St. George's Square final design approved

All right. Good morning, everyone. It is 09:00 it is December 16. 2025. We're meeting here in council chambers for our council meeting. And right off the top. We do have a request to go in camera. And. It is under, I think, four items. Yes. The chief administrative officer. 2025 year end performance review. Which is section 2392, B and D, the municipal act regarding personal matters I put unidentifiable. Individual, including municipal or local board employees and labor relations or employee negotiations. The second is closed December 2025. Public appointments to advisory committees of council. Section. To cut off on my screen. Two three nine to B and D of the municipal act regarding. Personal matters about unidentifiable. Doing their thing, including municipal or local board employees. Number three is expression of interest. 170 Stephanie Drive. Section 2392 C of the municipal act regarding a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local

board. And the last is affordable housing, property acquisition. Section 2392 c of the municipal act regarding a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board. Before. I asked to see if we want to move in camera on those items. Does anyone have any disclosure of pecuniary interest or any general nature thereof for those items. Hearing and seeing none, would someone be willing to move a motion to move into closed. Cayton and Richardson. And I'll call the vote. Is anyone against moving into close on those items? No. Okay, that passes unanimously for anyone watching online or in the gallery here. Interested? I'm going to guess. Maybe about 45 minutes.

Roughly, and then we'll be back. Okay. Thank you.

Hi, everyone. Thanks for your patience. Just to let everyone know, we are going to start at 1015. So, like, in two or three minutes. Okay, so just give us a minute just to get settled. Okay. Thank you.

All right, thanks, everyone, for that extra few minutes. We appreciate it. And we'll call the meeting back to order out here in the public, so thank you very much. I will quickly just ask that I'll do the summary in just a moment, but please. If you can stand. If you're able to, please join us as we recognize our national anthem.

Okay. Thanks, everyone. And just as we move forward, just a moment of silent reflection. Thank you. And now our territorial acknowledgment as we gather, let us take time to reflect on our privilege to live and work here in Guelph, a city that's built over rich indigenous histories. As guests here, we should reflect upon the land and the responsibility to care for this land. The people who live here today. And the generations to come. If our actions today can move us towards reconciliation, we should take pause and make those decisions with intention and gratitude. This place we call Guelph has served as traditional lands and a place of refuge for many peoples over time, but more specifically. The anawater, Aroc and the honey. This land is held as the treaty lands and territory. With the Mississaugas of the credit. First Nation and Guelph lies directly adjacent to the Holdeman track. It's also part of a long established traditional hunting grounds for the six nations of the grand river. Many First Nations, Inuit and Mati people who have come from across turtle island called Guelph home today.

Thank you. Are there any disclosure of pecuniary interest in the general nature thereof from any members of council on the items in front of us today. Seeing and hearing none. I'll consider that matter closed. I did indicate I would give a quick summary. Of our. Closed session. We went and closed session under four items. So the first one was the chief Administrative Officer 2025 year end performance review and council did give direction on that matter. And the other one. I'll save the other one to the end there. But the other. One was an expression of interest on 170 Stephanie Drive, and we did give direction on that item. As well. And the other one was affordable housing, property acquisition. We also gave direction on that matter. As well. And then on the last one, which is the closed December 2025 public appointments to advisory committees. Of council. I'm going to ask that councilor alt please bring forward what has come. From the closed session. Thank you, Mayor Guthrie. Clerks. Would you like the whole thing

read out? Sorry. Okay, thank you. Move by me. Seconded by Councilor Hauser. The public appointment to the advisory committees of Council Rs, following in three areas Accessibility Advisory Committee Economic Development, Tourism Advisory Committee and transportation advisory committee. We're happy to take any questions, but I think it's straightforward. Thank you. Councilor alt. Yes? Any questions on this, or can we. Call the vote. Okay, I'll call the vote. Is anyone against those appointments? That's unanimous. Thank you. And thank you very much to everyone that put their name forward. We appreciate that very much. So thank you for doing that work for us. Moving right along. We have a consent agenda with the first one and only one being the 2025 external audit plan and it's the recommendation of receiving the KPMG's external audit plan. Did I miss the minutes? Okay, I did the minutes. Sorry I missed the minutes. Let me go. Back to the minutes. Thanks, Kathy. Sorry, councilor Downer. The minutes are for the council

open. Council meetings November twelveth, 18th and 26th for 2025 and the open minutes of the committee the whole meeting on November. 4th, 2025 to be confirmed as recorded and without being read. Since you caught my mistake, I'll let you move it. Thank you. Move it. Seconded by. Okay, busatill. Thank you. Is there anything more on those minutes? No. I'll call the votes. Anyone against? That's unanimous as well. Sorry about that. Thank you. Good catch. 2025 external audit plan. Is the consent agenda for council. Does anyone need that poll? Councilor Kwan. I think you're willing to move the consent. Thank you. And Billings is? Willing to second. Thank you. I'll call the vote then. Is anyone against that? No one. Okay? So I consider that matter closed, and that's unanimous as well. So now we're into our items for discussion. And right off the top, we have a final design presentation of the St. George's Square. And so we're going to have some staff do some presentations for us. We've got three delegations as well that have signed up and. We'll see what we do from

there. So we got Kyle and Stacy from our staff that I think are going to come forward. And I'll turn it over to you.

Good morning, Mr. Mayor and council. After significant community engagement, we are excited to present the final plan. For St. George's Square for approval. My name is Kyle Gibson. I am the acting general manager of engineering and transportation services. Attending with me today are James Goodrem, Stacey Loughlin, Andrew Miller and Reg Russwer. The reimagining of St. George's Square as part of the Downtown renewal program. Of work lines with strategic goal twelve. Make downtown a vibrant place for everyone. The approval of the final plan for St. George's Square means that another milestone. In the overall downtown renewal program of work has been reached. The reconstruction of St. Georgia Square will be part of phase one of the work, which will include Wyndham street from Wellington street all the way up to Woolwood street. Based on the proposed construction sequence surface works in St. George's Square will be completed at the end of phase one. In late 2027 with the final touches. Whereas Reg likes to say the

icing on the cake happening in early 2028. Downtown renewal. The reimagining of St. George Square and the upgraded streetscape will provide the foundation for community success over generations.

I think I pressed the wrong one.

There we go. In July, council approved this design concept for the square. This concept was inspired by Guelph's unique landscape and designed as a vibrant year round destination at the heart of the community. It proposed a durable, flexible layout with paved areas, adoptable seating, and open spaces that could easily transform for festivals, markets, performances and gatherings. It was designed to be an active hub for connection, play and celebration. Inviting people of all ages to come together. And experience our downtown. At the July meeting, council provided direction that the final design of St. George's Square should increase flexibility to support seasonal patios and community events. Council also requested that the final design reflect the heritage and character of downtown. Through the integration of natural materials and heritage inspired elements. In September of 2024. Council also provided direction that the downtown infrastructure renewal program of work, including St. Georgia Square should provide an enhanced level of streetscaping

for the most efficient operating budget. The Downtown Business association also passed motions regarding the design concept. In September of 2025, the DGBA requested the concept plan for St. George Square be modified to ensure that design reflects enhances Guelph's unique heritage character while supporting a vibrant downtown for public space. To incorporate the placemaking initiative proposed by Barbanette related to Robert Munch's paperbag princess and to find more discrete location for the public washers, I'm now going to pass the presentation over to Stacy so that she can outline the changes to the plan. And how those changes. Address what we have heard from council, the DGBA and our community. Thank you, kyle. So during engagement with the community, key interest holders and council, we heard that the concept plan should include a wow factor. It should also have more natural materials, including more trees and native plantings. And

less concrete. The design should also be more flexible in order to provide space for events and to accommodate business. We also receive comments that the design should be more sympathetic to the heritage character of downtown Guelph. We received mixed feedback regarding the public washroom, some in support of it, others were requesting that it be removed and still others requesting that it be. Relocated elsewhere downtown. We also received mixed feedback regarding the place making structure or the area for play. The feedback ranged from support and desire to see it expanded, to those who think it was unnecessary, to those who were suggesting it be relocated within the square. And then, during our September open house, a community led idea for a tribute to Robert Mu. Munch in the form of a paper bag princess statue was brought forward for consideration in lieu of. The potential interactive placemaking structures that were proposed. Some of the public feedback also requested reconsideration of the need for gateway features at the entrances to the square, and there were also requests for space for outdoor patios to be located and businesses to operate, additional lighting and more opportunities for shade and

seating. So the final plan that we are presenting to you today, Directly responds to what we heard from the community. Key interest holders, including the DGBA and council, over 2024 and 2025. In particular, the final plan addresses what we heard in response to the concept design that was presented. To council in July and the more detailed plan presented to the public in September. This final plan balances the needs and desires of the business community with the needs and desires of residents, visitors and downtown customers. It recognizes the existing heritage character of downtown. It also reflects our community in that we value the environment and nature. And we would also like to highlight that this plan is flexible to accommodate day to day use as well as being able to accommodate larger events and evolve over time. Elements that are not currently proposed or included in the design can be added to it. So this fly through, you can see in the northwest corner of the square that there is an open area for the future place making initiative. Trees and planters and soil cells to

provide a balance between a natural setting and an open area to accommodate events. The trees also provide shade along with the movable umbrellas. In the southwest corner, there's a flat area that can accommodate a temporary stage for different events. The trees and umbrellas provide shade for everyday use, and the existing transit stops are also maintained on both sides of Wyndham street. On the easterly side of Wyndham street. The family fountain is located so that it is highly visible both within the square. But also to those traveling toward the square. Wide stairs are proposed that provide informal seating opportunities as well as a natural stage area if needed. The DGBA's big heart is accommodated in frames. The view along Douglas street towards St George's Anglican Church. So again, this video is just looping. So this is the second time through and you're. Seeing the southwest corner here. And then over to the easterly side of Wyndham Street.

So to help identify and define the square and to add that wow factor, we have added emphasis. To the promenade that surrounds it. The width of the promenade has been increased and will be a minimum of 6 meters wide and maybe up to 8 meters wide in some areas. The promenade will include overhead lighting supported by a wood structure that complements the heritage. Character of downtown wealth and Guelph's natural heritage. The promenade will accommodate private patios or public seating, as well as a pedestrian sidewalk that is intended to help draw pedestrians to the edges of the square to access the businesses that surround it. By defining the edge of the square. Ample, flexible space is maintained for events as well as day to day. Use in these images. You can see the promenade lighting at night in the top left corner. How the promenade can accommodate private patios. In the bottom right corner. And then. How the promenade still allows for the central portion of each quadrant to be used for events when needed. To increase flexibility, the planters have been reduced in size and shifted toward the edge. Areas of each quadrant of the square. This revision allows for different configurations of the square

to be used to accommodate events of different sizes. Including each quadrant to be used individually. The westerly side of Wyndham street to be used as an event space. If you close down a portion of Quebec or using the square in its entirety with the option to close down the streets using the proposed removable ballards. As I mentioned during the fly through, a stage area is located in the southwest corner of the square near the current location of RBC. This stage area will be a flat space that it can accommodate temporary stages of different sizes, with each event bringing in the size of stage that best fits their event for day to day. Use or events that do not require stage. This is a flexible flat area. On the easterly side of Wyndham street, the family fountain has been shifted further toward old Quebec street shops to create more flexible space between the fountain and Wyndham street. The lower basin of the fountain will be reduced in size by approximately 1.2 meters. While generally maintaining the existing shape. The location shift and reduction in size also creates the opportunity for the area at the top of the stairs to be used as a natural stage with room for an audience at the bottom of the stairs.

