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…?

On-Demand Expanded Sunday Service Coming to Guelph Transit!

Starting on Sunday September, Guelph Transit is expanding Sunday service with on-demand service between 7:15 and 9:15 am in the morning, and from 7:15 to 10:15 pm in the evening. Conventional service will continue between 9:15 am and 7:15 pm, and the #99 Mainline will continue to run between 7:15 am and 10:15 pm as well. The added on-demand service on Sundays will operate the same way it does on holidays, so to book a trip up to seven days in advance call 519-822-1811, prompt 5, download the Guelph Transit On-demand app from either the App Store or Google Play, or go to the on-demand website.

U of G Adds Another Rainbow Sidewalk to Town

The University of Guelph has added another rainbow sidewalk to Guelph’s growing collection, the third one after those already established at Stone Road Mall and downtown at Norfolk and Waterloo. The Pride flag on campus is painted on the path from Winegard Walk to the McLaughlin Library, installed with funds from the University’s Highest Priority fund through which individual donors contribute to support University-identified priorities like student assistance, innovative activities and strategic plan initiatives.

“This pride flag sends a strong message that U of G is committed to the path to equality for everyone on our campus. The rainbow walkway is part of a broader strategy to continue making our campus more inclusive. It’s a colourful reminder that LGBTQ2IA+ individuals are celebrated at U of G,” said associate vice-president for diversity and human rights Indira Naidoo-Harris in a statement. “The rainbow walkway says that we all have a part to play in creating a welcoming environment for everyone.”

The installation of the rainbow pathway on campus helps mark the 50th anniversary of OUTline, the U of G’s resource and support service specializing in questions and information relating to sexual orientation and gender identity. 

Humane Society Sets Date for Gala

The Guelph Humane Society has announced that its signature event, the Happy Tails Gala, will take place this year on Saturday November 2. This year’s theme is “There’s No Place Like Home” and will feature a three-course dinner, online and in-person silent auctions, a spectacular live auction, interactive games, and opportunities to meet some of the animals looking for their new homes. The funds raised will support primary and complex veterinary care for animals in need, and a variety of other services provided by GHS.

“Our Happy Tails Gala is a cornerstone of our fundraising efforts,” said Human Society executive director Lisa Veit in a media release. “The support we receive from this event is essential in providing care and finding loving homes for the animals in our community.”

Tickets for this event are $150 per person or $1,500 for a table of ten. For more information about the event or how to support the gala through corporate sponsorship or silent and live auction item donations you can email events [at] guelphhumane.ca or by calling 519-824-3091 ext. 6.

Check out the Water Management Plan for Guelph Dam

The Grand River Conservation Authority is required to submit an implementation report for Water Management Plans every five years as part of the Ministry of Natural Resources requirements under the Maintaining Water Management Plans Technical Bulletin, and the time has come to renew the plan for Guelph Dam. There have been no amendments since 2018, but the implementation report and associated documents are available for public review here.

Wellington Country Joins Glowing Hearts

The County of Wellington has now been recognized as a supporter of the With Glowing Hearts Programme, an organization that supports reservists in the Canadian Armed Forces with military leave policies and gives employees the flexibility to continue serving their community and Canada. To date, the County is the only municipality in Ontario on the With Glowing Hearts Registrant Directory.

“On behalf of the County of Wellington, we are incredibly proud to support the Canadian Armed Forces by providing military-leave provisions for our employees that are reservists,” said Warden Andy Lennox in a statement. “The County strongly supports both the work of the Canadian Armed Forces and reservists as they balance civilian and military obligations.”

Additional Notes

The Evergreen Seniors Centre will be closed from September 1 to 30 for maintenance and improvements including new flooring and cabinetry.

Two important dates from Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis: The annual general meeting is on Monday September 16 at 5:30 pm on Zoom, and the annual Take Back the Night commemoration is on Thursday September at 6:30 pm in Marianne’s Park.

The annual general meeting for Immigrant Services Guelph Wellington is on Thursday September 26 at their Dawson Road office.

The CMHA has posted some mental health tips for Back to School time.

Bookmark for later: Here are the holiday hours for the Guelph Public Library.

Current “Have Your Say” Opportunities:

• Disc Golf in Margret Greene Park
• Downtown Infrastructure Renewal
• Finding Your Way
• 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.

The #10 Imperial will be detour around the first three stops downtown from Monday August 19 to Friday August 23 for construction. (See below for more details.)

The transfer point at the University Centre will be moved to the Movati Athletic south parking lot on Friday August 30 and Saturday August 31 for Move-In Weekend at the University of Guelph. The #1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 15, 17, 18 and 99 will all be affected those days.

See the full list of stops affected by detours here.

New and Upcoming Construction

There’s a lane reduction on University Avenue East near Gordon. Excavation has been temporarily halted at the request of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), and the City’s contractor is anticipating it will receive approval to backfill the area and restore all travel lanes on or about Monday August 19, weather permitting.

A portion of Paisley Street west of Norfolk will be closed temporarily  between August 19 and Friday August 23 for the installation of underground hydro infrastructure to support the Baker Street Redevelopment.

The westbound lane of College Avenue West will be closed till December between University and Edinburgh for road work.

Silvercreek Parkway North will be closed between Campbell Road and Speedvale Avenue from August 30 to September 3, inclusive for work under the railroad tracks.