Minutes of Committee of the Whole Meeting

Tuesday, October 07, 2025 at 12:30 P.m. - 10:00 P.m.

Council Chambers

Guelph City Hall, 1 Carden Street

Council:

• Mayor C. Guthrie
• Councillor P. Allt
• Councillor C. Billings
• Councillor L. Busuttil
• Councillor L. Caron
• Councillor E. Caton
• Councillor K. Chew
• Councillor C. Downer
• Councillor D. Gibson
• Councillor R. Goller
• Councillor K. Hauser
• Councillor M. Richardson

Absent:

• Councillor C. Klassen

Staff:

• T. Baker, Chief Administrative Officer
• C. Clack-Bush, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Public Services
• S. O'Brien, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Corporate Services
• T. Gayman, General Manager, Engineering and Transportation Services
• I. Scott, Acting General Manager, Facilities and Energy Management
• K. Walkey, General Manager, Planning and Building Services
• J. Krauter, Deputy Treasurer/Manager, Revenue and Treasury
• D. McMahon, Manager, Legislative Services/Deputy Clerk
• M. Newman, Manager, Business Services
• R. Russwurm, Manager, Design and Construction
• M. Heslop, Supervisor, Utility Billing and Collection
• J. Mallon, Planner I - Heritage
• A. Miller, Project Engineer
• G. Brennan, Council and Committee Coordinator
• A. Sandor, Council and Committee Coordinator
• J. T. McDonald, Council and Committee Assistant

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1.

Call to Order - Mayor

Mayor Guthrie called the meeting to order (12:31 p.m.).

1.1

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof

There were no disclosures.

2.

Authority to move into closed meeting

• Moved By Councillor Goller
  Seconded By Councillor Allt
  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), (k) and (f) of the Municipal Act, regarding a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board; a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board; and advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.

  Voting in Favour: (11)

  Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caton, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Chew, and Councillor Hauser

  Carried (11 to 0)

2.1

Call to Order (closed meeting)

2.2

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof (closed items)

2.3

Proposed Parkland Acquisition - 2025-453

2.4

Advancing Affordable Housing on City-Owned Properties - 2025-411

3.

Open Meeting - 2:00 p.m.

Mayor Guthrie called the meeting to order (2:11 p.m.).

3.4

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof

There were no disclosures.

4.

Closed Meeting Summary

Mayor Guthrie noted the following:

Proposed Parkland Acquisition - 2025-453

Council gave direction to staff.

Advancing Affordable Housing on City-Owned Properties - 2025-411

City Council received information from staff about a new financial model that could enable the City to develop affordable housing on city owned lands. A report will be coming forward to City Council next month with the first two potential properties that could leverage this new approach.

5.

Staff Recognitions

5.1

Passing of the Project Management Professional Exam

Vice-Chair Chew recognized Leah Lefler, Planner lll - Environment, for their achievements.

5.2

Recipient of the Ontario College Certificate in Bookkeeping, Conestoga College

Vice-Chair Chew recognized Harvinder Marjara, Clerical Assistant ll - Engineering, for their achievements.

5.3

Recipient of the PlanON Vision Award of Excellence, Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI)

Mayor Guthrie recognized the following staff for their achievements:
Krista Walkey, General Manager, Planning and Building Services
Cushla Matthews, Manager, Community and Affordable Housing
Dawson McKenzie, Planner ll - Affordable Housing
Lucas Mollame, Project Manager - Policy Planning
Jason Downham, Planner ll - Policy Analytics
Kelly Guthrie, Community Engagement Advisor

5.4

Recipient of the 2025 Henry Kock Stewardship Award, Guelph Urban Forest Friends

Chair Downer recognized Jay Cranstone, Natural Areas Stewardship Technologist, for their achievements.

6.

Service Area - Audit 

Councillor Goller assumed the Chair.

7.

Consent Agenda - Audit 

7.1

Appointment of the External Auditor - 2025-454

• Moved By Councillor Richardson
  Seconded By Councillor Hauser
  1. That KPMG LLP be appointed as the external auditor for the City of Guelph for the fiscal years ending 2025 through 2029.
  2. That the Treasurer be authorized to annually execute the engagement letter with KPMG LLP subject to the terms approved.

  Voting in Favour: (12)

  Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Chew, and Councillor Hauser

  Carried (12 to 0)

8.

Service Area Chair and Staff Announcements 

9.

Service Area - Infrastructure, Development and Environment

Councillor Chew assumed the Chair.

10.

Consent Agenda - Infrastructure, Development and Environment

11.

Items for Discussion - Infrastructure, Development and Environment

11.1

Municipal Property and Building Commemorative Naming Report 2025 - 2025-429

• Main Motion
  Moved By Councillor Caron
  Seconded By Councillor Downer
  1. That the recommended names proposed by the Naming Committee listed in Attachment-1 to this report be approved.

