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…?

Library Gets Funding to Support Digital Equity

The Guelph Public Library with the Guelph Wellington Digital Equity Coalition have received $105,085 in funding through the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund, which is a $400 million pot to support community service organizations as they adapt their organizations for pandemic recovery.

The money received by the Library will go to hiring a dedicated six-month Digital Equity Assistant to explore how to increase digital access, develop a new Digital Skill Building collection, assist in the creation of digital skill building programs and provide training/instruction to coalition members and their clients.

“Projects like the Guelph Public Library and the Guelph Wellington Digital Equity Coalition are a testament to the power of our collective action and our ability to come together to make a positive difference in the world,” said Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development in a statement. “I am confident that together we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in Guelph.”

New Opportunities for Guelph School Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities Upper Grand District and Wellington Catholic District School Boards will be able to take part in a new opportunity called Project SEARCH at the University of Guelph beginning in September 2024. One of over 750-plus Project SEARCH’s around the world, students with disabilities will get the chance to get hands-on work experience “geared to in-demand roles in the local labour market.”

“Project SEARCH bridges the school-to-work transition for youth and young adults with disabilities by providing a supported pathway to the workforce, ensuring individuals of all abilities have the financial means to avoid or escape poverty and live well with disability,” said Lesley Smith, Executive Director/Vice President, Skill Development and Employment March of Dimes Canada who help sponsor the program.

An information night for Project SEARCH will take place on Tuesday February 6 at 6:30 pm in Room #442 at the University Centre at the U of G. You can register in advance of the event by clicking here.

Dinosaurs Coming to Wellington County Museum!

The Wellington County Museum and Archives has welcomed back the popular exhibit, Dinosaurs Live. The exhibit features an impressive collection of life-sized dinosaurs, including some animatronic creatures, along with replica fossils and it’s all produced by Canada’s Dinosaur Park, which is a registered not-for-profit reptile sanctuary that works to protect the world’s reptile species.

“If you’ve ever wanted to see a moving, roaring dinosaur up close, you don’t want to miss this exhibit,” said curator Hailey Johnston in a statement. “Dinosaurs Live shows us what dinosaurs may have looked like, based on the latest evidence uncovered by paleontologists.”

The galleries at the Museum and Archive are open weekdays from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and 11:30 am to 4:00 pm on weekends. Admission is by donation. For young children and those with unique sensory needs you can visit the Museum during “quiet hours”, which are every Wednesday morning from 9:30 to 11:00 am. The sounds and movements of the dinosaurs are turned off during “quiet hours”.

Additional Notes

The City of Guelph has declared a significant weather event. Follow the City’s plows online here and register to get alerts via text, email and voice mail here.

Both the Wellington Catholic District School Board and the Upper Grand District School Board have both cancelled community use of school facilitated for the weekend due to the weather.

The Grand River Conservation Authority has issued a flood watch along the shores of Lake Erie, and it will remain in effect at least until Sunday at noon.

Milo Oldfield was the first baby born in Guelph in 2024. He came into the world eight minutes after midnight on January 1.

Ed Video Media Arts Centre has launched a GoFundMe to raise $20,000 to help build capacity and starting planning for the long-term future of the organization.

The Rotary Club of Guelph South will be holding their 20th annual “Taste of Italy” Pasta Dinner on Friday February 9 at the Puslinch Community Centre. The event will raise funds to support Sunrise Therapeutic and other Rotary projects.

Girls Nite Out – featuring Elvira Kurt, Jennine Profeta, Diana Frances, and Karen Parker – is back for fun and laughs at the River Run Centre on Saturday February 3.

The Annual General Meeting for the Guelph Coalition of Active Transportation, featuring appearances by Mayor Cam Guthrie and Transportation Planning Manager Jennifer Juste, will be on February 20 at Royal City Brewing.

Current “Have Your Say” Opportunities:

Guelph’s Bicentennial.

Transit News & Detours

Nothing to report.

New and Upcoming Construction

Whitelaw Road will be closed between Paisley and Shoemaker for a week starting on Monday January 15. The road is being upgraded with new streetlights.

There will be lane reductions on Marilyn Drive for two weeks starting on Tuesday January 16 for the installation of new sewer pipes.