Author: IanFindley

Traffic Management, Ward 2 EventsBy IanFindley

Cardigan Street Stop Sign: Part II

Staff have provided a preliminary response to the concern about the stop sign removal at Cardigan and Norwich Streets: “Councillors: Thanks for forwarding the comments on the proposed change to the stop control at Norwich and Cardigan Sts. Prior to responding I will gather all the information on the proposed changes along this block i.e. roadway narrowing, on-street park changes as well as the treatment of London Road and Cardigan St. All of which may help to alleviate the concerns being […]

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TransparencyBy IanFindley

The Full Monty on the New City Hall

The current Mayor and City Council are preparing to consult the public on what should be done with the court yard in front of the New City Hall. Could the space be a public art gallery, naturalized gardens, buskers venue or a public skating rink? You will have an opportunity to provide input. There is considerable interest in this space being accessible, enjoyable and affordable. As we move through the process, some financial clarifications are in order. Below is a spreadsheet outlining […]

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Traffic Management, Ward 2 EventsBy IanFindley

Excitement on Cardigan Street

If you haven’t been down Cardigan Street lately, you’ll be in for a surprise. Exciting things are happening. The Guelph Youth Music Centre is open and thriving. The Stewart Mills Condominium phase one is being occupied with phase two construction to start soon. Street reconstruction is underway with new sidewalks, newly designed park space and a widened street to be completed this spring. However with all these new developments come some concerns from local residents. The stop sign at the […]

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On the Buses, Ward 2 EventsBy IanFindley

Walking School Buses

At a recent meeting with officials from the City of Guelph and Edward Johnson School, concerns were raised about the school bus drop off zone and parents driving their kids to school. Most kids go to school in a motor vehicle. This raises a number of concerns. Childhood obesity has risen 50% in the last 15 years. In Canada, transportation accounts for 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. Idling buses and cars create poor local air quality that can reduce lung […]

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On the BusesBy IanFindley

Bikes on Buses.

How do we get more bums on buses. With the increased public awareness of climate change, one of the many questions received by City Hall is how can we improve public transit in Guelph. A question posed recently was can the City of Guelph have bicycle racks on their city buses. This would allow transit users to ride their bike to a bus stop, load their bike and travel across town. Here is a condensed version of Guelph Transit’s response […]

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City PolicyBy IanFindley

When does my sidewalk get plowed?

This is a commonly asked question. After every snowfall, the City receives many calls about snow clearance. Some people ask why we are spending so much money on sidewalk plowing and others complain that it is not being done fast enough. Clarification has been provided by staff as to the City of Guelph’s policy on snow removal: Our winter control policy has two parameters, mandated service for “roads” and discretionary service for “sidewalks”. The roads are separated into classes depending […]

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PesticidesBy IanFindley

The case for pesticide use.

A draft pesticide bylaw was recently rejected by the Community Development and Environmental Services Committee of Council. The draft bylaw would have limited the application of pesticides in certain conditions such as if it is too windy or too hot outside. Staff were directed to return to committee with a proposal that would effectively ban the cosmetic use of pesticides within city limits. Arguments are now being made to Councillors to support the continued use of pesticides. “If I as a homeowner wish […]

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Traffic Management, Ward 2 EventsBy IanFindley

Edward Johnson School Crossing

The crosswalk in front of Edward Johnson School  has been a concern for parents. Recently a mother and child were struck by a car while crossing Stevenson St. on their way to the school. City staff and police have studied the problem and are recommending that a permanent adult crossing guard be posted to assist at the crossing. In addition, staff are also recommending that the school limit access to the parking lot and to investigate options for relocating the school bus […]

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Public InputBy IanFindley

The new City Hall (sometimes called the Civic Administration Building)

We want your opinion. The City is currently constructing the new City Hall (see recent photo at: http://guelph.ca/cityhall.cfm?subCatID=1508&smocid=2087 ). Council wants you to have your input in how the courtyard looks and feels. What do you think? Do you want a skating rink, chess boards, outdoor art gallery or just a huge slab of concrete?  There will be a public meeting to discuss this as soon as possible. In the meantime please post some ideas here.

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