zero, Silvercreek Parkway North Reconstruction, Guelph’s Bicentennial, and Downtown Infrastructure Renewal.

Transit Detours

The #20 Northwest Industrial will be avoiding Silvercreek Parkway between Woodlawn and Speedvale due to construction. Today only.

There will be temporary stops for the #99 Mainline and the #17 and #18 Woodlawn Watson buses at the Walmart Smart Centre from Monday July 10 to Saturday July 15.

REMINDER: The #3 Westmount, #10 Paisley, #11 Silvercreek, #12 Delhi, #13 Eastview and #20 Northwest Industrial will be diverted from travelling through downtown on Wyndham Street starting on July 7 and ending at the end of service on July 9 for the Good Games.

New and Upcoming Construction

A portion of King Street between Spring and Derry will be closed for one week starting on Monday July 10 for the installation of new sewer and water pipes.

The southern portion of Baker Street to Quebec Street will be closed till September starting on Monday July 10 to support the Baker District Redevelopment project.