This month’s Committee of the Whole meeting is going to be a stacked affair. On the agenda will be at least one item that always appears at this time, plus a review of an important new piece of governance policy, a review of the allocation of rec facility space, and potential changes to how the Sleeman Centre operates. And if that’s not enough sports and recreation for you, the committee will get to know that department a little better. Here’s the preview!
NOTE #1: Delegates will be able to appear at this meeting in-person or via tele-presense but you do have to register with the clerks office before 10 am on Friday February 27. You can also submit written delegations and correspondences for agenda items.
NOTE #2: In addition to meeting in-person, this meeting will also be live-streamed on the City of Guelph’s website here.
NOTE #3: This meeting starts at 10 am in lieu of the regular start in recognition of the Holy Month of Ramadan and those that celebrate in the Muslim faith. It will also take place on a Wednesday.
CLOSED MEETING:
Guelph Storm Hockey Club Operating Agreement – The current 10-year lease agreement with the Guelph Storm comes to end this year, so if the Storm are going to stay in town – which is a pretty good idea since the Memorial Cup is in Guelph in 2027 – then we need a new deal. Since this is a contractual matter requiring advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, it will be discussed in-camera.
Corporate Cybersecurity Briefing 2026 – Why this needs to be discussed in-camera should be pretty straightforward.
STAFF RECOGNITIONS:
Adeline Ishimwe, Corporate Applications Analyst, will recognized for receiving a PMP (Project Management Professional) Certification.
Lobbyist Registry One Year Review – The Lobbyist Registry approved in 2024 has been in effect for two years now, and that means it’s time to measure its effectiveness. A survey of stakeholders including lobbyists, council and staff members noted generally positive or neutral feedback to the tune of 86 per cent, but a few noted the need for more grouped entries for short-term lobbying activity and providing more frequent reminders and training. As of January, 79 lobbyists have registered and 62 lobbying activities have been recorded. Staff are recommending no changes for the time being, but they will revisit this during the governance review at the beginning of the next term.
2026 Administrative Development Charge By-law Update – These are technical and administrative updates to the Development Charges Bylaw that are meant to align with recent provincial legislative changes, specifically the ones in Bill 17 and Bill 60. Basically, the changes are meant to reflect the fact that DCs are now collected at occupancy instead of building permit issuance, includes new annual reporting requirements, and supports the creation of a separate land acquisition class within DC by-laws.
2026 Property Tax Policy – Like every March, committee has to approve the new tax policy, which is basically how the tax levy increase passed at budget time is turned into what you see on your tax bill starting in June. For 2026, a median single-detached home assessed at $411,000, City taxes will total $5,513, which is an increase of $409 or 8.03 per cent. The report also confirms that the 2026 Downtown Guelph Business Association levy will be $742,000, which is an increase of $21,000 from last year. This levy is applied to commercial and industrial properties within the downtown boundary.
Service Profile: Culture and Recreation – Committee will once again take part in the review of the role and responsibilities or a specific city department. Danna Evans, GM of Culture and Recreation, will lead the presentation.
Recreation Facilities Allocation Process Update – The City of Guelph needs a clearer, fairer, and more transparent system to address growing demand, limited capacity, and barriers faced by new and equity-deserving groups. That’s the conclusion from this report that recommends four key improvements for the City including a straightforward decision-making framework, a year-round Expression of Interest process to proactively track demand, designated “community space” within facilities that can be reserved for casual or emerging users, and optimized scheduling practices to reduce unused time and administrative burden.
Sleeman Centre Operating Model – The City of Guelph is setting itself the goal of no longer having to prop up the Sleeman Centre with $1.6 million a year and move to a full cost recovery model. How? By moving to actively booking and co-presenting concerts, sporting events, and other performances, developing a marketing strategy, looking at block booking with other OHL areas, new film and TV rentals, and new expanded partnerships. According to research in the report, Ticketmaster notes a “strong local demand” for country, alternative rock, and adult contemporary/Christian rock, but while the City aims for more events like this, the cost will be an increase to the capital reserve ticket surcharge and discontinuing the youth facility discount once the South End Community Centre opens. There are also needed capital improvements for the centre including stage equipment, sound system, digital marquee, kitchen expansion, security and wifi improvements that could cost between $200,000 and $2 million.
Guelph Politico 