The Guelph Record

Committee of the Whole

July 8, 2025

Who was there

Present (10): Phil Allt, Christine Billings, Linda Busuttil, Leanne Caron, Erin Caton, Ken Yee Chew, Dan Gibson, Rodrigo Goller, C. Guthrie, Michele Richardson

Absent (2): Cathy Downer, Carly Klassen

Taken from the roll call in the town’s own minutes. The minutes record who was not there and almost never why.

Declared interests

Councillor Caronfor item 2.5, 601 Scottsdale Drive Phase 2 – Development Charges Complaint - 2025-348, as the project land is owned by her employer

What was decided (26 motions)

24 carried, 2 recorded otherwise. Every motion below is printed as the minutes print it.

That the Council of the City of Guelph now hold a meeting that is closed to the public, pursuant to Section 239(2)(c)(d) and (f) of the Municipal Act, regarding a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board; labour relations or employee negotiations; and advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose. Voting
Moved by Councillor Busuttil, seconded by Councillor Caton
Carried
In favour (10): Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Allt, Councillor Billings, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Chew, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Richardson
That report number 2025-270 entitled Administrative Penalty System for Automated Speed Enforcement and Red Light Camera Violations, be received. That Council approve the transition of Automated Speed Enforcement and Red Light Camera violations to an administrative penalty system, under and in accordance with the requirements of Ontario Regulation 355/22 made under the Highway Traffic Act , R.S.O. 1990, to take effect on or about January 1, 2026. That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute any necessary agreements with the Ministry of the Attorney General, Ministry of Transportation, and any other government agency that may be required to transition Automated Speed Enforcement and Red Light Camera violations to an administrative penalty system. That a new Administrative Penalty By-law for Contraventions Detected Using Camera Systems, substantially in the form attached as Attachment-1, be approved. That a by-law to amend By-law Number (2025)-21056, being the Screening and Hearing Officer By-law, substantially in the form attached as Attachment-2, be approved. That the City Solicitor be directed to update the policies, guidelines and procedures that apply to the administrative penalty system, as needed to give effect to the transition of Automated Speed Enforcement and Red Light Camera violations to an administrative penalty system, and make them publicly available on the City’s website. Voting
Moved by Councillor Chew, seconded by Councillor Allt
Carried
That the following motions be
Moved by Councillor Allt, seconded by Councillor Billings
Referred
That the Council of the City of Guelph now hold a meeting that is closed to the public, pursuant to Section 239(2)(c) of the Municipal Act, regarding a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board. Voting
Moved by Councillor Caron, seconded by Councillor Goller
Carried
That the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program Capital Implementation Plan, 2025, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved. That the sequencing plan for Phase 1: Wyndham Street North Reconstruction including extended working hours, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved. That the recommended Concept Plan for St. George’s Square, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved. That the construction mitigation plan for Phase 1: Wyndham Street North Reconstruction, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved. That the delegation of authority by-law, By-law (2024) – 20994, be amended to delegate authority to the DCAO of Infrastructure, Development and Environment, with written approval from the City Treasurer, to modify the following user fees at various times as needed for the duration of the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program, with
Moved by Councillor Allt, seconded by Councillor Busuttil
Carried
In favour (10): Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Allt, Councillor Billings, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Chew, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Richardson
That clauses 1 and 2 of the amendment to clause 3 of the main motion be revised to replace the word 'directed' with 'encouraged'. Voting
Moved by Councillor Gibson, seconded by Councillor Busuttil
Carried
1. That staff be encouraged to include flexibility in the design of St. George’s square to allow for present and future seasonal patios and community events, including but not limited to: a) Consider that site furniture such as benches, chairs, and waste receptacles are designed and located to allow for easy reconfiguration or temporary removal to accommodate different uses and events. 2. That staff be encouraged to integrate more natural materials and design elements that reflect the heritage and character of our downtown into the final design of St. George's Square including but not limited to: a) Use of stone, wood, or other natural finishes where feasible; including the use of the limestone in the city’s salvaged material storage, b) Incorporation of heritage-inspired features such as: signage or art that shares local history and indigenous stories, gateway features such as low stone walls, or planters that tie the space to the downtown's historical context, planting and landscaping with native species and that soften hard surfaces, brick or stone paving patterns that reflect traditional streetscape. 3. That staff provide council with final design updates (including a new main design image that can be used when sharing and telling the good news story about the redesign of our downtown) and present design details through future public engagement and online resources before the end of 2025. 4. That staff report back on budget impacts, if applicable, associated with clauses
Moved by Councillor Goller, seconded by Councillor Richardson
Carried
In favour (10): Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Allt, Councillor Billings, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Chew, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Richardson
That the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program Capital Implementation Plan, 2025, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved. Voting
Moved by Councillor Allt, seconded by Councillor Busuttil
Carried
2. That the sequencing plan for Phase 1: Wyndham Street North Reconstruction including extended working hours, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved. Voting
Moved by Councillor Allt, seconded by Councillor Busuttil
Carried
