The following article appeared in the December 3 edition of the Guelph Mercury:
A local neighbourhood group has put together an emergency meeting to discuss the potential impact of funding cuts included as possible cost-saving measures in the city’s 2010 budget package.
Councillors Vicki Beard and Ian Findlay are expected to attend the meeting tonight organized by the Waverley Neighbourhood Group.
An email issued by the group Tuesday indicated a loss of city funding could mean limited or no programs, fewer office hours and staff reductions.
The proposal to cut community grants was included by city staff on a list of “other considerations” for councillors to mull over as they put together the 2010 budget.
But that line item seems to be meeting some resistance already around the council horseshoe. During a staff presentation of the budget on Monday, Coun. June Hofland said she will specifically ask her colleagues not to consider removal of the grants when council meets Dec. 15 to pass the budget.
Coun. Mike Salisbury said he will second that motion, noting in tough financial times the city needs its neighbourhood groups “more than ever.”
The meeting tonight will begin at 7 p.m. in Room 9 of Waverley Drive Public School.
Neighbourhood groups are not the only organizations lobbying in advance of next Tuesday’s council session, at which more than two dozen delegations are already scheduled to speak.
The Downtown Guelph Business Association issued an appeal to members Wednesday, noting a proposal to end free two-hour parking in the core.
The association has been a strong supporter of the program, the email stated, “and believes that it promotes a vibrant and user-friendly downtown core.
“In addition, next year will see large construction projects throughout the core, and two-hour free parking is an excellent way to thank customers for choosing downtown Guelph.”