And in these images, you can see how we've also tried to show how events such as spirit of the season can be accommodated in the revised design that's in the sort of right hand. Side, bottom picture. To introduce more natural materials and better reflect the heritage character of downtown. We've added more trees and modified materials. Trees in soil cells and planters have been grouped to replicate the edge of a small forest. In each quadrant of the square. This helps to provide a more natural feeling in the area and reduce the impact of the proposed hardscaping, all while maintaining flexibility. The addition of more trees also increases the amount of shade that will be provided. Again, the lighting structure that's part of the promenade. Promenade has been designed as a wood structure and has an organic shape, which is to be reflective of sort of that natural materials and the heritage character of Guelph. With the introduction of the lighting structure and the additional trees, we have proposed to remove the shade. Structures because it created conflicts between the elements. But if the shade structures are required in the future. They will be designed to fit

into the space. Constructed of wood and similar to the lighting structure. For the planters. We're looking at the use of limestone or something that is a limestone appearance. The design of the planters has also been modified to no longer have any ramped edges. Which then allows for more public seating as part of the planters. As I briefly mentioned earlier, the public feedback regarding the place making structure was mixed. Some community members expressed enthusiasm for family and child friendly elements within the square. Others expressed concern about creating an area for play within the downtown. And then again, that community led idea for a paperbag princess statue did come forward in September. So with the mixed feedback on the interactive placemaking structure as well as the new idea, the revised plan for St. George's Square protects space for one or both of these elements to be installed in the future. The protected space is located in the northwest corner of the square to be more directly linked with the new public library. And that's to help support people moving between the two areas. The community led paperbag

princess suggestion is currently proceeding through the approved proposal process identified in the city's public art process. So we've set up our plan to be able to accommodate that should that public art process decide to put it in the square.

So additional lighting has been added to the design. Catenary lighting structure has been added to the promenade, which adds a significant amount of lighting. The lights themselves will have a more traditional appearance while being appropriately shielded to direct light downwards. And again, as I've mentioned a couple of times, we've looked at the design. Of that structure. Matrix built out or proposed to be built out of wood, and that has more of an organic shape to reflect wealth, natural heritage. So the top left image on the slide shows that lighting structure at night. Area lights, which can be seen in the top right image. Are proposed all around the square, and these are additional lighting on taller poles to ensure that we have appropriate lighting levels throughout the square. These lights will be the same as those that are proposed for the Baker district. The shape of these lights is somewhat organic and whimsical in form to play nicely with the design. Of the promenade lighting structure and the shape of the planters and the natural elements within the square. The lights can also accommodate specialized lights that can project shapes or. Images as part of enhancing the place making aspect of the lighting. In the

bottom two images, you can see. Clusters of light sticks have also been introduced into the square, and they provide visual interest. And add some dynamic lighting, and the size and color of these light sticks will vary. We have been and continue to explore adding more string lights to connect to the catinary. Lighting structure and other elements within the square. In order to connect string lights to things, they have to be able to withstand the weight of the cable and the lights, both in normal conditions, but also on windy days and during winter weather. That include ice and snow. So those requirements have created some technical challenges, but we will be adding more if it's technically feasible. And then planter lighting, which you can see in the top left image, and then around the base. Of the family fountain. You can see in the bottom right image. We've added lighting to those elements. Again add lighting to the square and visual interest for all of the lighting within the square. The fixtures used will be dark sky friendly to ensure that light shines down towards the square rather than up to the sky. So, other modifications to mention. In the July design concept, there was a

self cleaning automated public washroom proposed as council is aware from the October 31 information report, staff undertook some additional consultation with other municipalities that have experience operating self cleaning public washrooms. The feedback we received highlighted that there are both benefits as well. As. Operational supplier and maintenance challenge with those. Facilities right now. This feedback, together with the mixed feedback we received from the public on the proposed washroom within the square has resulted in it being removed from the plant at this time. While we still feel it's important to. Pursue a public washroom within or close to St. George's Square. So. We are going to install the underground infrastructure to accommodate it in the future, but we are also going to continue to explore other options. It could be a more traditional washroom, either a standalone one or in a storefront. Or we'll continue to monitor the technology that supports the automated public washrooms to be in a position to install it in the future. So in these images on the easterly side, of Wyndham street. You can see that the public washroom has been removed. I also briefly mentioned that the gateway features have been

removed. And again, that was due to sort of the conflict between the elements when we added the promenade. Lighting structure and the additional trees. It created too many sort of vertical elements in one location and created those conflicts in the similar situation for the shade structures. So, as Kyle mentioned at the beginning of this presentation, there has been extensive internal and external consultation. On the design of the square in 2024. We focused on collecting ideas and opportunities about the square in early 2025. The project team worked through various. Design options. And evolved that design from multiple options to a design concept, which was presented to council in July. Since July, we have received valuable feedback, which has led to the design evolving into the final plan. Before you today. As council is aware, one of the key interested parties in downtown is the DGBA. In late November, the DGBA reviewed the final plan and passed a motion recognizing that the final plan addresses the board's previous motions and concerns, and the board also passed a motion supporting the final plan. In addition to engaging with

members of the Guelph community, the project team has met and shared information with the Mississaugas of the credit First Nation about the downtown infrastructure renewal program and specifically about the proposed design for St. Charges Square. Following council approval of the concept in July. MCFN provided some ideas into how the indigenous history of the lands could be recognized. In honored and honored in the final design. These ideas include the utilization of the planters and the plants within them as a method of teaching the first Nation stories and the value of green space. Another suggestion was to use text or symbols within the promenade area to recognize that St. George's. Square is a long travel path as well as being a destination. So as we finalize the technical details of the design. Discussions with MSCFN will continue.

So the changes to the plan between the concept that you saw in July and the final plan. Results in changes to the cost to construct the square. Some of the changes reduced the cost, some of the changes increase the cost. And technical details related to the final plan, as well as how the family fountain will function when it's reinstalled are still being developed and refined. However, given the nature of the changes. Both increases and decreases. Decreases. We don't anticipate a substantial change to the project budget to accommodate the final plan. So, as directed by council. In July. If there are any budget impacts stemming from the final plan, staff will report back through either the 2026 budget monitoring process or the 2027 budget update. So, in conclusion, we are recommending that council approved the final plan that is being presented today. Recognizing that as the technical details of the designer worked out, minor details may be slightly modified. However, the overall final plan of the square will remain. This final plan addresses what we heard from various. Interest holders and groups again over 2024 and 2025. In particular, it addresses what we heard in response

to the concept design presented to council in July. And the more detailed plan presented to the public in September. So again, we feel that the final plan balances the needs and desires of the business community. With the needs and desires of residents, visitors and downtown customers. It recognizes and honors the existing heritage character of downtown. It reflects our community. In that we value the environment and nature, and it can and will evolve over time. Elements such as gateway features and public art can be added to it. So the reimagined St George's Square will be an active urban plaza and central gathering place that provides flexibility to accommodate a wide range of events and activities, including daily use. And self activation, as well as larger events and festivals. Thanks. Thank you both very much and to the team that worked on this, too. It was a lot of work and engagement and a lot of refinement. And just right off the top, I just want to say thank you. For listening to the community and what you've presented here today. I get so upset sometimes when

I hear people say, staff never listen. Exhibit. A right here. You did that. And so thank you very much. For presenting that to us. We do have, as I mentioned, off the top. Three delegations. So why don't we go to the three delegations then? If there's questions back to staff as well. We can go, saya. I think my glass is on Saya. Here. Oh, there, sir. Van geese is coming up and then. Is Alex perves here in the room. Okay, you're going to be coming up next. So, just so everyone knows, no more than five minutes, you'll hear a chime at the four minutes and 32nd Mark, which is your warning. That your microphone will be cut off at five minutes, so don't get there, because we want to hear everything you're saying, all right? So go right ahead. The timer starts when? You start, saya? Go right ahead. Thank you, Mayor Gusty. And thank you, counsel. And thank you. The staff at city. That park is so impressive. That's going to be. An absolutely

amazing drawing card. I'm here to address the amendment to include paperback Princess and Robert Munch. Now, we all know a lot of the statistics about Robert, but behind that data, Those want us to reflect a little bit what the implications are. For instance, the whole idea that. There are over 87 million. Robert Munch books worldwide soul has already been sold. Think of the implications of that. That means all over this globe. So when my husband and I were traveling in Japan, Imagine our delight that here in the show window was the paperback princess. In Japanese or being in the Netherlands and seeing the enormous. Suitcase there. So everybody around the globe knows Robert Munch. And just to reflect a little bit, on some of the implications that we've seen in Guelph itself. So when I'm a member of the Gulf Guild of Storytellers and we organize a number of events, and every time we have Robert Munch on the agenda, there's startling things that happen. Just this past year. Robert had hoped to be at

Canada today, and he was able to be there. We had over 700 people in the shelter in Riverside Park. That same year. Earlier in the summer, we had a children's event organized indian enabling garden. Our staunch partners. And again, over 700 people in that enabling garden. And that was the last time. We had Robert Munch on the agenda and did nothing but have them in the shelters. Rotary trillions rib Fest, the Saturday morning event that we had for children. Now think of this. Over 1200 people came in that park. So there we were in that front. Of that central stage and all these people are just coming, so I don't need to. Tell us just how significant Robert Bunch is in Gwell, but the important part is he's. A draw if you go to Copenhagen. Nobody in the right mind. Would leave Copenhagen and not visit the little mermaid. It's a real tourist draw. And Robert Munch and everything that he represent is going to be that draw that's going to be translated into. Economic kinds of advances as well. I love the idea of the paperback princess and then organizing that and linking that

to the new Gulf public library because. They want to enhance that collection as well, because. Robert Munch said in his recent interview on CBC that that's where his collection is. Going to go. So the value of having the art, the rich arts of Guel. We are an amazingly blessed with the most profound authors, and I'm not sure we're giving them enough recognition to tell the honest truth. And I think, budget wise, even we should. Think about that. I hope that the cost of this would not be an issue. Just imagine if you put out a crowdsourcing. Oh, my goodness, we'd have millions of. Dollars guaranteed or corporate sponsors that we would have in Guel. So I urge us to recognize that and recognize that for its artistic impact and influence, but also economically and for the dollar ones. We know that Robert is recognized globally in terms of his awards. Do you know that he's been nominated a number of times for the astridge. Lindbergh

Award, which is the richest award for children's literature. It's cad750,000. It's an award that globally recognizes a children's author in a story. And Robert has been nominated by Canada for a number of times to be a candidate in that award. He's going to get that someday. Absolutely guaranteed. Think back in the 70s when the New York Times. First calculated the highest selling. Children's authors, and they were amazed. There's a book called love you forever, and it's by whom? It's. By Robert Mun. Who is he? We haven't even reviewed this book. So they were amazed and beat out all these profound children's literature books. So Robert has an amazing man. He has an amazing influence, and I think we all know that. But I want us to think of that in a larger context of the arts. And I know budget is a huge issue here. And I must say that in the last budget, I was a little bit taken aback by the lack of

emphasis in the arts. Okay. Thanks so much. Sorry I had to cut you off there, but I didn't want to. Cut you off thanking staff, so that's a good part. Thank you. Is there any questions for this delegation at all, Councilor Koran? Yes, thank you. And thank you to the delegate. And an excellent presentation. And I know that you have a history of being passionate about literacy in our city and the new public library near that space. So my question was actually about your role as a storyteller. When you look at the design of the whole square, not just the. Area where the public art project will be located. Do you see this as an area where the wealth build of storytellers might be able to have some of their events. Is there event capacity there, or are you speaking just to the public art piece? Actually, I was. Looking for that. And I'm glad you mentioned that, because I thought. There could be almost a little more inviting. Designated space for storytellers. We know that indigenous concept of stories, circles, and I think it'd

be wonderful to have that invitation and even clearly marked so that we invite international tellers, local tellers, the storytelling guild, who focus on storytelling and. I think that would be a lovely feature, and I could see that as being part of encompassing. Robert Munch's paperback princess and having that very much an integral part and just even an invitation for families to even sit down and listen to stories, have a storytelling bench. Have some children around there, so yes, absolutely. Integrate that as part of the concept. Thank you. Anything else further from council? Nothing more. Sorry. Thank you so much. And all the best in the holidays. Thank you. Okay. We have Alex pervs coming up.

