Posted on August 30, 2010 by kfarbridge
Starting today, you can recycle your batteries for free at all six Guelph Public Library branches and at City Hall. Each location has bins to collect single use, rechargeable, button cell, 9V and lithium batteries for recycling.
The City will also continue to collect used batteries at the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Depot, located at the Waste Resource Innovation Centre at 110 Dunlop Drive. For hours of operation, visit guelph.ca/wetdry.
Last year a total of 8,909 kilograms of alkaline and rechargeable batteries were recycled through the HHW Depot.
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Posted on August 26, 2010 by kfarbridge
The City of Guelph is working with the University of Guelph to welcome students as they get to know the community.
The Right Foot Forward program will help students learn how to:
- Sort waste and recycling
- Find transit routes and stops
- Get involved in community events
- Be considerate, responsible neighbours
Right Foot Forward is looking for volunteers to distribute information to homes near campus on September 11 from 12:30 -3:00 p.m.
To volunteer, please contact: Bradley Williams Manager, Off Campus Living Department of Student Life University of Guelph 519-824-4120 x56276 Bwilliams01@uoguelph.ca
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Posted on August 26, 2010 by kfarbridge
Even 30-years after his death, generations still celebrate the vision, dedication and impact of Terry Fox on the fight against cancer.
For those of us who are a little (ahem… ) older it’s hard to believe so much time has passed since he made his way through the Royal City on July 22nd, 1980.
It’s wonderful that Team Up For Terry continues to provide an opportunity for groups, companies and friends to make a difference while commemorating a great Canadian, Terry Fox.
Whether signing up for the Terry Fox Run Day; holding a bake sale in his honour; or even matching corporate donations, there are many ways for people of all ages to contribute towards cancer research.
The next Terry Fox Run will be held on Sunday, September 19th, 2010.
For more information on Team Up For Terry Fox, please visit www.tfri.ca.
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Posted on August 17, 2010 by kfarbridge
Recently I signed an agreement with Guelph Hydro to implement sustainable energy projects for the City of Guelph under the City’s Community Energy Initiative.
Guelph Hydro Inc., a wholly owned entity of the City, will be responsible for taking the lead in developing sustainable energy projects within city-owned assets. This will include leasing municipal properties including roofs of municipal buildings for rooftop solar installations as well as developing, building and operating district energy and other clean power projects.
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Posted on August 11, 2010 by kfarbridge
Organic Meadow and Steen’s Dairy opened their new facility in Guelph today. The Honourable Carol Mitchell, Ontario Minister of Agrculture, Food and Rural Affairs was in attendance along with many of the farmers who supply the dairy. Farmers feed cities!
Their move to Guelph means new local jobs.
I like the connection to our agricultural sector in Guelph as well as the co-operative link. Guelph is home to many co-ops and is becoming recognized as a centre of excellence for co-operatives. Organic Meadow is a welcome addition to the local co-op family.
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Posted on August 11, 2010 by kfarbridge
Canadian Solar Solutions Inc. announced today they will be opening a manufacturing facility in Guelph to supply the solar market in Ontario. Our staff worked very closely with Canadian Solar to make their choice of Guelph an easy one. This is what we mean by be welcoming to business.
More details can be found clicking here (our first social media press release!)
These are my speaking notes for the event:
Good morning everyone. It is a real pleasure to be here this morning. Today’s announcement by Canadian Solar means hundreds of new manufacturing jobs for Guelph. As a mayor of a growing city, that is indeed good news. It is also good news for the growing solar industry in Guelph and nicely demonstrates both the environmental and economic benefits of our Community Energy Initiative. Indeed, the first goal of the Community Energy Initiative is to position Guelph as a place to invest. We are very pleased Canadian Solar has chosen Guelph for their first facility in Ontario. We welcome them to our community.
It is interesting to remember that over fifty years ago, General Electric opened a large power transformer plant not far from here. They helped build the Province’s rapidly expanding electrical infrastructure. Times change, however, in today’s context, Canadian Solar’s announcement is no less significant for they will be part of building the electrical infrastructure of the future. We see the company’s presence in our community as being influential in helping us meet our renewable energy targets – that is 25% of demand within 15 years. At full capacity the total output of this facility will generate solar-based power that exceeds the entire current electrical demand of our community.
The Province’s Green Energy Act has been a catalyst for investment in Ontario in the energy sector. Their leadership is one of the key reasons we are here today. The other reason is Guelph. Guelph has been named one of the safest, smartest, and most caring communities in Canada with a quality of life amongst the best in the land. Quality of life matters in today’s economy. By making sustainability the hallmark of Guelph’s future, we will attract the jobs and investment we need to thrive.
The Community Energy Initiative is allowing our community to take control of its energy future. It provides a model for communities interested in making a difference in the global issue of climate change.
