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…?

Warning After 13 Drug Poisoning in One Week

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has sent out a warning that there’s been 13 substance-related poisonings in the Guelph region between Friday August 2 and Wednesday August 7. It’s believed that the poisonings are connected to a contaminated meth supply, evidence from the Scatr drug testing machine suggests that the source is synthetic opiates (potentially fentanyl) with three cases identified in the past week.

People who use substances are being asked to avoid using alone, to carry naloxone, and to use the Consumption and Treatment Services Site supervised by health professionals at Guelph’s Community Health Centre at 176 Wyndham Street North when possible. If you are using alone, the National Overdose Response Service is a free and anonymous service that you can call to check in on you. Available toll-free, 24/7 at 1-888-688-NORS (6677).

U of G Training Program Prepares for Next Pandemic

The University of Guelph is partnering with other universities, government and non-governmental organization to create a new bilingual training program called the Canadian One Health Training Program on Emerging Zoonoses (COHTPEZ) with $2.7 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. So what does this program do? It will prepare Canada to identify and prevent disease threats, to limit their spread and impact on human and animal populations and to work collaboratively across disciplines and sectors to build health capacity.

“The next pandemic won’t just need cutting-edge laboratories. It will need creativity and collaboration and the ability to bring together different ways of knowing,” said Dr. Jane Parmley, professor in the Ontario Veterinary College’s Department of Population Medicine now leader of the program in a statement. “We’re often just chasing the next disease outbreak, rather than focusing on building overall health and resilience. We cannot just think about preparing for the next pandemic. We have to create a future where humans, animals and our planet are healthier and more resilient.”

Human Society Launches Cut Pet Photo Contest

The Guelph Humane Society has launched its second annual Cutest Pet Photo Contest to celebrate the adorable pets in our community while raising essential funds to support the health and welfare of vulnerable animals in need. Running from August 2 to August 29, the contest encourages pet owners to capture the charm and personality of their pets. All species are welcome, including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, and other companion animals.

Participants pay a $20 entry fee and are encouraged to promote their page to friends and family for votes. Each dollar donated counts as a vote, with a minimum voting package of $5. The pet photo with the most votes will win the title of Cutest Pet and receive a grand prize including a signature pet photography session with Laura Wombwell Photography and a large unframed print. The winner’s photo will also be displayed in the lobby of the Humane Society’s office for the next year. Additionally, special prize baskets will be awarded to the top dog, cat, and other pet categories.

“Our Cutest Pet Photo Contest is a wonderful way to highlight the special bond we share with animals,” said Jane Dawkins, GHS Director of Communications and Community Engagement, in a media release. “This contest not only celebrates our pets but also raises much-needed funds to provide hope, care and compassion for the more than 180 animals currently waiting for their new home at GHS.”

Additional Notes

The Guelph Public Library is challenging you to a game of “I Spy the Bookmobile” this month. You can enter to win a $25 Stone Road Mall gift card.

The United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin is looking for two individuals to join their Finance, Audit & Risk Committee.

Wellington County is moving the Mobile Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Depot from the Belwood Waste Facility to the Riverstown Waste facility for August.

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
• 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

Road resurfacing repairs will be taking place along Carter Drive and Hastings Boulevard for the next four to six weeks.

Fieldgate Construction has been given an exemption from the City’s Noise Control Bylaw periodically between August 15 and August 30 from 7 am to 3 am for concrete pouring and finishing at 110 Stevenson Street South. If you’d like council to review the exemption you can send an email to bylaw [at] guelph.ca by Sunday.

Meadow mowing will take place at Water Street Park (hydro corridor and trail at the west end of Water Street), a portion of Speed River Trail North (the area surrounding trail connections from Ingram Drive and Simmonds Drive), and Northview Trail (between Northview Park and Beverley Robinson Park) sometime between mid-August and the end of October depending on the site and weather conditions.

Work has begun on the installation of a short section of multi-use pathway adjacent to Priory Park School, which will precede the installation of bike lanes on Scottsdale Drive from College Avenue West to Kortright Road West starting on August 26. Expect construction-related delays during construction.