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…?
Here are the Holiday Weekend Hours For:
City Hires New Manager of Economic Development and Tourism
After the mysterious departure of John Regan earlier this year, the City of Guelph has announced that they’ve hired James Goodram as their new general manager for Economic Development and Tourism. Goodram’s most recent gig was with the City of Cambridge where he was Director of Economic Development, overseeing the implementation of the municipal accommodation tax there and playing a key role in the City’s downtown and urban renewal projects.
“We’re pleased to welcome James to our corporate management team,” said DCAO of Infrastructure, Development and Enterprise Services Jayne Holmes in a statement. “Guelph is a unique, bold, and creative community, and we look forward to James’ leadership in supporting and advancing the great work being done to promote Guelph as a destination of choice for both visitors and investors.”
“I’m really looking forward to joining the Guelph team and collaborating with partners in the community to grow Guelph,” added Goodram. “The opportunities are limitless.”
Humane Society Looking For Cute Pets!
The Guelph Humane Society has announced their first ever Cutest Pet Photo Contest, a dual-purpose event that celebrates Guelph and Wellington County’s favourite furries while also raising funds for animals in need.
From August 1 to August 31, pet owners in Guelph and Wellington County can submit a photo of their dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs or other companion animals for a $20 entry fee. They can then promote their page to their friends and family online and through social media for votes. Each dollar donated counts as a vote to win, with a minimum voting package of $5, and the highest number of votes and receive the grand prize, which includes a signature pet photography session with Laura Wombwell Photography and a large unframed print.
“Not only is this contest a celebration of our furry, and feathered, friends, but it also serves a vital purpose in raising funds to support our ongoing efforts to support pets and people in our community,” said GHS Executive Director Lisa Veit in a statement. “Funds raised will directly contribute to providing much needed medical care, shelter, and nourishment to animals in need.”
A Salute to the Young Farmers Summer School Program
Last week, students from the Upper Grand District School Board revealed their urban community garden as part of their cumulative project for the Young Farmers Summer School Program. This unique style of experiential learning taught the students a lot about gardening, food stability and food scarcity, sustainability and community services, plus community members had the opportunity to pick from what was grown and take seeds to start their own home garden. “It was just a fun course and I had a lot of fun learning, our work brought attention to community gardens,” said one of the students from the program. See photos here.
Cinema in the City Returns!
You can watch movies in the park on three different Fridays in August as the City of Guelph hosts Cinema in the City again. Movies will start at dusk, so bring your lawn chair or a blanket, snacks and friends to experience a drive-in style experience without the car. Here are the movies and dates and locations:
- Friday August 11 – The Sandlot (30th anniversary) at Margaret Greene Park
- Friday August 18 – Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On at York Road Park
- Friday August 25 – Encanto at Orin Reid Park
Additional Notes
Wellington County is marking Food Day Canada today!
The City of Guelph’s outside water use level is back up to Level 0 Blue after being reduced to Level 1 Yellow on June 7.
The City of Guelph’s Hot Summer Nights continues this coming Thursday August 10 at Waverley Park from 6:30 to 7:45 pm.
Guelph’s new e-scooter bylaw is now in effect.
The Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium is organizing a Back to School Clothing and Supplies Drive. Donations can be dropped off at guest services at Stone Road Mall between August 1 and 31.
The Guelph Public Library is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 Teen Advisory Group. Any Guelph teen from grade 7 through 12 is eligible to apply.
Lisa Latif has been named the new registrar for the University of Guelph; Robert Devries has been named the new associate vice-president and chief information officer.
Save the Date: The combined outdoor market, indoor market, Santa Clause Parade and Mayor’s Tree Lighting Spirit of the Season event will take place on Friday December 1 and Saturday December 2.
Current “Have Your Say” Opportunities:
Culture Plan, Development Charges, Downtown Waste Project, Guelph’s Bicentennial, Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Race to Zero, and Silvercreek Parkway North Reconstruction.
Transit Detours
The #20 Northwest Industrial will be detoured on Tuesday August 8, skipping stops at Willow and Flaherty, Elmira at Flaherty, Elmira at Independence, and Elmira at Massey.
New and Upcoming Construction
Wilson Street will be closed until noon today for upgrades to the City Hall courtyard, which will involve the use of a crane. Access to Market Square will still be possible from Wyndham.
Maltby Road East will be closed between Gordon and Victoria for a week starting on Monday August 21 for construction on the wildlife crossing under the road.
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