Global business and research interest in Guelph

Posted on September 28, 2009 by kfarbridge

In addition to recently meeting with the Vice Consul from New Zealand, I have also met with business representatives from Korea who have entered into a joint venture with Armtec.  Armtec has over 100 years of history in our community. 
Today, I met with representatives from Kintetsu World Express (Canada) Inc. , headquartered in Japan, who [...]

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Energy Conservation in City facilities

Posted on September 28, 2009 by kfarbridge

Council recently received a report highlighting progress being made on energy conservation in City facilities.
Some of the proposed changes include energy efficient lighting systems, new energy management systems, solar domestic hot water systems, new HVAC units and high efficiency boilers.  Some of the infrastructure funding we received will help fund these projects.  Estimated energy savings [...]

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Celebrating Diversity – September 28 to 30

Posted on September 27, 2009 by kfarbridge

September 28 – Yom Kippur (Jewish) – The Day of Atonement is the holiest and most solemn of all days in the Jewish year.  They believe that once you atone for your mistakes, you can be ‘at one’ with God.  Jews do not work, and fast from sunset to sunset.
September 28 – Dussehra (Hindu) – [...]

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Sustainability Week at UG

Posted on September 24, 2009 by kfarbridge

Sustainability Week was kicked off today at the University of Guelph.  I was asked to bring remarks.  I was really impressed with the “Community Sustainability” message for the week.  This was brilliantly demonstrated by the organizers partnering with the United Way to kick off the campus fundraising campaign.  The United Way raises money for many [...]

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City Hall grand opening: a few pictures

Posted on September 21, 2009 by kfarbridge

The presentation of the heritage plaque from Paul Ross, Chair of Heritage Guelph

At the official opening ceremonies.

MPP Liz Sandals presented me with a congratulatory message from the Premier: Message from Premier McGuinty
Thank you to everyone who came out for our grand opening! It was a terrific day. Special thanks to all the volunteers and staff [...]

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Intersections 2009: Prosperity in Diversity

Posted on September 20, 2009 by kfarbridge

A symposium is being organized by the Guelph Inclusivity Alliance and Immigrant Services Guelph – Wellington to provide an “opportunity for training, discussion and networking with the focus on building a more inclusive community”. As the promotional material for the symposium notes “(A)ccording to 2006 Statistics Canada data, international migration accounted for two-thirds of Canadian [...]

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Celebrating Diversity – September 20 to 27

Posted on September 20, 2009 by kfarbridge

September 20 – Aloha Week (Hawaii) – Begun in 1945, Aloha Week celebrated Hawaiian traditions and costumes.  It starts the third week of September on the island of Oahu and each island celebrates the holiday on a different week until the end of October.
September 21 – Eid-ul-Fitr (Islam) – This marks the end of the [...]

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Grand Opening tomorrow

Posted on September 18, 2009 by kfarbridge

I hope to see everyone at City Hall tomorrow for our Grand Opening!
This is a free day-long celebration, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The official opening ceremonies will be at 10:20, and after that there will be music, entertainment, kids’ activities, and food all day long.
The first floor will be open, so you can [...]

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Welcoming new Canadians

Posted on September 17, 2009 by kfarbridge

This evening, I attended the 31st Annual General Meeting of Immigrant Services Guelph Wellington to recognize their work in our community.   The organization has gone through a remarkable transformation over the last couple of years.  They have a new name.  They were formerly known as the Multicultural Centre.  They have a wonderful new office at [...]

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A first for our community: Leadership Guelph & Wellington

Posted on September 16, 2009 by kfarbridge

A brand new program will provide 20 to 30 local participants annually with the skills they need to take leadership roles at work and as volunteers in our community. A partnership of the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington and the University of Guelph with support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Leadership Guelph & Wellington is one [...]

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