And good morning, everyone. First of all, as far as Robert Munch, is everything that she said. By. 100% agree with, except for one thing, is to have a bust or a statue or a bench named after him in St. George's Square. We could do so much more. We have Gene little as a public school named after her. Ken Danby has a school named after them. I know this is not within your jurisdiction to be able to do that, and I. Know that. In 2029 2030 that the school board is actually coming forward and revisiting. They're renaming of schools and everything else. So I would more imagine with Robert Muncher it'd be more of an ideal of having a school named after him and the impact that would have on that community. In all likelihood, that school in 2030, 2032, with the growth of Guelph, there will be a new school down in the south end in ward six, probably. Being built and everything else, that would be the ideal time to be able to really put pressure on the school board. And for those that

are really interested, if they want to honor demand name in a school after where hundreds of kids will come through that door on a daily basis. And families and that entire community, that would have a bigger impact of who this man was, and knowing more about what he is now talking about St. George's Square. There's just. One thing. That. I would like you guys to consider, and it wouldn't cost the city a penny. Is that up to now is that we've looked at the layouts of the square. There's been revisions and changes and everything else, and that's great. But the one thing that's missing is why would people want to come down to the square. All you're doing is moving pieces around right now. You're adding a few trees. You're putting in a lot more tables, but that's basically it. I've been down during the summertime almost every 2nd, 3rd day, going down, grabbing a coffee at the beast, drill at the square. Getting. A sausage and bun. From moles and. There's always been those three tables that are there. They've always been empty or only one of them is occupied. In the drawing that

you have, you have. 40 of these tables throughout the entire. Square to me. That seems like an overkill. First of all, you don't need that. Many, because most of them are always going to be empty. The three that we have now. The majority of times when you walk by their empty during the summertime, that's before construction. So that's the first thing. The second thing is that when you've been down there in the mayor. You were down there about three weeks ago when they had the lighting. Ceremony. And, Rodrigo, you were there as well. Is that the stage? Is facing. Towards Royal bank is that. It's three quarters of the stage. The back is against it is what I would suggest is move the power box right into the corner where the Royal bank is. And more importantly, stop with the temporary stages. It costs taxpayers money. Every time you end up renting the stage, bringing it in, then you got to bring in all the technicians and everything else, hook everything up, have a permanent stage in. That corner. Have a power box there. A permanent stage. Die corner. And don't let the city pay. For it. There has to be corporations, people from the

music community. Maybe one of the financial institutions, maybe an individual would be willing to be able to fund the money to be able to have that stage there. So that way, when you are having storytellers, or you are having things like the Downtown Gulf Business association has as far as their Friday concerts or if you want to do bigger things like as far as. The memorial cup, or as far as the bicentennial, is that that stage is pointed out. To the entire. Square. It's overlooking the entire square. You're not segregating a small section of. The square, but you have the opportunity to be able to fill that entire square up for things. Like the bicentennial for maybe a New Year's celebration, for maybe something like the Memorial cup, and it gives you a second option. What's happening at the marketplace, right? Now at the marketplace. Oftentimes you wind up shutting down the street and you end up. Bringing in staging and a whole bunch of thing again, that costs money. If you had. A permanent stage in that corner that gives you a second option as far as to be able to have a lot of bigger events or smaller events, but it gives you that option and let the community have an opportunity to

be able to pay for that, to be able to fund that. And give some recognition on their half so it doesn't cause taxpayers. A single penny. That's basically all I have to say. Thank you very much. And let me see if I have a question from any of my colleagues. On those suggestions? No, but thank you very much. We appreciate it. And morgan dandy. Is going to be joining us, I believe, by video. Yes, and we see you've popped on the screen, Morgan. But you might need to turn your camera on if you wish. Oh, I don't see her now. It's just slow. Okay, no problem. We can hear you. Okay. If it comes up, great. If it doesn't, my computer is just not that great. It's okay. We see and hear you now. Okay, perfect. Go ahead. Thank you. Good morning, mayor, council members,

staff and fellow gulfites. When I viewed the final concept drawings for St. George's Square. I noticed some things that we may wish to change before these drawings. Are used in telling the good news story about the redesign of our downtown. The predominance of Bemo. The windows of the Bemo building and the stairs. In front of the CIBC. The bank of Montreal will shutter the downtown location in the spring. Do we truly want? A defunct business to be prominently featured in our good news. Additionally, the artist depiction of the windows is misrepresentation of reality. I also wonder why the sidewalk in front of the CIBC is now scarce. I have mobility. Issues. And being able to get to Douglas without needing to walk out to Wyndham first. Is something I believe would benefit many, including parents with strollers in July and again this morning. When I rewatched the July meeting, as I listened to the delegations,

I was gobsmacked about their stance on the location of the public washroom in the downtown. The DGBA is talking about adding more events following the renewal and have already begun use of social media influencers. To bring in thousands of people, yet they don't support the installation of a highly visible 24/7 public washroom in the square. The Gulf labs report on access to public washrooms in Guelph was clear. In its conclusion that a 24/7 public washroom in the downtown core is a necessity. Is the Tgba. Wants to have events centered on St. George's Square, I would think they would be the biggest proponent of installing bathroom facilities for these visitors. Stating that the washrooms at the library are not far away and should be the place people go confuses me since the library is not open 24/7. There's already plans for washroom facilities at the transit building to be built at the central station. And when

they mentioned the fact that the washroom facilities outside Seahaw are rarely open. I remembered an encounter with a visitor on Carden street when he was trying to find somewhere. To go to the washroom. And having to tell him that we didn't have any, that. Were regularly open. That his only options were to go to the Porta potties and the Maxine A. Lot. The old Quebec street mall, if it was open. Or to purchase something in a business that had a toilet. I was embarrassed to give that response. In the new concept drawing, it's not indicated where access to the infrastructure for fountain will be. I originally loved the idea of coloid caating the infrastructure for the fountain washroom and transit shelter until I realized that the chemicals used for self cleaning would mean I wouldn't. Be able to use either the washroom or the transit shelter. When I was a member of golf Environmental Justice Collective, we spoke with Ms. Loughlin a few times regarding the access to sanitary facilities in the downtown and had conversations with the lead of the gulf lab. As staff

continued to explore. Options, providing a public washroom, including a more traditional, not automated, public washroom. I have a suggestion. The traditional washroom facility outside city hall that is rarely open. The washer facilities at the new transit building and the needed washrooms in the area of St. George's square could all be clean on a rotational basis in a similar manner to provincial and conservation area parks. If there were a dedicated position. We need easily accessible public washrooms if the DGBA is going to draw more visitors. To the downtown, and I believe this could be an avenue to achieve that goal. Thank you for your attention. Thank you very much, Morgan. And is there any follow up for Morgan on questions for her presentation? There isn't. And again, thank you for joining us, and have a good holiday to yourself. As well. We are back to

us, everybody. And so. Right off the top. Can I maybe look to my colleagues that are in the downtown to move? The motion. Yeah, I think that makes sense. So Clausen and Gauller will move in second. The recommendation. And yes, I'll put you second on the list. I have councilor alt first and. Then go to Clawson, and I can make my way around the room if necessary. Okay. Thank you, Marigot. Through you to staff. We heard from delegates about final design. Concerns, and I only have one, and I'm being somewhat careful in the way that I present this. There was comments about some sort of a recognition of Robert Munch, and I have two concerns. That I need to raise. I understand. From. Public statements that the library will become a depository for Robert Munch's papers at some point. And so, number one, I wonder whether a more appropriate place for some sort of a recognition of munch might be at the library. Similar to

what Glenn Gould. Is recognized in Toronto in front of the CBC. That's the first story, but the other concern is. I recognize how important munch is. A loved munch forever. But the other thing is, we have many people, and in the literature we have, for example, Gene little as well who has significance. In the same genre. But we also have artists as well, like Ken Damby, who we remember. Because of the carousel. And in music there's Edward Johnson and maybe even James Gordon. We have four Nobel prize winners that we've never acknowledged. Publicly in Guelph, which I think proportionately to any other community in Canada, perhaps in the world. That's a heck of a number, including James Urbinsky, who received a Nobel Peace Prize for medicines on frontier. And then we could get to one of the most important things downtown, which is drinking. And there's George Sleeman, who. Has been identified as having. Been a tremendous city booster and builder. And let's not forget premier. George drew as well. So with all these things.

How will taking this to the Arts Council for consideration. How are we going to address this to see which would be the most important. I recognize a paper bag princess would be fabulous, but I recognize. Other recognitions would be important as well. So I'm actually going to answer the question over here. Councilor alt through the mayor. Because this is about our public art process. So we have a council approved public art process, and policy which was approved a couple of terms of council ago. And so through that policy, Any public art that comes onto city owned property or in city owned buildings comes through what used to be called our public Art Advisory committee that has recently been renamed our Arts and Culture Council. Appointed advisory committee. And so to your point, the proposals that you've heard mentioned today, those will, and I don't want to get into specifics of proposals that may be in the works because. I don't think that's what we're here to talk about today, but. Citywide, not just in the downtown core. Any proposals that come forward come through that committee and they get vetted. And considered. The city. We do not currently. Have money earmarked to go out and commission new public art ourselves simply because of budget. Constraints we do when we look at new buildings, look at

opportunities for where we can do public art. However, the public art advisory committee, I should now call it by its new name, the arts. And culture advisory committee. This is not a process that's new to that committee. The exact same process occurred when. We did the John McCray statue. That's at Guelph Museum. So a community group came forward, they fundraised, they expressed interest in the proposal, and then they worked through the public art advisory committee. So what I can say is that both for downtown, for St. George's, square for the library. We're already in conversations with those organizations or those individuals. Who are interested. We will work through the process with them. But in this instance, it's about individuals in the community coming forward and bringing that proposal. Forward so that the committee can then consider it and decide next steps. And thank you very much. For that thorough answer. I think that clarifies everything that. There is. A process and that the community can be involved. But the city very clearly has an important role. In establishing where and when anything might be erected. Okay. Clawson, please. Thank you. Yes, thank you. Through you, Mr. Mayor. And I will just say I wanted to say thank you to staff. Mr. Mary already said it, but I did want to say thank you because there