  Voting in Favour: (12)

  Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Chew, and Councillor Hauser

  Carried (12 to 0)
• Second Motion
  Moved By Councillor Caron
  Seconded By Mayor Guthrie
  1. That, subject to a naming process review by the General Manager, Parks, that the triangular park lot bounded by Water Street, Albert Street and Martin Street, located within the Brooklyn and College Hill Heritage Conservation District, be named Brooklyn Park, and that appropriate signage be scheduled to align with the  planned commemoration of the Brooklyn and College Hill HCD.

  Voting in Favour: (12)

  Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Chew, and Councillor Hauser

  Carried (12 to 0)

11.2

Baker Library Facility Lease Approval - 2025-441

• Main Motion
  Moved By Councillor Goller
  Seconded By Councillor Richardson
  1. That on behalf of the City of Guelph, the Deputy CAO of Infrastructure, Development and Environment, subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor and City Treasurer, be directed to enter into a lease for the Baker Library facility for a forty year term that has two ten-year renewal terms or a thirty year term that has two, fifteen-year renewal terms, at the discretion of the Guelph Public Library Board.

  This motion was withdrawn by the mover.

  
  
• Second Motion
  Moved By Councillor Goller
  Seconded By Councillor Allt

  That this item be referred to the October 28, 2025, City Council Meeting.

  Voting in Favour: (12)

  Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Chew, and Councillor Hauser

  Carried (12 to 0)

11.3

Macdonell and Allan's Structures Environmental Assessment - Notice of Completion - 2025-408

Terry Gayman, General Manager, Engineering and Transportation Services, Andrew Miller, Project Engineer, and Jack Mallon, Planner I - Heritage, presented on Macdonell and Allan's Structures Environmental Assessment - Notice of Completion.

The following delegates spoke:
Mike Darmon

Councillor Alt raised a Point of Privilege to clarify his understanding of the staff recommendation.

• Main Motion
  Moved By Councillor Busuttil
  Seconded By Mayor Guthrie
  1. That the Macdonell and Allan’s Structures Environmental Assessment be approved, and that staff be directed to issue a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Notice of Completion.
  2. ​That staff be directed to salvage, retain, and conserve the steel railing system and salvageable elements of the superstructure of Allan’s Bridge for functional or commemorative re-use in the vicinity of Allan’s bridge.
  3. That staff be directed to engage with the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee and Heritage Advisory Committee to identify opportunities for historical commemoration and placemaking, and heritage conservation within the project area during the design process.​

  This motion was requested to be voted on separately. 

  
  
• First Clause to Main Motion
  Moved By Councillor Busuttil
  Seconded By Mayor Guthrie
  1. That the Macdonell and Allan’s Structures Environmental Assessment be approved, and that staff be directed to issue a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Notice of Completion.

  Voting in Favour: (10)	Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Downer, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caton, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Chew, and Councillor Hauser
  Voting Against: (2)	Councillor Allt, and Councillor Caron

  Carried (10 to 2)
• Second Clause to Main Motion
  Moved By Councillor Busuttil
  Seconded By Mayor Guthrie

  2. That staff be directed to salvage, retain, and conserve the steel railing system and salvageable elements of the superstructure of Allan’s Bridge for functional or commemorative re-use in the vicinity of Allan’s bridge.

  Voting in Favour: (11)	Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Downer, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Chew, and Councillor Hauser
  Voting Against: (1)	Councillor Allt

  Carried (11 to 1)
• Third Clause to Main Motion
  Moved By Councillor Busuttil
  Seconded By Mayor Guthrie

  3. That staff be directed to engage with the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee and Heritage Advisory Committee to identify opportunities for historical commemoration and placemaking, and heritage conservation within the project area during the design process.​

  Voting in Favour: (12)

  Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Chew, and Councillor Hauser

  Carried (12 to 0)

11.4

Utility Billing Project Status and Customer Accounts By-law Update - 2025-457

Council recessed (4:06 p.m.) Council reconvened (4:09 p.m.).

James Krauter, Deputy Treasurer/Manager, Revenue and Treasury, and Michelle Heslop, Supervisor, Utility Billing and Collection, presented on Utility Billing Project Status and Customer Accounts By-law Update.

• Moved By Councillor Allt
  Seconded By Councillor Busuttil
  1. Receive the report Utility Billing Project Status and Customer Accounts By-law update.
  2. That the Utility Billing and Collections Customer Accounts by-law, as authority for in-house processing of billing and collections, be brought to Council in Q1, 2026.
  3. That the Stormwater by-law (2023)-20839, be amended by by-law (2025)-21108, at the October 28, 2025 Council Meeting.

  Voting in Favour: (12)

  Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Chew, and Councillor Hauser

  Carried (12 to 0)

12.

Service Area Chair and Staff Announcements 

Mayor Guthrie congratulated Stephen O’Brien on his new role as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Corporate Services, with the City of Guelph.

13.

Adjournment

• Moved By Councillor Allt
  Seconded By Councillor Hauser
  1. That the meeting be adjourned (4:36 p.m.).
  Carried