3. That the recommended Concept Plan for St. George’s Square, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved including the following: That staff be encouraged to include flexibility in the design of St. George’s square to allow for present and future seasonal patios and community events, including but not limited to: Consider that site furniture such as benches, chairs, and waste receptacles are designed and located to allow for east reconfiguration or temporary removal to accommodate different uses and events. That staff be encouraged to integrate more natural materials and design elements that reflect the heritage and character of our downtown into the final design of St. George's Square including but not limited to: Use of stone, wood, or other natural finishes where feasible; including the use of the limestone in the city’s salvaged material storage, Incorporation of heritage-inspired features such as: signage or art that shares local history and indigenous stories, gateway features such as low stone walls, or planters that tie the space to the downtown's historical context, planting and landscaping with native species and that soften hard surfaces, brick or stone paving patterns that reflect traditional streetscape. That staff provide council with final design updates (including a new main design image that can be used when sharing and telling the good news story about the redesign of our downtown) and present design details through future public engagem
Moved by Councillor Allt, seconded by Councillor Busuttil
Carried
In favour (9): Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Allt, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Chew, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Richardson · Opposed (1): Councillor Billings
4. That the construction mitigation plan for Phase 1: Wyndham Street North Reconstruction, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved. Voting
Moved by Councillor Allt, seconded by Councillor Busuttil
Carried
5. That the delegation of authority by-law, By-law (2024) – 20994, be amended to delegate authority to the DCAO of Infrastructure, Development and Environment, with written approval from the City Treasurer, to modify the following user fees at various times as needed for the duration of the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program, with
Moved by Councillor Allt, seconded by Councillor Busuttil
Lost
6. And that an amending by-law be brought forward for approval at the July 22, 2025, City Council meeting. Voting
Moved by Councillor Allt, seconded by Councillor Busuttil
Carried
possible, the sidewalk height and slope should be raised to increase front door accessibility to buildings. Voting
Moved by Councillor Caton, seconded by Councillor Allt Wherever
Carried
That a one-time grant of $600,000 be approved for 2027 as financial investment towards Guelph Storm Limited, contingent on a successful bid in securing the 2027 Memorial Cup in Guelph. That a commitment of up to $100,000 of in-kind fees at Sleeman Centre associated with facility ice rental, licensing fees, and facility staff be approved for 2027, contingent on a successful bid in securing the 2027 Memorial Cup in Guelph. That the one-time grant of $600,000 and the in-kind commitment of up to $100,000 in facility costs for Sleeman Centre be funded from the Municipal Accommodation Tax Reserve (184) in 2027, if the Guelph Storm bid is successful for the 2027 Memorial Cup. That the Chief Administrative Office be directed to include a letter in the bid package confirming the 2027 financial investment and in-kind commitment at Sleeman Centre. That the Chief Administrative Officer be directed to formalize and execute an agreement, to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, with Guelph Storm Limited that includes the particulars noted above and as outlined within the staff report entitled Guelph Storm 2027 Memorial Cup Bid, dated July 8, 2025. Voting
Moved by Mayor Guthrie, seconded by Councillor Busuttil
Carried
That the meeting be adjourned (6:27 p.m.).
Moved by Mayor Guthrie, seconded by Councillor Busuttil
Carried
1. That report number 2025-270 entitled Administrative Penalty System for Automated Speed Enforcement and Red Light Camera Violations, be received. 2. That Council approve the transition of Automated Speed Enforcement and Red Light Camera violations to an administrative penalty system, under and in accordance with the requirements of Ontario Regulation 355/22 made under the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, to take effect on or about January 1, 2026. 3. That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute any necessary agreements with the Ministry of the Attorney General, Ministry of Transportation, and any other government agency that may be required to transition Automated Speed Enforcement and Red Light Camera violations to an administrative penalty system. 4. That a new Administrative Penalty By-law for Contraventions Detected Using Camera Systems, substantially in the form attached as Attachment-1, be approved. 5. That a by-law to amend By-law Number (2025)-21056, being the Screening and Hearing Officer By-law, substantially in the form attached as Attachment-2, be approved. 6. That the City Solicitor be directed to update the policies, guidelines and procedures that apply to the administrative penalty system, as needed to give effect to the transition of Automated Speed Enforcement and Red Light Camera violations to an administrative penalty system, and make them publicly available on the City’s website. Committee of the Whole Minutes: July 8, 2025 - 4 Voting in Favour: (1
Moved by Councillor Chew, seconded by Councillor Allt
Carried
In favour (10): Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Allt, Councillor Billings, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Chew, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Richardson
1. That the Council of the City of Guelph now hold a meeting that is closed to the public, pursuant to Section 239(2)(c) of the Municipal Act, regarding a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board. Committee of the Whole Minutes: July 8, 2025 - 6 Voting in Favour: (10): Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Allt, Councillor Billings, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Chew, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, and Councillor Richardson
Moved by Councillor Caron, seconded by Councillor Goller
Carried
In favour (10): Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Allt, Councillor Billings, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Chew, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Richardson
1. That clauses 1 and 2 of the amendment to clause 3 of the main motion be revised to replace the word 'directed' with 'encouraged'. Voting in Favour: (9): Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Allt, Councillor Billings, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Chew, Councillor Gibson, and Councillor Richardson Voting Against: (1): Councillor Goller