has been. So many opportunities for public input, or along the way. I've been at lots of those. And there's lots that I haven't been at as well, and I know that. There's so much. That has gone into this, and I do appreciate all of your efforts, and I know that there has been a lot of changes from. Their first presentation. Until now. And I do see those reflected. Did we all get everything we wanted? Perhaps not. But I certainly think that. This is a really good. Way forward. And I also wanted to say that this space addresses those core functions of engineering, of transportation. But I think that it's going to also provide a really great opportunity for the public. For everyone to be able to come down and use that space. And also for the community to present. More and higher frequency of public events. The spirit of the season. I hope that everyone had the chance to go down, but I really think that. It drew a lot of people to our core, from both locally within our community and from beyond. And I think that having a space like this that can accommodate and welcome. More people. Will certainly be a benefit

to the wider community for multiple reasons. And so, with that said. This is questions, so I will withhold any further of my comments. But one of the delegates alluded to this. But I believe it was removed from the final design at some point. I thought there was a stage that was integrated into the design, or maybe it was naturally built into, like, a stair structure. And. I just wanted to ask if you could clarify why that change was made. And how the stage will be integrated going forward. Through you, Mr. Meredith. Councilor. Class. And yes, the July concept did propose a stage area in the, I would say the northwest corner of the square, sort of. Where? Sorry. Bank of Montreal and Canada Post meet. And that was a function of housing. Natural grading worked. And it became sort of a natural stage. We heard through the consultation that there was a strong preference for the stage area to be in. The southwest corner of the square. So again, we don't have natural grades there that would. Facilitate a stage. So the idea was to create a flat, flexible area that could accommodate day to

day activities. You saw in some of the images umbrellas there and things like that, which then can be moved. Out of the way to accommodate. A temporary stage. We did also hear a lot about. Flexibility and maybe not having a permanent stage because the use of that on a day to day basis isn't very good. Or some events don't need a stage. So we have that for an option for certain events that could bring in temporary stages, and then what we did on the easterly side of Wyndham Street. There are stairs there because there is a natural grade to make up, there is an accessible route. As well. But there does have to be stairs there instead of having a retaining wall as we do today. It's a wide open staircase to increase the ability to move through that area. But it also creates a natural stage, should you want to use that side of the street. So. We've tried to provide. Options and flexibility for stage areas within the square. Okay. Thank you for that explanation. I appreciate it. So another question I had was with regard to another delegate, but another question that came up for me as well during the process was that some of the community members had talked about our community's. Art scene. And this is also kind of touching

on what councilor alt said. But they wanted to see them themselves in the arts community, reflected within the square. Will there be future opportunities. For public art or. For? I don't know. The only thing but for animation and opportunities for the arts community to contribute to this space. Through you, Mr. Meredith. Councilor classen sort of building. On Colleen's answer. Yes. This square sort of sets the stage or creates that canvas so that we can then have those opportunities in the future. So we've designed it so that it's flexible enough so that it can evolve over time and we can add things to it. So we've removed the gateway features, but there could be potential gateway features that are also public art in the future. Those are the types of things that can be added over time. Thank you. I appreciate that. And then through you, mayor, another question. And it's with regard to. The Robert Munch structure. And thank you for the delegates and for councilor alt for talking. About all of the great contributor to the arts in Guelph and particularly Robert Munch. We're

hearing a lot about right now. It has been shared with me that friends of the Gulf Public Library have also been working on a tribute to Robert Munch within the new Gulf public library. And it's a bit of a nod to their fundraising efforts. They raised a million dollars. For the new public library, which is no small feat. And so my question is, is there going to be an opportunity for the city and for the committee to work with all of these stakeholders. Who have been kind of coming forward with similar, seemingly similar proposals. So through the mayor. Yes. As I indicated, the ARts and CuLTural AdvisorY Committee, who you appoint is who will do that work? We do know that there is more than one. There are a couple of discussions going on about potential ways to honor Robert Munch. So again, I don't want to get into the specific details here, because it hasn't come. To the arts and culture advisory committee yet for their review. We're still in that proposal. Stage. But to answer your question, yes, the opportunity will be there, and we will look to bring forward for the committee's consideration, any of the proposals that come forward. Thank you. And Mr. Mayor threw you two more. Will staff continue their work on sourcing public washroom spaces? For the downtown.

Through the mayor to you, councilor class, and yes, we are going to continue that work. Okay. Thank you very much. And then lastly. One of the motions that were brought forward. At the previous time this was brought forward to council was with regard to sort of including heritage. And I think, indigenous elements within the square. I was just wondering. You did elaborate on. What we could be seeing with the use. Of native plants. And different ways of potentially storytelling that could be potentially approved as well. But I was just wondering. If you could speak to some of the heritage and natural elements that are within this current iteration. Of the design. Through you, Mr. Merda. Councilor. Class. And again. The use of limestone materials for the planters or something that has the appearance of limestone. So those are the types of things that we're considering to bring in that natural element and then we really did focus on increasing the number of trees to really focus on the natural aspects. Of it. To respond to some of the comments that there was a lot of concrete. So trying to balance that need for flexibility, which requires paving stones in open areas and then the natural

elements. Of green space and having things in planters and having the trees, so we focused on that. And then adding in heritage elements where possible. All right. Thank you, Mr. Mer. Those are all of my questions. Thank you. Councilor Busatil is next. I do see Koran and Kate, and. Sorry. Just to let you guys know, you can save your hands. Thank you. And through the mayor. To build a bit more on councilor Art's question about. Jennifer. Process about public art. Not disrespecting Robert Munch, who was a neighbor and our family is a funny story of how we're in one of the books, but I do have a question. About the process. Is this an open process or. Is it individuals who come with money in hand. And I guess I'd just like to. Ask a question of equity. In the process, and I assume

the committee, the advisory committee, would take that into consideration. Through the mayor. Yes, that's part of the terms of reference. And I can certainly send them around to council. If you would like to see, though, the terms of reference both for that. Advisor committee as well as our public art process that council approved. We have had. Public art installations come through two mechanisms, one where the city has funding to contribute. The public art installation that's near the farmers market would be a good example of that. And so then when we bring the funding forward and we ask the public art committee again now, called the Arts and Culture Advisory Advisory committee to go out and commission art. We have also had the circumstances where a group comes forward with, in the case of the McCray statute, an existing vision for a statue and the funding to do it in the, in essence. Donate, it's to the city. Both of those processes still go through the arts and culture. Advisory committee. It is a council appointed advisory committee, so their process is open and transparent, and so I can certainly send out to council the information about the terms of reference as well as the process. Thank you very much for outlining that. I just have two more through the mayor. Quick questions. One of the delegations to the staff. Raised about the stairs and access

to Douglas, where the stairs are located next to the CIBC. Can you just comment on that? And then I have one final question. Through the merit to you, Councilor Bustel. There is a grade change there. So we do have to make up that grade change. And there's a combination of stairs as well, which exists today in front of CIBC and then there is an accessible path. It would require traveling out a bit towards Wyndham street to get around. But again, to make up that grade change, it is necessary. What we have done to improve sort of movement through that area is instead of having a retaining wall that everybody has to go around is opening up those stairs and making them wide so they also provide seating opportunities. They're intended to not be quite as steep, so that it provides an easier way to get through that area. But with the grades as they are today and as they will be into the future, based on where buildings are. We will need stairs in that location. Thank you. So I did hear the piece about the retaining wall, so there's no kind. Of zed access for accessibility built into the stairs. Through your Mr. Mayor. That's correct. Thank you. My last question is just a

clarification. During your presentation around the washrooms. I thought I heard you say that infrastructure will be built in. And my question is. Has location of that already been predetermined. Through the mayor to you, Councilor Bustel. At this time, we intend for it to generally be in the location. That we presented in July, but we are not fully committed to that because it will also depend on where the mechanical elements of the fountain go. And again, if we proceed, if we think we're proceeding with that standalone washroom. So when we get closer to it, would generally likely be on that easterly side of Wyndham Street. Is where we're looking at, but. We don't have a specific location for you today. Thank you. That's all. And my apologies to my friends on screen, but I did forget Councilor Downer, and she's. Closer to me to throw something at me. So I'm going to go to her first, and then I will go to the screen. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Through you. Also ditto. Thank you for doing such a great job engaging with everybody again, going back out. And I think through that, you've certainly

reached a lot more. Consensus. And what I would say. This is such a great platform for so many events. I don't know if any of you made it down to spirit of the season the last two weekends, but I was volunteering. Thousands of people. It was absolutely incredible. And not just grow fights who were raving about it. But we met people from Sarani at Tottenham. They'd heard about it. Probably through those influencers, but they heard about it. It's a great platform for a lot of events, for celebrating. In Guelph, but also just showing off our city and being a welcoming place for other people. So. I do have one final question, though, because it keeps coming up at the GGBA, too. The heart looking at the design. Is there a reason why it has to be moved? Because most of those pictures. There's 24/7 people like getting their pictures taken in front of that heart, but. I noticed. And this year I noticed it was the dogs. They brought their dogs to have their picture

taken. And the background, actually, of Quebec Street. Mall with the lights and everything. Was quite catching in the pictures. Is there a reason that has to be changed? Through you, Mr. Meredith. Councilor downer. With the current location of the heart, it would conflict with the proposed location for the family fountain. I don't see why we couldn't explore having it in that same area. We just have to see what kind of conflicts might be created. For all the other things we did try to place it in a location where you still have sort of that interesting Vista behind it with St. George's Church, and we had a lot of comments through the public process about how Douglas street is sort of a jewel within downtown. So it frames that view and St George's Anglican Church. So the intent was to keep. That sort of Instagram view for all of those people that use it for that purpose. But again, it is an element that is relatively easily moved. So through the technical details, we can look if it fit. I mean, even with the fountain in the background and the Quebec Street Mall. But anyway, I'll

leave that to you. But I would put that as something that to further explore. But again, thank you. It's great work. Okay. For real this time. Councilor Koran then. Councilor Cayton. Great. Thank you. Echoing all of my colleagues. Great work. I always find that, especially when you're looking at pictures of your kids. You see their evolution only when you look back at those first photos and you see where we've come from and where they've gone, and I. Looked back at the first iteration of this square and where we've come, and I think you've got that wow factor in. Listening to the community was certainly part of that, so thank you for that. More questions of clarifications? I think I heard it in your presentation really quickly, but the edge treatment along the street, I see just these planters. There is. That. Because it wasn't in the scope of the St. George's Square design and that'll be part of the Wyndham street design. Through Mr. Baron. Councilor Cron. So just to clarify, along the edge of the. Road. Yeah, the curb where the road meets the square. I just see these planters. In the renderings. And

yet, when we did the Wyndham street design, we talked about good, better, best on street trees. So I'm just wondering whether. That's that interface where curbed meets Road is part of a different project. The two projects are combined. There are ballards in locations that, again, provide that distinction between where cars are to drive and where people are to walk. There are street trees along Wyndham street and. Once you get into the square, it's not exactly sort of regular street trees at every interval because we've moved into that more natural setting for the trees. So a long window. You'll see street trees in both soil cells and planters. More at regular intervals. And then within the square, you see a lot of trees. Actually, we have increased the number of trees, but they're just not at that regular interval along the street. So it fits in with the overall design of the square. Okay. So on the renderings that we saw today. Wherever there's a planter. That might not necessarily be just a planter with flowers. It could be a tree. Agreed? Yes. It could be

great. Thank you, Councilor Cron. And to Katen, please. Thanks through you to staff again like everybody else. Kudos. On a very large project. In tech. We have a term that we say committee by design. And how horrifying that is. On the layer of people who have to actually create the design to take the feedback from a million different people, and everyone's got a different idea of what they think is the best. Thing. And so I know that that's a very hard project. And onerous process, and you all did a great job. I personally like the other design a little bit more, but I am not everybody, so I appreciate that you had to kind of do what you needed to do. I personally would really like to hear more about the washroom as time goes on, because. I think for usability and accessibility, that's really necessary. I know that the self cleaning washrooms themselves are not as accessible with the types of chemicals they use, their environmental impact and things like that, so. I do

