CITY PAGES: Holiday Hours, Tool Library Moving, and Housing Repair Funds

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…?

Holiday Weekend Hours

Guelph Tool Library on the Move

The Guelph Tool Library is on the move, but not too far from where they’re currently set up. On Friday August 3o, the library will temporarily close for two weeks so that staff and volunteers can focus on the move, and it will then re-open down the hall in Unit 115, just the other side of Buck or Two Plus, on Saturday September 14.

“We’ve outgrown our current space and we’re so excited to move to a bigger unit so we can continue to grow and serve the Guelph community,” said Claire Cowan, chair of the GLT board in a media release. “The new location has more space for tools and space for our awesome programming. We’ll have a dedicated workshop space that we can use for classes and events.”

If you’re interested volunteering your time and your talents to help the library move, set up shelves, or help with sanding and painting then send an email to info [at] guelphtoollibrary.org.

Public Health Wants to Know If You’d Like a Drink

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is launching a Community Alcohol Survey for residents aged 16 and older to share their attitudes, behaviours and knowledge about alcohol and health. According to Public Health, the survey is meant to understand residents’ knowledge about alcohol’s risks, especially in the wake of the release of Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health in 2023.

“Our last local alcohol survey was conducted in 2014, and the alcohol landscape has changed significantly since then,” said Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, associate medical officer of health in a media release. “This survey provides residents with the opportunity to express their experiences and perceptions around alcohol, which will be instrumental in shaping future health initiatives.”

You can fill out the survey here, and when you do, you can be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

County Gets CMHC Money for Housing Upgrades

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has announced a significant federal funding allocation to the County of Wellington for essential housing repairs and upgrades under the Affordable Housing Fund through 2026. Some $12 million in funding will go to accessibility upgrades to hundreds of units including roofing replacements, new windows and doors, enhanced attic insulation, corridor improvements, new building waste management systems, and site improvements and foundation repairs.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generous support from CMHC,” said Councillor David Anderson, Joint Social Services and Land Ambulance Chair in a statement. “This funding has helped finance critical improvements to our housing infrastructure, ensuring those facing housing insecurities have access to safe and sustainable living conditions.”

Alectra Invests in Guelph Hydro Infrastructure

Alectra Utilities announced this week a $7.1 million in investment in capital renewal projects around Guelph. The money will be split between two areas: $3.5 million to replace aging infrastructure such as poles, transformers, and switchgear; and $3.6 million to connect new customers, accommodating the growth and development of Guelph.

“The safety and reliability of electricity delivery to our customers remains our top priority,” said Chris Hudson, Alectra’s senior vice-president of operations in a statement. “Our commitment extends to investing in innovative technologies that mitigate power outages and reduce environmental footprints, all while providing a cost-effective solution for our valued customers.”

Additional Notes

A new short documentary looks at the role of Anita Stewart, former University of Guelph food laureate, in creating Food Day Canada.

The drop-off of donations for the Friends of the Guelph Public Library’s Big Book Sale begins on Tuesday August 6.

The main library is having a mini comic con on Saturday August 10 from 11 am to 2 pm with three special guests.

Tickets are now on sale for United In Conversation, presented by Women United, which will take place at 8 pm on Wednesday October 9 at the Italian Canadian Club.

Applications are open for the latest round of funding under the New Horizons for Seniors Program – Community-based projects (up to $25,000).

Current “Have Your Say” Opportunities:

Disc Golf in Margret Greene Park
Finding Your Way
Grove Street Reconstruction
Guelph’s Bicentennial
Orin Reid Park Splash Pad
Outdoor Sport Facility Strategy
Scottsdale Drive Bike Lanes.

Transit News & Detours

Reminder #1: Routes #1 Edinburgh College, #2 College Edinburgh, #8 Janefield, and #15 College will all be detoured until September due to construction along College Street including the intersection at Edinburgh Road.

Reminder #2: The detours along the #4 York have changed and will remain in effect till December 20.

See the full list of stops affected by detours here.

New and Upcoming Construction

Various fire hydrants around Guelph will be getting a new coat of paint over the next two months.

Work has started on road resurfacing repairs on the following streets: Guelph Street, Western Avenue, Rosewood Avenue, Drew Street, Ridgewood Avenue, Cannon Street, and Gowdy Avenue. Work will take place over the next four to six weeks.

There will be lane reductions on Woolwich Street between Powell Street to Clarke Street East for a week starting on Tuesday August 6 for the installation of water pipes and repaving.

There will be lane reductions on Stevenson Street South between Ferguson Street to Alice Street for one day on Saturday August 10 for the installation of water pipes and repaving.

There will be lane reductions at Gordon Street and McGilvray Street for 20 days starting on Monday August 12 to install a new pedestrian signal.