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…?

City of Guelph Has New Online Parking Portal

Following on a pilot project that began in June, the City of Guelph has introduced a new digital parking portal as part of an initiative to modernize parking in city-owned lots. Permit holders, whether you hold them individually or in bulk, can now manage your permits through the portal, supposedly saving up to $108 from waived startup fees when plates are registered. For one-off parking payments, you will be able to pay via the HONK mobile app, or by debit, credit or coin at nearby payment kiosks. The final phase before November will be the removal all gates from downtown parkades and lots.

“We’ve been working hard to modernize parking in the city, and are happy to finally launch a tool that empowers Guelph customers to have control over their own permits and eliminates administrative processing times” said Ashley Kassian, Operations Program Manager in a media release. “This new self-service portal saves on costs previously incurred by the user, with no more start-up or physical pass fees. This is a big win for parking in Guelph.”

Current parking permit holders are encouraged to check their email for a message from the City parking division containing important information about their pass. City staff are working to securely transfer the thousands of pre-existing permit holders’ details into the new system. For more information, visit guelph.ca/parking.

Humane Society Looking for Cutest Pet!

The Guelph Humane Society’s annual Cutest Pet Photo Contest is back for another year as community members are invited to submit photos of their beloved companion animals be they dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles or something more exotic. Even if you don’t have a pet to enter, you can go to the contest page, donate $1 and vote for someone else’s pet, or donate many dollars and get many votes. Entries cost $20 and include 20 votes, and all proceeds from the contest directly support the Guelph Humane Society’s programs for lost, injured, abandoned, and neglected animals.

“It’s such a fun way to celebrate the pets we love,” said Humane Society executive director Lisa Veit in a media release. “But what makes it really special is knowing that every vote cast will have a lasting impact by changing a life.”

The pet with the most votes at the end of the contest will win a professional photo session with Craig Robinson Animal Photography, a custom photo book, and a framed print featured in the lobby throughout 2026. Second and third-place finishers will also receive mini photography sessions and framed portraits while top vote-getters among dogs, cats, and other animals will take home special prize baskets as well. Additionally, any pet that raises $100 or more in votes will receive a “Ruff Sketch” paw-trait, a one-of-a-kind hand-drawn portrait to celebrate your pet created by staff members of the Humane Society.

The contest closes at 11:59 pm on Thursday August 29.

Kids Invited to Give the School Bus a Try

As we get ready for the school year next month, Student Transportation Services of Wellington-Dufferin (STWDSTS) will be offering its First-Time Rider Program for any kid who’s taking the school bus for the first time this fall, and their parents. The free 45-minute program gives children – and their parents – the chance to learn about school bus safety and ride a real school bus before the first day of school.

At each participating site, families will watch a fun and informative safety video, learn about boarding and dismounting best practices, participate in a Q&A session, and take a practice bus ride together.

“The First-Time Rider Program is a really great program to get first-time riders on the bus before the first day of school,” said David Frier, Program Co-ordinator in a statement. “This program is as much for the parents as it is for the kids. Mom and Dad learn a few things as well – and they leave feeling better prepared to support their child,” added Darren Gowing, another Program Co-ordinator.

The program runs on Tuesday August 26 and families must register by Monday August 19.

Additional Notes

You can now drop off donations for the annual Friends of the Guelph Public Library Big Book Sale until September 12. Drop-off locations are the main library downtown, the Westminster Branch in the south end, and the East Side Branch.

Registration for HOPE House’s Backpack Project is now closed, but you can still sign-up for the waitlist.

The Rotary Club of Guelph is selling bags of Lost Aviator Coffee to raise funds for local charities. Each 340g bag will be sold for $22, with free local delivery in and around Guelph.

The annual general meeting for the United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin is on Monday September 8 at 6 pm.

Habitat for Humanity will be having their key ceremony for families moving in to their Garafraxa Village project on Saturday October 18 at 2 pm.

Current “Have Your Say” Opportunities:

• Drew Park Revitalization
• Guelph’s Bicentennial
• Moving You Forward
• Solid Waste User Fee Study
• York Road Reconstruction Phase 4.

Transit News & Detours

REMINDER: Routes #1 Edinburgh College, #2 College Edinburgh and #15 College will be detoured until December 19 due to construction on College Avenue.

Route #8 Janefield will not be stopping at the 802 Wellington and Wyndham stop between August 11 and August 22.

New and Upcoming Construction

The southbound lane on Wyndham Street South between Wellington and Surrey will be closed between Monday August 11 and Friday August 22 for the replacement of sanitary sewers.

Parts of the West End Community Centre will be closed and off-limits while a variety of maintenance projects take place, including new flooring, from Tuesday September 2 till Sunday September 14. The affected areas include the gym, pool and fitness centre.