understand and appreciate not going with that particular option right away. But I'm just wondering. When we'll hear back. About the potential for the washroom inside a building versus other places. What's the timeline? On that. Through you. Mr. Mayor to Councilor Cayton. I can't give you a specific. Timeline today as we've worked through the details of this project to get to this point. But it is part of our 2026 work plan, or my 2026 work plan to continue. To explore options. And opportunities to bring that back. So I can't give you a specific timeline, only to. Commit to that work is continuing. Great. Thank you so much. Awesome. And Councilor Chu, do you see have a comment as well or a question? Thank you. Through you, Mr. Mayor. Just the whole team here. Great work, Stacy. Andrew, thanks for meeting with me and Mike on a personal meeting. I just want to address some of the comments that I made during my consultation with you guys. Which I feel like got captured. I really appreciate the attention to the detail with the paving materials. I think

that really makes the biggest difference, just the variation. And also the alignment towards Douglas Street. I personally like the heart where it is lining up to Douglas street. As a photographer myself and many others. I think this will be a great thing to capture that subculture and niche that would patronize downtown. I also think. The steps by the Cibc. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it will serve as a natural amphitheater of sorts. For future events. I guess you can. That is our attention. Yes. Okay. Yeah. So I think that kind of solves the stage issue from my perspective, and I think it frames COLBECk street better, especially for all the storm games that happen. It's a natural. Staging. I'm from Vancouver and in Rogers arena, where the knucks play, there's. A natural staging that happens before you queue up and I think. This area where the fountain is. It'll naturally help frame a lot of those community conversions. So great work. I feel like for a first time with community engagement, a lot of

my comments have been captured so I really appreciate the thoughtfulness, and I know a lot of people in the landscape architecture community also appreciates your work. And I also just want to say, the tapering of the curb. And the planter. That was a nice touch as well. And. To add the heart there to really define that corner. That, honestly will make the biggest difference in draw, so great work. Thanks, Councilor Chu. All right, I think we're ready to call the vote. But staff would appreciate. So I'm going to call that right now because I think I've given my comments off the top about how thankful I am too, so I'll call it right now. Is anyone against this new design for St. George's square? Nobody. Go get a shovel. Let's go. All right, perfect. Thank you very much. You've already done the next thing on the agenda, which was the public appointments. And so what I'm going to suggest is that we do the third quarter budget monitoring. Report. We have one delegation to that, and then we're going to have a break and break

for lunch a little bit. Okay, so it's just. The way the day is going. So then we'll come back and do the Grand River Conservation Authority Bill 68 item. And then go on from there. So we have a delegation, a Christopher plumber. Okay. Welcome, Christopher. And sorry, I don't know if you've been here. Sorry, I don't. Have my glasses here. Don't. Have you been here for the other delegations? But you. Have up to five minutes. Four minutes and 32nd mark, there'll be a time. Okay, that will ring to give you. The 32nd warning. And you're here to talk about the 2025 third quarter budget monitoring. Reports. Go right ahead. First off. Thank you. To Merrickri and council. I must also commend counsel and staff for putting in the work. In regards to. A grant that. Will be perceived in this report. A

total of 11 million. From the community support or community sport and recreation Infrastructure fund. 10 million, which will go directly to improve the facilities that are sorely needed in the south. End community center. This grant writing is truly laborious. But with this windfall, has absolutely paid off very well for the city. Now, budget monitoring usually will contain some reference to the city's north star. The city's? Strategic plan. More on this in a bit, given that the improvements of the South End community center will soon see, thanks to. This grant. From the csri. Csrif I would like to show my concern and curiosity on how this relief will be used to best serve the community as a whole. 5.5 million of this is intended to enhance the project. And potential revenue generation. It also diverts 4.5 million. Into other much needed projects within the city's budget

that may help. A vulnerable part of the population to access said facility. To reference the 2025 second quarter budget monitoring report. It did find that the Rhodes division of the operations department projects. Projects a winter control deficit of 900,000 at year end. This basically states that. A single department's first quarter overshadows the entire budget allocated to the fractional. Part of maintenance of which is a part of the city's north Star. The city's official plan. Transportation master plan. And vision zero. That one in particular should be on every city and corporation's top priority. And quite frankly, the public is weary of these commitments being pushed aside. This. Now is the time to take count and use these funds. Available to the city and this opportunity to

make things right. Now. I think it's pretty apparent. That. I'm actually speaking. To winder maintenance of bike lanes, but I will see the floor after this one last point. 65.2 million so far is a lot of money. To this much needed south end project. But so is 10 million. And it could really go far to cover even a measly $650,000 as well. That about concludes what I do have to speak to council about. Thank you very much. All right, thank you. Is there any questions as a follow up? There isn't. Thank you very much. We appreciate it. Thank you. So can I have someone move? This one, busatill. And Richardson. Thank you. And I think because of the delegation comments, I think I would like

to just ask staff to confirm. Clarify. What was brought up was basically a difference between capital and operating. And a grant that comes from the government. Is specified for certain capital improvements, not ongoing operating costs. So there's no correlation there at all. Am I correct? Yes to you. Mr. Mayor, you are correct. This grant was very specifically intended for capital in recreation. Facilities, and so that is what it's been used for. Okay. Thank you for that clarity. Okay, so it's been moved and seconded. And I'll call the vote. Is that okay with everyone? Yes. Okay, I'll call. The vote. Is anyone against? No one. Okay, so that's unanimous as well. So as I said, we are going to take a break right now. And we'll come back here. For. Let's make it. Okay.

1230. Okay? We're going to have a lunch break until 1230, okay? We'll? See you then. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Oh, sure. Yeah. Before we break, because I can't. See the gallery. But. Is Cao Samantha Lawson in the gallery. To answer the questions for members of council, because if she is, is it necessary? Could we not? Do the GRCA motion before a break. If she's in the gallery, I'd like to know. Yeah, but. I don't know everyone. I'm not looking for her. Yeah, I know. Okay. I'm looking for our other delegations as well. Okay. And they're not here. So I understand where the conversation is going, and that is fine. So why don't we. Do that, but I'm trying to honor that. We have a delegation that has also signed up who was supposed to be here in person and who is not here. Maybe what we could do is a two parter. I'm trying to

make it up. On the fly. No. Because then. We're going to. Why don't we just do a little bit of a shorter break, okay? So we're. Not waiting as long. And so why don't we come back for. What did I say originally? I'm sorry. I said 1230. Okay, let's make it 1220. Okay, we'll make. It 1220 to come back here. I'm just. Sorry. I'm just trying to. Balance that, yes, we have someone in the eyes, but we also have someone that's supposed to be signed up as a delegate, too. Okay, so we'll come back here. For 1220. Okay, thank you.

Okay, for my councilmates online. I think we're just doing the 1 minute warning.

Okay, we are calling the meeting back to order. So thank you so much. For coming back. We do have this item is the Grand River Conservation authority Bill 68, which is a plan to protect Ontario Act. And because this was asked to be brought forth by councilor Billings, I'll just allow councilor billings to speak to the item, just to kind of set the stage. And we have a couple of delegations that have also signed up as well. And so, councilor Billings, I will turn it over to you. Thank you, Mr. Merrick. Do you want me to put the motion down first? Before. What is your preference for order? No, I'm giving you the opportunity. The grace just to allow. You to table what you're looking to try to do to set the stage, and then we'll allow the delegations to go. Any questions? And then we'll come back to you to formally put it on the floor at that. Point. Okay, Mr. Mayor. Okay. So the province announced a new provincial body intended to strengthen

and the coordination and oversight. I. E. Governance. And this body is called the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency. And the province is proposing to consolidate 36 conservation authorities into seven larger regional bodies. And many cas and municipalities have passed motions with respect to this matter. And. Essentially part of their motion is they're rejecting the seven larger regional bodies that are being proposed. So, in summary, which is from the attachment, Mr. Mayor, the GRCA is unique in that they're offering an alternative to the provincial proposal, and the GRCA board believes the province's. Modernization and gold can still be achieved more effectively through. A refined, right sized regional model aligned with the scale of the existing. Source protection regions that we have. So I asked for this motion to be placed on the agenda for council's approval to

support the GRCA's bid to have the source protection regions be the boundaries instead of the proposed seven larger bodies. Okay. That sets the stage. Okay, thank you very much. And just so you know, From Amo point of view. With me being on the Amo board and such, there's. A lot of municipalities that are passing these types of support motions in very similar fashion, so I think it is important that we look at this and it's also timely. We sort of have to get these things done prior to the break, so thank you, councilor Billings. And we do have two delegations, as I said. The first is Susan Watson, and the second one is Dr. Hugh Whiteley, and Susan is here in person, and then Dr. Whiteley will join us online. And I think you would both know, but just because I always say it, it's up. To five minutes. With a chime at the four minute and 32nd mark. And to stick around in case any of my colleagues or myself have any questions. I

do want to just reiterate that we are speaking to what's been tabled by councilor billings. And in regards to Bill 68, as much as possible, please. Okay. Thank you very much, Susan over to you. Yeah. Mayor Guthrie and members of Guelph City council. I'll start by. Saying that I completely support the resolutions brought forward by councilor billings, and I encourage all of council to vote in favor of them. It's clear that Bill 68 is going to have a massive impact on levees governance. And accountability. But Bill 68 also appears to have very serious implications for current GRCA assets, including infrastructure, financial reserves and land. In his letter to you, John Chalinar says the following. The GRCA maintains significant watershed specific infrastructure reserves and land assets. Including infrastructure, financial reserves and land. Sorry. The GRCA maintains significant watershed specific infrastructure reserves and land assets built through decades of watershed investment. Key concerns include the potential redistribution of welldeveloped GRCA reserves to support capital needs in other

watersheds that have not made comparable investments. Clear assurances are required to ensure these resources remain dedicated to the watershed communities they were intended. To serve. So the GRCA is clearly concerned about what is going to happen to their assets. I want to speak about the implications of Bill 68 for the eight hectare field, which was once part of the former Frank Courtright Waterfowl center, which is at risk of being sold off and developed back in July of this year. Staff and the mayor were assuring the public that they were on this file. There was supposed to be a public report back. In the fall of this year, and it's now December 16, but just a couple of weeks ago, the mayor stated in a CTV interview that the ultimate fate of this land is not up to the city. The GRCA determined that it was deemed surplus. They will control the process. On what happens with those lands. This is a complete abdication of council's responsibility. In the 1970s, the city of Guelph contributed hundreds of thousands of tax dollars towards the assembly of land for the future Hanlon Creek Conservation area, part of which was the purchase of the former Frank courtright, Waterfowl park.