Moved by Councillor Gibson, seconded by Councillor Busuttil
Carried
In favour (9): Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Allt, Councillor Billings, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Chew, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Richardson · Opposed (1): Councillor Goller
1. That the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program Capital Implementation Plan, 2025, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved. Voting in Favour: (10): Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Allt, Councillor Billings, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Chew, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, and Councillor Richardson
Moved by Councillor Allt, seconded by Councillor Busuttil
Carried
In favour (10): Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Allt, Councillor Billings, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Chew, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Richardson
2. That the sequencing plan for Phase 1: Wyndham Street North Reconstruction including extended working hours, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved. Voting in Favour: (10): Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Allt, Councillor Billings, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Chew, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, and Councillor Richardson
Moved by Councillor Allt, seconded by Councillor Busuttil
Carried
In favour (10): Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Allt, Councillor Billings, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Chew, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Richardson
3. That the recommended Concept Plan for St. George’s Square, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved including the following: Committee of the Whole Minutes: July 8, 2025 - 12 i. That staff be encouraged to include flexibility in the design of St. George’s square to allow for present and future seasonal patios and community events, including but not limited to:  Consider that site furniture such as benches, chairs, and waste receptacles are designed and located to allow for east reconfiguration or temporary removal to accommodate different uses and events. ii. That staff be encouraged to integrate more natural materials and design elements that reflect the heritage and character of our downtown into the final design of St. George's Square including but not limited to:  Use of stone, wood, or other natural finishes where feasible; including the use of the limestone in the city’s salvaged material storage,  Incorporation of heritage-inspired features such as: signage or art that shares local history and indigenous stories, gateway features such as low stone walls, or planters that tie the space to the downtown's historical context, planting and landscaping with native species and that soften hard surfaces, brick or stone paving patterns that reflect traditional streetscape. iii. That staff provide council with final design updates (including a new main design image that can be used when sharing and telling the good news story about the redesign of ou
Moved by Councillor Allt, seconded by Councillor Busuttil
Carried
4. That the construction mitigation plan for Phase 1: Wyndham Street North Reconstruction, as outlined in report 2025-303, dated July 8, 2025, be approved. Voting in Favour: (10): Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Allt, Councillor Billings, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Chew, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, and Councillor Richardson
Moved by Councillor Allt, seconded by Councillor Busuttil
Carried
In favour (10): Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Allt, Councillor Billings, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Chew, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Richardson
Committee of the Whole Minutes: July 8, 2025 - 14 6. And that an amending by-law be brought forward for approval at the July 22, 2025, City Council meeting. Voting in Favour: (10): Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Allt, Councillor Billings, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Chew, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, and Councillor Richardson
Moved by Councillor Allt, seconded by Councillor Busuttil
Carried
In favour (10): Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Allt, Councillor Billings, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Chew, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Richardson
1. Wherever possible, the sidewalk height and slope should be raised to increase front door accessibility to buildings. Voting in Favour: (10): Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Allt, Councillor Billings, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Chew, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, and Councillor Richardson
Moved by Councillor Caton, seconded by Councillor Allt
Carried
In favour (10): Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Allt, Councillor Billings, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Chew, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Richardson
1. That a one-time grant of $600,000 be approved for 2027 as financial investment towards Guelph Storm Limited, contingent Committee of the Whole Minutes: July 8, 2025 - 15 on a successful bid in securing the 2027 Memorial Cup in Guelph. 2. That a commitment of up to $100,000 of in-kind fees at Sleeman Centre associated with facility ice rental, licensing fees, and facility staff be approved for 2027, contingent on a successful bid in securing the 2027 Memorial Cup in Guelph. 3. That the one-time grant of $600,000 and the in-kind commitment of up to $100,000 in facility costs for Sleeman Centre be funded from the Municipal Accommodation Tax Reserve (184) in 2027, if the Guelph Storm bid is successful for the 2027 Memorial Cup. 4. That the Chief Administrative Office be directed to include a letter in the bid package confirming the 2027 financial investment and in-kind commitment at Sleeman Centre. 5. That the Chief Administrative Officer be directed to formalize and execute an agreement, to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, with Guelph Storm Limited that includes the particulars noted above and as outlined within the staff report entitled Guelph Storm 2027 Memorial Cup Bid, dated July 8, 2025. Voting in Favour: (7): Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Billings, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Chew, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, and Councillor Richardson Voting Against: (3): Councillor Allt, Councillor Caron, and Councillor Caton
Moved by Mayor Guthrie, seconded by Councillor Busuttil
Carried

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