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:
Blue-Green Algae Detected in GRCA Reservoirs
If you’re enjoying local waterways this weekend, you might want to watch out for blue-green algae. The Grand River Conservation Authority says the algae has been confirmed at Woolwich and Belwood Lake reservoirs, and they’re looking for it at the Conestogo, Guelph, and Woolwich reservoirs. The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Region of Waterloo and the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph public health units have been notified.
Blue-green algae thrive on nutrients from fields and lawns that find their way into local waterways and reservoirs during heavy rainfall and spring melts forming blooms or scum on the surface of the water. Some varieties of blue-green algae can produce toxins that are harmful to both people and pets.
When an algal bloom starts to grow, a noticeable green or brown scum will form on the surface of water bodies and the water look like green or bluish-green pea soup. Once blue-green algae are in full bloom, it may look like spilled ‘paint’ along the shoreline. A new blue-green algal bloom often smells like fresh cut grass, while an older bloom can smell like rotting garbage.
Safe Semester Returns This Fall
For the next three weekends downtown, the annual Safe Semester program is back. From Thursday night to Sunday morning, Macdonell Street is closed nightly between the Macdonell parking lot and the West Parkade, and Wyndham Street is closed nightly between Carden Street and Cork Street.
During the closures, there is no on-street parking allowed in the closure area between 10 pm and 4 am. Residents and visitors in the area can park in the available parking lots. Any cars parked on closed streets during Safe Semester will be towed at the owner’s expense. Accessible portable washrooms will be set up near Guelph Central Station at the east end of Carden Street. The 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 20, and 99 transit routes will also be detoured during Safe Semester hours.
Police Collecting Input
The Guelph Police Service is looking for the community’s input as they develop a new strategic plan to set priorities for the next few years. To that end, they’re conducting a phone survey through Oracle starting on September 5, so if you receive a call, and the call display reads ORACLE or ORACLEPOLL, you will know that this is the Police polling you. The survey will take about eight to 10 minutes to complete and is voluntary and anonymous. If you’re not called, you can still share your thoughts at research [at] guelphpolice.ca.
Registration for Fall Rec Programs Opens September 13
The registration for the City of Guelph’s fall recreation programs start on Wednesday September 13 at 7:30 am. You can register online at recenroll.ca or by phone at 519-837-5699. If you are paying cash, in-person registration will be available at West End Community Centre, Victoria Road Recreation Centre and Evergreen Seniors Community Centre daily from 6 am to 10 pm.
New Federal Funding for U of G Research
Just in time for the new school year, the University of Guelph has received $20.4 million in funding to support a variety of research project including $6.5 million to explore how matter came to be by studying subatomic particles, nearly $200,000 to facilitate a pilot project to transform how cultural materials are shared online, plus projects to advance artificial intelligence and Indigenous relations.
“As chair of the standing committee for science and research, I have heard many challenges facing researchers that we will be discussing in the months ahead,” said Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield in a statement. “Given these challenges, I am pleased to see the overall level of funding being awarded to the University of Guelph, as well as the range of research being undertaken.
Wellington County Launches First Multicultural Festival
Save the date! on Saturday September 23 Wellington County will host its first ever Multicultural Festival at the Museum and Archives from 11 am to 4 pm. The family-friendly event features a diverse lineup of cultural dances and performances, with many activities and displays for the whole family and culinary experiences from around the globe.
“We are excited to host our first Multicultural Festival in Wellington County,” said Anuradha Dam in a statement. She’s the Economic Development Project Co-ordinator for Wellington County. “The event aims to increase cross-cultural engagement, create space to rejoice and celebrate the charm of cultures and customs of the past, present, and new communities moving into the County.”
Additional Notes
Not only is this Labour Day weekend, it’s Goods Exchange weekend!
Speaking of labour, the City of Guelph is recruiting again for swim instructor guards and assistant instructors.
There will be new hours for the mini train and carousel in Riverside Park for the period between Labour Day and Thanksgiving.
The last day to drop off donations for the Friends of the Guelph Public Library’s Book Sale is Saturday September 9.
Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington has confirmed that their Guelph shredding fundraiser will be Saturday September 30 from 9 am to 1 pm at 201 Woodlawn Road West.
The United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin’s Women United event is Wednesday October 25 at 9 am at the Italian Canadian Club. Registration is now open.
Current “Have Your Say” Opportunities:
Guelph’s Bicentennial, Race to Zero, Silvercreek Parkway North Reconstruction, and Wading Pool Hours.
Transit Detours
Reminder: The 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 15, 17, 18 and 99 will all be impacted today and tomorrow due to Move-in Days at the University of Guelph. Plus changes to the 4, 5, 8, 19, 56U and 99 going into effect on September 3.
New and Upcoming Construction
The sidewalk on the west side of Elmira Road South near Paisley will be closed for the next three weeks as work is being done to support the development at 201 Elmira Road.
A section of Dawn Avenue between Lowes and Clairfields will be closed for four weeks starting on Tuesday September 5 to install new sewer and water pipes.
The sidewalk will be closed on two streets downtown for one day on Monday September 11 as signage is removed from 26-40 Carden Street and 29-39 Macdonell Street.
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