I've provided you with the historic documentation. That proves that Guelph contributed 30% to 40%. Of the purchase price, the mnr 50% to 60%, and the grca only 10%. That original investment is now worth millions. Former civic leaders, Norm Jerry, Ken Hamill and Eileen Hamill advocated for this contribution. So the GRCA could hold these lands in trust for the city of citizens of Guelph in perpetuity. I obtained a copy of the MnR grant letter via an FOI, and it contains this statement. Please refer to the attached copy of the report to Management Board for further particulars and conditions. Of approval. The GRCA was unable to locate this document in their files, and at the July 16 council meeting councilor billings asked staff if they were going to try to obtain that document from the archives of Ontario and. The answer was that the legal department was working on it. It's now five months later. Has that document been retrieved? What does it say? Because that document could have potential legal implications around the ability of the

GRCA or any other conservation area. To sell those lands. And you also need to fix the problem that you created. I would not advise, depending on any assurances from the province. Margot reasserted in his CTV interview that the city understands the importance of Parkland. How is it then, that in 2017, under Mayor Guthrie's leadership, the city removed open space parkland? Zoning for 8 conservation land within the city's boundaries. I still don't have a clear understanding of how or why that happened. And this is in a context where we're on track to incur a massive parkland. Deficit by the year 2051, a shortage of 174 ha relative to projected population five riverside parks. Well, city council changing the zoning of this land. Jacked its value into the stratosphere. And the temptation was simply too much for the GRCA. They fabricated a false acquisition narrative about the Hesplardan project to justify declaring its surplus and cashing in.

With the looming conservation area amalgamations, it's anyone's guess now what could happen. To that land. In a couple of months, you will have the opportunity to correct this historic error and protect this. Land. When an official plan update comes to council in February 2024, you need to act on that opportunity and change the zoning back to open space. Parkland. Thank you. Thank you very much for your opinions. And is there any questions at all for the delegate? No seeing, hearing none. Thank you very much. Thank you. And now we have Dr. Hugh Whiteley. Going to join us by video. Looks like he's joining us now. Just got to turn on your video if you can. Here. All right, we do see a hue. We just need you to unmute. I unmuted once.

I'll do it again. All right, we can hear and see you. So your five minutes. Will start whenever you're ready. Thank you. Thank you. And council members for this most important issue being presented to council for some action. I want to focus attention. Exclusively on Bill 68 because. It represents an extraordinary. Lead damaging. Act by the provincial government to remove local. Involvement in conservation activities. And I want counsel to be aware of. How extensive is the background of the city of Guelph in the formation of the original? Conservation. Authorities act. The Record is clear that it was a 1941 conference held in Memorial hall at the University of Guelph that triggered off the recognition that

southern Ontario. Conservation depended on the formation of conservation authorities. The motion from that 1941 meeting pointed out. That deterioration in the natural resources in southern Ontario. Was so severe. In the early 40s. That the future sustainable prosperity of the communities of that area are at risk. And to answer that difficulty. The meeting called for the formation. Of voluntary. Municipal. Coordination on a watershed basis. As the way that governance could properly give attention to conservation of natural resources. This call was taken up by the provincial government under the leadership of George Tru I'm interested to learn that he's a favorite of one of the council members.

As the only gulf based premier of Ontario anyway, George. Drew recognized the importance of forming. These. Community led. Municipal coordinated conservation authorities. And. The essential feature of them is that they are voluntary. The province did not force municipalities to form conservation authorities. It allowed them to recognize the wisdom of gathering together. And operating on a watershed basis to produce good conservation policies. This was further strengthened by. Another conservative. Premier leslie frost. In his long period. Of leadership in Ontario. Leslie identified himself as an environmentalist and quite. Properly. Strengthened conservation authorities activities. The overall outcome from

this is that it's been an outstanding success. In the city of Guelph in particular, has benefited more. Probably than any other municipality for having conservation authority basis for natural resource management. We not only have outstanding conservation areas. In Guelph Lake and Rockwood. And I would point out that. The reason that there is a Rockwood conservation area is that. Aguelph leadership. Personality. Mac.

Was strongly in favor of forming it and created it. In addition, The gulf has benefited from. A huge amount of natural area retention. There's 775 acres. Of the hanlon creek conservation area. That. Is developed. From. Wealth based. Operations within the conservation authorities framework. To acquire that land. And I don't know that council members are aware that two other very important. Conservation area. Areas in the vicinity of Guelph, Starky hills and the Smith property on the Aramosa. River. Both of those. Were. Hi, Hugh. It's Merrick Guthrie, and I'm sorry that you just went over. Your five minutes there, and so the time stopped for you. My apologies. But thank you for your. Presentation. Let me just ask if there is a follow up question from any

of my colleagues. Yeah. Councilor Quran, please. I think we were about to get information on the history of the Smith property and how it parallels. With the grCa. Land. History, and I just wondered if we could give another 30 to 60 seconds to Dr. Whitely. I'll ask us, as a question, Dr. Whitely, what is the history of the smith? Property as it relates to this agenda item. Just so everyone knows, we don't usually allow. That anymore to. Use a question to help someone continue on on a delegation. But I'm charitable, and it's the holiday season, so I'm going to allow it right now as the chair. I'm going to make that ruling. But please, in the future, we shouldn't use this as an opportunity to allow people just to continue on, just from a process point of view. Dr. Whitely, go ahead and answer that question for councilor Kran. Okay. And us. Thank you. Hey, Dr. Whiteley, I'm going to give you your time back here. You're still muted. Could you unmute for us?

Can. Can our clerks unmute for him? Yeah. Okay. Sorry, Dr. Whiteley, did you want to try one more time after I was all. Charitable there. And letting you answer the question. It's not working. Darn it. Sorry, Dr. Whitely. It's just not working. Another 5 seconds. Give it a try. I'm so sorry, Dr. Whitely. It's just not working. By all means. We know you're good with email. If you want to maybe just send. Counsel a quick email with that. Lucky I kept talking. Okay, keep going. Answer that question for Councilor Cron. The city of Guelph undertook with the GrCA the Gulf Valley Lands project. The first three pieces of land that were on city of Guelph request list bought by the GRCA. Were the Smith property,

the very first property. The second was the Hanlon Creek est. Estate property. And the third was the Starky Hills 200 acre purchase. All right, you got a thumbs up from Councilor Quran and all of us here. Thank you very much. And thank you for your delegation. Okay. Yeah. Thanks, Dr. Whitely. Have a good holiday. Bye bye. All right, councilor billings, I'm going to turn it back to you if you want. To state anything, and I know you would love to. Move the motion as well, so I'll turn over to you. So, Mr. Mayor, I'll move the motion and it's seconded by Councilor Chu. Do you want me to read the entire motion? I really don't. But. We're going to ask the clerks to throw it up on the screen, at least. As you speak about the importance of this, we can have it at least up there for everyone. To see. Okay. Essentially, Mr. Merritt,

the jrca board believes that. You can still modernize like the province wants us to do. While preserving local responsiveness and using the source protection regions. Would be in my mind. Well, it would make sense, and it would be more effective and manageable. Where I feel that what the province is proposing would be nonsensical. Under the now, therefore, be it resolved. Which is the third clause? I added that clause. Because well stated in the attachment, municipalities are to fund all or a portion of this new agency's. Operation. So it really means municipalities pay and have no say. But by the way, this is a precedent. Setting method for funding a provincial agency, which in my view, is just wrong on so many levels. Hold on. Okay, so you're saying I don't have to read them the

entirety of the. Motion. No. You can if you wish. It's just that there's a lot of. There's a lot. I think everyone could read it. Yeah. Okay, I'm seconded by councilor Chu, and you still have the floor. Go ahead. Yes. And just quickly, Cao Samantha Lawson. I believe. Is in the gallery and she's here. To answer any questions from members of council with respect to this matter. Actually, I'm going to invite you to the microphone for a moment because you have been here. Would you like to just validate or clarify? Speak to the importance of what you think Guelph council is looking to vote on. Sorry. I hope that's okay. Everybody give me the ability to do that. You've been here. Thank you. Great. Thank you very much for the opportunity. I think just to further highlight the recommendation from the province is. To basically consolidate 81 municipalities. So that would be the number of municipalities that would be in the new proposed regional conservation

authority that the GRCA would be included into. So that's going to run, basically from Guelph right to Windsor. So it's a fairly large landscape. And I think most of the municipalities can recognize that the success of conservation authorities is because of the local focus and the local input. That happens to create the programs and services that we provide. So the GRCA is proposing recognizing, as councilor Billings had mentioned, that there are some needs. To modernize the system. And that can come through consolidation, but at a much smaller scale. So the GRCA is proposing the source protection regions which would consolidate for cas into one, but. It's already a proven governance model. And it is at a size that we feel. It doesn't dilute the local input or opinions or programs and services that it would provide. The other item. Too that was mentioned was the new provincial agency, and that is something new for the province and so that is to provide greater provincial oversight.

To whatever the new conservation authorities are, and that would include governance as well as operational items. It's also a tool the province is using to help standardize and advance some of the tools that the conservation authorities could utilize, so increasing greater capacity for permitting and managing the. Variety of programs and services that we have. So really appreciative of the opportunity and the support from the city, as well as the other watershed municipalities and happy to answer any questions. Thank you very much. I'm going to go to Alt and busatill and then up to Kharan. Please. Thank you very much, Mayor Guthrie. And thank you to the delegate. For standing here in front of us to clarify some things. With regards to the 81 municipalities and the various conservation authorities, how many of them are expressing similar concerns to what we are discussing here. Through you. Mayor to council. All of them. There we go. That's a great answer. Nice and short. The other concern that I have is with regards to. I think it was a comment by councilor billings and also clubs three about.

Downloading of costs to municipalities. Could you unpack that? This is a big concern to me. We can't afford any more downloading. I'm through you. Mayor to council. So the amendments to the Conservation Authorities act that were tabled in bill 68 have been enacted. So the bill was passed. The one part of the amendments that was not enacted was the ability of the agency to levy the conservation authorities for costs associated to their operations. So the province. Is still doing consultation on the amalgamation or consolidation of the conservation authorities, and at those sessions they've said that the first term of the agency will be funded by the province, so the first term is three years. Starting effectively, I think, 2026. And that they won't be utilizing their powers to levy the conservation authorities in that time. I will put heavy caveats around it. That's what they've said. So they also mentioned too that in the spring they will be issuing regulations to more formalize. The responsibility of the agency relative to the new proposed conservation authorities

because the relationship is still not clear either how much oversight and input they will have into the management. Of the new conservation authorities, but yes, they have put in there the ability to levy the conservation authorities for the costs and operations of the agency. Thank you very much. So what I understand just to try to break it down is from 2026. To 2029. This might be revenue neutral from 2029 onward, which is a year before. The next municipal election after this one, it would be incumbent upon the conservation authorities and the municipalities. To fund further the conservation authorities. Therefore putting. A greater tax burden on the municipalities. Is that a correct assumption? Through Mayor Guthrie? Yes, I think so. Because the agency has the ability to levy the conservation authorities, who in turn apportion the municipalities. And just to follow up. And it also sounds like without. Any significant oversight. Over. Whatever they are, conservation

authorities, whatever. Is that correct? Yes. So through you, mayor, the legislation states that they will be provincial appointments to the board that governs the agency. Sounds like fun. Thank you very much. Thank you. And it's busatill and then Qur'an and then Chu. Thank you. And through the mayor, thank you for. Staying. Thank you for staying. So I want to first acknowledge and thank. Councilor billings for raising the governance concern and putting it into a motion. It's a huge concern about the centralization of decision making. And to counselor out absolutely about the downloading on the local residents. He asked a number of my questions. Just a quick question around. Has this resolution. Similar resolutions been shared with public Health Ontario, other kinds of bodies and agencies to kind of. Raise the concerns. Through you, mayor. GRC specifically hasn't shared it with other public agencies, but we have shared. It with the local MPP's first nations and

all the watershed municipalities. Thank you. Thank you very much. Koran and chu. Thank you. For you, Mr. Mayor. And thanks to the delegate for sticking around as well. Two of the previous delegates talked about the risk. Of land acquisitions over a long period of time that were funded in part by the city of Guelph being at risk with this consolidation plan? Is that a risk that the GRCA is talking about and a risk that you share. And then a second question is about. The document from the 1970s that. Is still. Being searched for. Just wondered if you had an update on what that document might contain. Okay, so to answer the first question about the concern, what will happen under consolidation to all of GRCA's assets. Yet that is a significant concern of the GRCA. Again, it's not clear. What the process is for, the consolidation or how that's going to happen. Grca is seeking

legal advice. To best prepare us for that. From the GRC's perspective, I think it's fairly similar. That. We don't necessarily want. The authority has been around for 80 years and has built up reserves and has a very sophisticated program, particularly in terms of our management of our water infrastructure. And our concern is that. That similar sort of longevity of the organization, but also approach is not matched with some of the other cas that potentially could be consolidated with the authority. And our concern is that GRCA priorities would not surface as high based on a regional context, so there's a lot of concern. Around a number of assets that the auth. Authority has. In regards to the 1970s document. I think the delegate mentioned we didn't find a copy. Of that report. In our files. And we have not asked for it from the province. But my understanding is the city has. Okay, thank you. Councilor Kran Chu, please. Thank you. Through you, Mr. Mayor. Sam, thank you. For coming to Gulf council on this matter.

