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…?

Tool Library Still Looking for Digital Devices!

This past June, the Guelph Tool Library and the Guelph Public Library piloted the 100 Devices for Digital Equity campaign, and received 38 laptops that were all refurbished and then distributed through community agencies across Guelph. The work isn’t done though, and as these things go, the Tool Library has discovered more need than they can answer. That’s why they’re asking again for the donation of devices.

“Every laptop we receive is spoken for,” said John Dennis, director of the Guelph Tool Library, in a media statement. “Our biggest challenge isn’t finding recipients—it’s finding enough donated devices and the resources to refurbish them.”

Surplus laptops and tablets – whether from residents, businesses, schools, and organizations – can be dropped off at the Guelph Tool Library, located in the Old Quebec Street Shoppes at 55 Wyndham Street North. Secure data wiping and refurbishment are completed before devices are distributed through trusted community partners. The Tool Library notes that every donated device helps someone gain access to education, employment opportunities, healthcare, and essential online services while reducing electronic waste.

“We are grateful to the donors who contributed devices, the volunteers who dedicated their time and expertise, and the staff who helped make this initiative a success,” added Jen Lisso, Digital Services Librarian at the Guelph Public Library. “Their collective efforts are helping expand access to technology and strengthen digital equity in our community.”

City and Paramedics Moving to Interest Arbitration

This week, the City of Guelph announced that while they are “approaching conciliation in good-faith” and “making some progress through the process”, they are moving into interest arbitration with OPSEU Local 231 who represents workers with Guelph Wellington Paramedic Services.

According to the Government of Ontario website, “interest arbitration” has a neutral third-party hear submissions and evidence from the union and the employer on matters that the parties have not been able to settle in their negotiations and issues a decision. The decision of an arbitrator or arbitration board is final and binding.

“Our goal is to remain competitive with our paramedic service comparators while ensuring long-term financial sustainability,” said the press release. “The City remains committed to reaching a fair and balanced outcome that recognizes the vital role of our paramedics, supports overall affordability, and is sustainable for taxpayers.”

Guelph Community Foundation Gave Out Almost $1.4 Million in Grants in 2025

According to their 2025 Annual Impact Report, “Building Tomorrow Together”, the Guelph Community Foundation says they gave out $1,368,787 through 331 grants to 222
charities in 2025. The money support a wide range of needs including social services,
arts and culture, education, environmental initiatives, and community wellbeing.

“When you donate to or through the Guelph Community Foundation, or you become a fundholder, leave a planned gift, or volunteer with us, you become a part of something” said Sarah Haanstra, GCF’s executive director, in a media release. “Something that is bigger than any one of us, something that makes our community stronger.”

You can read the full report here. 

Additional Notes 

Take Back the Night will take place this year on Thursday September 17 at 6:30 pm starting at Marianne’s Park.

Friends of the Guelph Public Library will be accepting donations for the Big Book Sale from September 1 to October 9 at three different Library locations: Main Library, Westminster Square Branch, and East Side Branch.

Current “Have Your Say” Opportunities:

• Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program
• Parkland Dedication Bylaw Update and Parkland Acquisition Strategy
• Traffic Calming Projects

Transit News & Detours

REMINDER #1: Routes #3 Westmount, #10 Paisley, #11 Silvercreek, #12 Delhi, #13 Eastview, and #20 Northwest Industrial will be detoured away from their stops in St. George’s Square due to construction for the foreseeable future.

REMINDER #2: Routes #1 Edinburgh College, #2 College Edinburgh and #15 College will be detoured from some stops on College and McGilvray starting until sometime in October.

REMINDER #3: The Route #10 Imperial will be around a section of Paisley Road between Glengarry Street and Goldie Avenue that will be closed from now until August 13.

REMINDER #4: Routes #3 Westmount, #4 York, #8 Janefield, #9 Waterloo, #10 Paisley, #11 Silvercreek, #12 Delhi, #20 Northwest Industrial and #99 Mainline are all being re-routed downtown while the intersection of Wyndham and Macdonell is closed between now and August 16.

The #12 Delhi will not be stopping at Waverly and Knightswood due to construction from Monday August 10 to Friday August 14.

New and Upcoming Construction

Verney Street will be closed between Woolwich Street and Exhibition Street for one day on or around August 7 to expose and measure the existing watermain.

Sanitary sewer and service lining, and sanitary cleanout installation will begin on Monday August 10 on Spruce Place, Tamarack Place and Stevenson Street North. Work should be completed on Friday September 4.

Monticello Crescent will be closed to through traffic from Evergreen Drive to Mayfield Avenue starting on Monday August 10 to install four new sanitary and water services. The work should be complete by Friday August 28.