Minister Duguid, it is a delight to welcome you back to Guelph so soon after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between our two governments – a partnership that will guide the future development of the Guelph Innovation District for the benefit of the people we serve. Today’s announcement is another excellent example of partnership between government and the private sector to achieve common goals.
Congratulations to everyone who has been part of the successful work that has brought us together today.
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Posted on August 10, 2010 by kfarbridge
Tomorrow is the end of the Ontario Community Conservation Challenge’s Power Pledge. It is the final day to prove to cities across the province that Guelph is at the forefront when it comes to reducing energy and greenhouse gases.
For one day, turn off all non-essential power, such as TVs and stereos when they’re not in use, and head outside to enjoy the beautiful August weather.
If you haven’t already signed up for the Power Pledge, it offers quick, easy solutions to save money and reduce power consumption and green house gas emissions. The suggested savings are simple. We need to: buy energy saving lighting, fixtures or appliances; become laundry smart; receive home energy audits; and reduce “phantom power” by using power bars that automatically shut off power to items such as computers when they are not in use. These are all simple solutions that can make a difference in our lives and pocketbooks.
For further information on the Pledge, check out: http://energyconservationweek.com/pledge; http://guelph.ca/newsroom_display.cfm?itemID=78803
Let’s join together and win the pledge tomorrow!
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Posted on August 4, 2010 by kfarbridge
Our community recently celebrated John Galt Day for our civic holiday.
Galt had grand plans for Guelph, including building a magnificent church on the hill that overlooks our beautiful city.
So it was timely that I just attended a ceremony on Catholic Hill to celebrate the ongoing restoration of the iconic Church of Our Lady.
Time and the elements have taken their toll on the church but the tireless and daunting mission to restore this prominent structure will preserve Galt’s vision for years to come.
The Church of Our Lady is among Guelph’s greatest historical and cultural landmarks, and is the number one tourism draw for our city. Thousands of people of all faiths and backgrounds visit the church every year to marvel at its architecture, stained-glass, sculptures and frescoes.
MP Peter Braid was on hand to announce over $400,000 in Federal funding through the National Historic Sites of Canada Cost-Sharing Program in repairing the church’s slate roof. This is an important part of the restoration work. We all need a sound roof over our heads.
The job of fully restoring the church is a multi-phased project that will require continued fundraising to reach completion.
Standing at the top of the stairs in front of Church of our Lady, and looking down along Macdonell Street, you can see the location that John Galt felled the first tree to found our city. You can just imagine him walking up the hill and sensing the importance of this hill to future of the city he envisoned.
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Posted on July 29, 2010 by kfarbridge
The tomb that had protected the John Galt statue in front of the old City Hall for the last year or more has been lifted just in time for John Galt Day on August 2nd.
The Guelph Historical Society, Old Stone Churches and the John Galt Committee are hosting a traditional “kirking” at St. James the Apostle Church for the 2010 John Galt ecumenical service on Sunday August 1st.
John Galt Day festivities will occur on Monday August 2nd in John Galt Park outside the River Run.
Due to the urgent need of Sister Christine’s Drop In Centre and Chalmers’ food shelf, Knox Presbyterian Church has agreed to be a John Galt Food Drive drop off site this week. Anyone can donate non perishable food items at the Chapel Lane (rear) entrance to Knox Presbyterian Church between 9 a.m. and noon this week. The food will be shared by Sister Christine’s centre and Chalmers. Please ring the buzzer for entry at Knox. A food collection barrel is just inside the back door. The John Galt Food Drive will conclude on the upcoming John Galt Weekend. Thanks to all who participate in the food drive this year.
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Posted on July 28, 2010 by kfarbridge
Guelph’s Official Plan entitled Envision Guelph has been updated to offer increased protection for the city’s green spaces. After extensive public input, Guelph City Council has adopted the Natural Heritage policies and mapping included in Official Plan Amendment (OPA 42).
“This part of our Official Plan update relates specifically to the preservation and enhancement of our rivers, wetlands, forests and other natural spaces, including significant portions of the Paris Galt Moraine” says Marion Plaunt, Manager of Policy Planning and Urban Design. “These policies aim to balance our plans for growth while providing a connected system of natural spaces throughout the city.”
The intent of the Natural Heritage System is to protect natural features and create a green legacy for the city. Incorporating Natural Heritage policies into the Official Plan provides permanent protection for Guelph’s Significant Natural Areas and their buffers. Wildlife crossings are identified to ensure that measures are taken to mitigate potential harm to wildlife. The Plan also identifies and protects areas where further study is needed before development may be permitted.
City Council will also be making a request to the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to add the publicly-owned lands along the Eramosa and Speed Rivers to the Ontario Greenbelt.
Envision Guelph strives to balance residential, industrial and commercial development, natural and heritage conservation, and the city’s transportation and energy systems. The Plan demonstrates how new growth will be accommodated within the city’s existing boundaries in order to prevent sprawl into surrounding agricultural land.
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