I'm just curious. Based on the working group conversations at GRCA, How much emphasis in advocacy has there been around preserving the source water protection regions. In the administrative boundary changes. So GRC was one of the first conservation authorities to formally table detailed comments to the province as well as our other agencies. I think the province has been clear in some of the roundtable discussions that we've had that we will not have 36 conservation authorities after 2027. They're flexible. In the seven or appear to be flexible in the seven. I think around the table with other conservation authorities. Considering that there is already a framework in place and a governance model in place at the source protection level. I think some of my colleagues would agree that that's a more of a logical step. Versus. The large scale regional consolidations. Okay? And we are one of the largest cas in Ontario is that correct? Geographically, yes. We're the largest. Okay. And can you very quickly speak

to some? Of the, I guess, cultural and governance issues, perhaps some of the smaller cas and rural cas. Compared to the structure and culture that we have here. In southwestern Ontario. Yeah. So I think the province actually highlighted at one of the sessions that the Toronto regional conservation authority has a budget of 177,000,000 and that there are a number of cas. That have budgets of less than two to 3 million. So I do think that there are capacity issues when it comes to offering programs and services. I think the province is recognizing in some of the municipalities in the province. Have also requested that. There needs to be more capacity in certain areas. And some of the conservation authorities and the programs and services that they deliver. Given the importance. Of natural hazard management. So the flood mitigation management as well as source protection and some of the other programs that the conservation authority offers. I think one of the other items, too, that the province. Is really concerned about. Is also the consistency in terms of standards across. Conservation authorities, and I think that speaks again to some of the capacity of the smaller

conservation authorities. To have more modern policies in place. The ability to have digital systems in place for managing permits and that sort of thing. So I think there is some agreement around the table. That there is some benefits to consolidating and modernizing the programs. And. Yeah, I'll probably leave it at that. Yeah, I just bring that up. Because. There are conversations that you guys have within. Erie. First protection regions and perhaps. That could be maximized further from a governance lens to kind of address the consistency component. Moving beyond just source protection conversations, but also operational issues. Maybe that could be a takeaway as well. I'm finished. Thank you. Thank you, councilor. Chief. That's it, I think, for questions to you. Thank you for sticking around as well. We appreciate your work, too. Thank you. I must be trying times. With the whole announcement and everything from the province. So we wish you all the best, okay? Thank you for what you do. Yeah, thanks. Okay.

Councilor Downer has a question. For staff. I do see councilor Gibson. Okay, you can do questions or comments just so we can get to the end of this item. You miss me? Yeah. And thanks to council rulings for bringing this forward. I think it's. A really important issue. I have a question for staff. And I notice Jody's not here, but. In the information items that we get. Under intergovernmental consultation. It says on this issue. That staff may prepare a letter for submission via the environmental Registry of Ontario. Did we do that? So through the mayor to councilor Downer. So staff are working on that right now, so. The idea is to have that posted this Friday in the information packages, and so that work is to come, but what I can say? Is certainly staff overall are fundamentally aligned with what's in front of you today. You know, our perspective in that water is paramount. And with gulf being a drinking water, Groundwater based drinking water community. The watershed work here is imperative. It's of utmost importance to us. And so you'll see that type of commentary reflected. In the staff documentation. Perfect. Thank you.

Yeah, because I know the deadline, I think, is the 22nd. For this consultation, so that's perfect. The other thing, I would add. I wonder if council. Billings would mind if I added one amendment to number four, which would be to include Amel. In the circulation. The association of Municipalities of Ontario. So could I move that as an amendment? You don't need an inviting to and councilor. Billings will second that. And I'm going to call the vote on amo if that's okay. Are we talking about the amendment? Councilor fraud. Number four who the circulation is. Yes, I had an amendment to the amendment. Should I do that now or wait for this to pass because I was going to add the other GRCA member municipalities. I guess that would be covered in Amo. If Amo circulates it to everyone. Well, I think that you can do that, too. Emma won't be circulating. Okay, so I'll add an amendment and other GRCA member municipalities. Hope it's frankly,

and it's seconded by councilor Chu. On the amendment. Okay, Councilor Chu, just through you to councilor Caron. I just wonder if that would. Be redundant to add GRC member of municipalities because. Virtually all the municipalities are doing a similar form as we are today, and they're tabling their own motions. So I'm just saying. They're already doing that, so I wonder if we need. To add that. Piece. You know what? As the chair, I will just say that it doesn't hurt. So I say we support councilor Cron's amendment to the amendment, and we move. On. Can I call the vote on the amendment to the amendment of adding GRCA member municipalities? Good. Is anyone against that? Nobody good. We're back to the amendment now of counselor councilor downers about adding. Amo. Torto been seconded. Any questions on that? No. I'm going to call the vote. Anyone against adding amo as an amendment. Nobody. That's

unanimous. Awesome. We're back to the main motion. As amended now, and on my list, I did have Billings and then Gibson, and then that is. It. So through you, Mr. Mayor. I mean, the question I had, councilor Downer asked it so. To staff when the staff do the posting. Is it going to be clear that we are like the city of Guelph is supporting? The source protection regions. And to make that extremely clear, Through the merit of council billings, I can tell you certainly that staff's position and perspective so as a takeaway, we'll make sure the language is reflective of the comment. Thank you. Thank you so much. Gibson, please. Yeah. Thank you. Not a question. Comments? I just wanted to applaud the constitution. Of 30 and everyone who works with them. I think aligning with source water protection is a logical approach as an alternative to the province. I know in working with advocacy with the provinces, you don't always appreciate the direction. The province wants to go, but you acknowledge that they have the ability to do that, so you have to offer

them alternatives, and I just want to say it's a sound argument. I'm glad that the conservation authorities seem to be broadly adopting it, and I think it's. The one thing that I have observed from this government over the last eight years is that. The premier is famous for saying, I'll put water in my wine sometimes if he gets too far ahead of his skis. And sometimes they want to move the ball. They want to move the ball 20 yards down the line, but they realize they can really only get five or six and still achieve what their objectives are, but it's not what they first proposed, so. I've seen that multiple times. And again, I. Applaud the advocacy because it's worthwhile, and I think it would be successful. Thank you. I'm going to call the vote then. Okay, everybody, this is on the main motion as amended. Okay. Is anyone against? Nobody. Okay, that's unanimous. Too. Awesome. Okay. Motion to adjourn. Just kidding. Come on. A little levity, right? Just a little levity.

Okay. By the way, my council colleagues. Online. There's a few people in the audience. That's who I was speaking to there. As well if you can't see them, okay? Just 1 second, everybody. Just 1 second. I was actually in the middle of just doing something. Okay.

We are at the bylaws. Probably the most exciting. Bylaws we've ever had. Since I've been Mary anyways. So look. Can I just have some grace for a moment from everyone? To speak for a moment. Thank you. Thank you. I found a way to figure it out. Okay. Dylan, do you happen to have the strong mayor order? It's a compromised position. Council may like it or not because it's on them, but here it is. I using the strong mayor powers? And increasing the operating budget by $650,000 to reinstate the snow removal services for the on street bike cleans, of which 349,118 will be funded by increasing the 2026 tax levy and 300,882 will be funded from the environment and utility contingency reserve. One time in 2026, resulting in the remaining 300,000 tax levy impact into 2027.

In other words, this will be ongoing. It's not still one year. Removing the addition of the two bylaw officers included all associated operating expenses, which will decrease the net tax levy by 99,117. And decreasing the operating budget by $250,000 by decreasing the transfer to the 100 re reserve, reducing the tax levy and decreasing the capital budget. For capital project GD 2611 100 re initiatives by $250,000 in each year from 2026 to. 2035 capital budget and forecast I'll just pausing on that moment for a second. That can always be amended year by year, but moving into 2026, it will be taken out. I have signed this mayoral order, and it's signed by the clerk, which means it's. Done. You have the bike lanes back maintained starting today. Now. I want to give some context. And no notes in front of me. You all know me well enough. I don't have notes usually at all.

Maybe I get in trouble for that. But. This has been. Extremely. Difficult to figure out. There are some of you maybe listening online, some of you in this audience. That I have not maybe been contacting you back, which is not like me, and. I've been straight to the point in some of my responses of thank you for your feedback. It's because. All of my time has been trying to figure this out. Okay. There were a lot. This is new ground and I'm going to blame. The strong mayor powers for the situation we have found ourselves in. Because the strong mayor powers do not allow any of my colleagues to do a notice of reconsideration. On emotion. If that didn't exist, then anyone of my colleagues that had a change of heart on an issue could come, they could present a notice of reconsideration. We could figure it out. We could debate it, we could approve it. Okay, but they're not allowed. Because of the strong

mayor powers. It's all on me. And it shouldn't be a shock to anybody that I don't like raising taxes. That's what I've been as the mayor and a counselor for years. It shouldn't be a shock, but I've been trying to figure out a way to get this to work while making it no impact on property taxes, which is what I figured out. Okay. So in the absence of a notice of reconsideration, it is my duty as the leader as the mayor to acknowledge my council colleagues and the public. But my council colleagues, who are rightfully coming with concerns, changes of heart, differences of opinions. Saying, do I ignore that as a leader? Do I ignore that as the mayor? Is that good? Governance. Is it me to say? Well, too bad for you. So here I am, using the strong mayor powers in this way, which I kind of said I would never do, and which, I might add, many of my colleagues around here have written extensively and told me extensively that it would

be undemocratic and that I should never use them. But there has been some unity around using them in this way. And I believe that to do the right thing. I have found a way forward which has taken me. Through many unmaintained bicycle lanes to get here. And I want to explain the situation then, because I have signed a mayor or order. It means. That the bylaw that is on here now is mute. It has to be removed. Because as the mayor, I have directed. That this be funded. Now, there's more to this process, though. Council technically has 21 days from right now. To confer with the clerk. And say, I would like to challenge the mayor's strong mayor order. You have the authority to do that? But I'll be blunt. If you do that, then

you are raising taxes and I'm. Not here for that. So this is a compromise? We're getting this done. Starting today. That certainty is then given to the public and to all of us. But there's a compromise built in on this for one year. We're reducing a little bit because I do not want to raise taxes. I'm not like that. And I hope you understand, as the mayor with the authority to do this under this strong air legislation. This is the way I move forward, and if you want to challenge that, then you go ahead. But I think this is a good compromise. And all of it can be on the table for another term in another year. And I want to thank my council colleagues. Who have fully and respectfully talked to me for the entire last week about this topic and raised very valid points. And some of those valid points have come from the public. Too. Thank you. Some of them I thought went a little overboard. But I hope you understand my position. And the frustration that I had in trying to

uphold unity amongst counsel. Banging my head against the municipal act, banging my head against the strong mayor powers, trying to figure out how not to raise taxes to land at this compromise today. So with that. I don't think there's really much more to say. Unless someone wants to jump in because I'm being hospitable. But. I want to thank staff. Too. Because let me tell you, staff. Have. This is all new territory, right? This is all new territory. I hope I've landed at a good place for everybody. I really and honestly and authentically do. This has been a really tough budget. Okay. We have to make our city affordable. And it means everything has to be on the table sometimes. This shouldn't have been one of them. And I acknowledge that. I think leaders sometimes needs to say I'm sorry. So I'm going to say it.

I'm sorry. And I mean that. I can understand the reasons why. This should be funded. More so than I knew a few weeks ago. Okay. No clapping, even though I would love that. But please, no clapping in the chambers. Alt and then busted till. Thank you, Mayor Gutsri. On a point of personal privilege, I would like to extend my thank you to you for, as I said to you, three or four days. Ago road to Damascus moment. I don't think there were bike lanes on that particular road. So you were probably walking it. But for many people in Guelph, this will indeed be perceived. As Christmas coming early. We all understand that this was a safety issue that regrettably became. A challenge at budget time. It takes a lot to take a step back and do what you did, and I know that. Many people in Guelph appreciate this. Thank you. If you could please capture everywhere councilor Alta said and put that in the minutes. That would be awesome. Yeah. Councilor Busatill and then Kauzer. Thank you. Ditto to what councilor Alt said, but

I also want to acknowledge publicly. You don't see this, but I'm texting Ken. I'm calling Cam. And he's like, in meetings. If you can picture, like, a big ball of wool all tied together with the legislation and the regulations and the acts. And kudos to the mayor for. Taking the time? Hours and hours. You don't see the bruises on his head? Just trying. To sort through this. But the other thing, you don't see. I had the privilege after. The chamber breakfast. I conned Cam into buying me lunch. But anyway, so we went and had lunch at the delta, and I didn't see these emails as a counselor, but there must have been a dozen emails that the mayor received from senior citizens about affordability in the city and just his breaking heart around this. So when he talk. Talks about affordability. This is sincere. These are people who, and I do lots of community work. Who can't afford housing and can't afford food. So we're trying to find the balance given. As you heard earlier, with more downloading coming on us as a city trying to do more with less. So thank you. Thank you to the mayor. Thank you, Councilor Pusatilhauser. I also wanted

to just express. My gratitude for finding this compromise, and I do have a takeaway from this whole process. So the amendment, period. Exists so that people can reconsider and go back and look at things, and I would suggest strongly to any future counsel to not waive the amendment. Period. That's all. Thank you. Amend that. That's right. Well, you said road to Demacus. Okay. Clawson and then Chu and then Gibson. Yes. Ditto to what all my colleagues are saying, and thank you for all of the members of public who reached out with their personal stories. Of their need to ride their bikes every day, their need to use bike lanes for motorized scooters and other mobility devices. I think it makes a difference when we hear all of those stories. And I'm grateful for those. And I also just want to say thank you to my colleagues who reconsidered. Particularly councilor Gibson. Because I think that you put it before us in a way that I think many people started. To ask questions about. What a process to bring back the winter maintenance of the bike

lanes and what that could look. Like. And it might be different. From some of our other reasons, but I do appreciate that you did reconsider that. With your residents in mind. And finally, thank you for Cam, for finding that compromise. It again, isn't the compromise that all of us want. But I also appreciate that you apologized. And took accountability for that. So thank you for finding this. Thank you. I'm sorry. Was it? Jew. And then Gibson. And then I see Katen as well. Koran as well. Yeah. Thank you. Through you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you for bringing us forward so we have a chance. To publicly comment. And, yeah, we appreciate all your efforts. Look, public policy. At the end of the day, there's black. There's white and there's all the gray in between. And I think sometimes, especially in the last budget conversation, a lot of us were zeroing in a lot of the policy then some of the organizational challenges that we face. And at the end of the day, I just want to share. A lot of us, we're in the position that we needed. To stabilize some of our services so some of our local roads can get attention, because we have

a lot of inclement weather events that are beyond our staff's ability. And I think about the folks on Tolton, I think about the folks on Dalin McNulty Hunt street. We have a lot of insular communities, especially. Outside the downtown corps that often don't get attention that. They need. We have a policy. Where? Snow plows get out when it's 8 cm or more. Sometimes those roads don't. Get. Seen. Much more after that. So I think this is a good conversation. I met with many of you in the downtown community. In particular, and it's a great opportunity that I had to share with you some of the operational issues that we face outside the core, and I hope in your advocacy that you could share some of those stories. From some of our insular streets and communities. Where winter maintenance is very difficult. And again. We have a city that's over 200 years old. A downtown corps that's over 200 years old, and that's it. Juxtaposed. By some of the urban communities that have been built up within the last 20 years. So we have a lot of challenges. To meet to bridge those service gaps that we have. But I just want to commend staff on

their work again. We're trying to build a culture of material solutions on this. Council, and I think this is a good step to help. Help us have more productive conversations that don't. Pit issues against issues because, again, public policy. There's a white and then there's all the grain between that require all of us to work together. So thank you, Mr. Mayor, for your work as well, in particular. Okay. Thank you. I think I said Gibson. And then Koran and Katen. Sure. Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and I do appreciate you. Bringing this forward. I sincerely do. I'm not going to do any storytelling, but I did share this with a few counselors earlier today. A couple of issues over the years have been perceived very black and white at the beginning, but end up becoming very reconciled with different opinions, and I go back to the driveway issue. My wardmate, Councilor Keaton. We didn't agree on why we needed to relax. The driveway issue. But we agreed that we did, and there was different reasons for it. I come back to online voting. The decision. Councilor Downer and I, we have different reasons why we supported online voting, but we both did for our various

reasons. In this situation, there are multiple reasons why we need to maintain. Maintenance of our corridors throughout the winter. My reasons may not be particularly aligned with every single person's. Reasons, but they are aligned in the fact that we do need to maintain the service. So, Mr. Merritt. Thank you. You took my calls. I know you have 13 different people to listen. To and trying to manage through. But. You did take my calls, and you did work very hard on this issue for the full credit. For that. To achieve a restoration of service with no impact to the tax base is a win, I think. For everyone around the horseshoe from every angle. So thank you. All right. Thank you. And Karan. And then Katen. Yeah. Just echoing my colleagues. So much of leadership is collaboration. And I know you made a lot of phone calls yesterday. In an attempt to collaborate. But until I saw what was on the screen, I was not aware that this was coming. When I asked for the bylaw to be pulled, so I didn't get to read the entire document of where all of the pieces were coming from and where the offsets were. So if you could forward a copy of that to members of council. I know it goes on our website. But if we could

get a copy of it as your colleagues via email, that would be great. And then. We can move past this and dust off. Our bikes. No problem. It's part of the process that it's actually emailed to all of councils. So the clerks is doing that in regards to timing. This was figured out by me. At 1230. Five. So this idea came to me. While eating. Anyways. Because up until just yesterday I honestly did not know up a path forward until I figured it. Out just an hour and a bit ago. It's sometimes a little bit easier with some people that are in the room just to be able to talk to a little bit with those that are online. And so I apologize if you didn't catch wind of it, but it literally happened within the last hour and a half. I'm sorry. Okay, go ahead. Thanks through you, Mr. Mayor. So. I wanted to thank. I've been one of the people who is

again, strong mayor powers. And I understand. That specifically with the budget. The province doesn't give mayors. Wasn't doing you a favor, I don't think, to put all of that on. The mayor's shoulders. And when we got ourselves. Into the situation that we were. Procedurally, I think that that was the only path forward, so. I appreciate that you used it in this moment. And I wanted to thank all of the folks who have been contacting us and bringing up the issues. And I want to thank my council colleagues, because there has been a lot of conversation in this past week, and we don't always vote on the same side of things and like councilor. Gibson said. We all have different reasons for that. But. It was really good to be able to talk through these issues with you all. And kind of bring forward those thoughts and the community's thoughts together, and I'm very happy with the outcome of the resolution overall. And I also want to thank snow because I think that without seeing it in action. I don't think we would have been able to kind of visualize the actual impact. There's a lot of things that I didn't think of until I saw

it. And I was like, oh, yeah, that. So appreciate everyone, and I'm happy that it's come about in this way. Thanks. Okay. Thank you. I don't think I see anyone else, so thank you. Okay, billings, go. Ahead. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Yes, Ditto. However, just one thing I want to mention, and that is. Thank you so much. Procedurally, because voting against the bylaw. Is horrible governance and. It was very disturbing to me to do that. So thank you. Thank you for doing this so that we were not put in that terrible position. Thank you. I did owe to that. Okay. So may I ask someone to please? Move the bylaws. Without. That one bylaw councilor downer will do that. I'm sorry. Councilor downer will move. All except for or have you already fixed it? It's been removed. Okay, go ahead. Do you want me to read this all or do you want the bylaws? No,

that's good. I'll move the bylaw. Seconded by councilor elt. Okay. Any questions? I hope not. All right, I'll call the vote. Is anyone against the bylaws? All right. Thank you. Guys confer with the clerk for a moment? Everyone, just 1 second.

Everybody. There is one option that. I want to speak to you all about. And that is you can. I didn't know what was going to be said around the room here. It seems like there is a lot of unity here around this issue. So I throw it back to my council colleagues. There is a motion that can be tabled. Right now if you want to throw it up on the screen, Dylan, just so council can see. It. That UE could right now stop the 21 day period and accept my mayoral order right now. And then that way we're done. Or you can take 21 days and try to figure it out. And consider your next moves. But yes. May I ask a question of clarity? Yes, of course. If we don't accept this amendment, will it delay the implementation? Of the winter maintenance. It will not, and I'm going to have. Colleen Depp clock bush confirm that publicly right now. Thank you. Through the mayor, we, in fact, have already updated our public notice to say that the winter maintenance of the bike lanes has been restored, and we will resume that work immediately. We could table this motion. We could see if it passes,

and then we are done. And then. There's no sort of our clerks waiting up to 21 days, which is your right by the way. No pressure. But 21 days and then also. There's scheduling of meetings like in the new, early in the new year, whether or not we have to come back and decide all that. So I leave it to my council colleagues if there's someone that wishes to consider moving and seconding. Okay. Linda Busatil. And councilor Hauser will. Okay, so that motion has been moved and seconded. Is there? Anything more on that then before I call the vote? No. Okay, I'll call the vote. Is anyone against limiting the 21 day. Just galler. Okay. So that considers the matter, then done. Okay, thank you, everyone. I am looking for a motion to adjourn so we can all. I mean, go home. Who's going to move that? All right, Gibson. And billings. And is anyone against adjournment? No. Okay. Have a good Christmas and holidays, everybody, and how you celebrate and have a great rest. Of the day. Thank you very much.