Minutes of Guelph City Council

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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 C. Klassen
  • Councillor D. O'Rourke
  • Councillor M. Richardson
Staff:
  • T. Baker, Chief Administrative Officer
  • C. Clack-Bush, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Public Services
  • J. Holmes, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Infrastructure, Development and Environment
  • T. Lee, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Corporate Services
  • J. Sales, General Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Intergovernmental Services
  • K. Newland, Manager, Budget Services
  • D. McMahon, Acting General Manager, City Clerk's Office/City Clerk
  • G. Meades, Acting Manager, Legislative Services/Deputy Clerk
  • C. Murray-Sprague, Council and Committee Coordinator
  • S. Osborn, Administrative Coordinator

1.
Call to Order

 

Mayor Guthrie called the meeting to order (9:00 a.m.). 

2.
Mayor's 2025 Budget Confirmation 

 
  • Moved ByCouncillor Billings
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allt
    1. That Council amend the 2025 operating budget by transferring $750,000 of funding from the Tax Rate Operating Contingency reserve #180 to fund the 2025 installment to the Guelph General Hospital.
    Voting in Favour: (12)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Voting Against: (1)Councillor Downer
    Carried (12 to 1)
  • Moved ByCouncillor Gibson
    Seconded ByCouncillor Caton
    1. That Council amend Guelph’s 2025 budget update by  increasing the 2025 operating budget by $100,000 in 2025 for capital financing transfer to the growth reserve funded by the tax levy and moving capital project PK0198 Beaumont Park design from 2028 to 2025.
    2. That Council respectfully requests that the Mayor decreases the transfer to the growth reserve by $100,000 through the 2026 budget update, reducing the tax levy.
    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (13 to 0)
  • Moved ByCouncillor Caton
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson
    1. That Council respectfully requests that the Mayor considers increasing the 2026 operating budget  by $815,000 for capital financing transfers to the growth reserve funded by the tax levy through the 2026 budget update and advancing capital project PK0198 Beaumont Park from 2029 to 2026 in the amount of $665,000 and including an additional $150,000 investment for a rubber surfacing bringing the total construction budget to $815,000,  with operating impacts of $14,700 moving from 2030 to 2027 funded by the tax levy.
    2. That Council respectfully requests that the Mayor decreases the transfer to the growth reserve by $815,000 through the 2027 budget update, reducing the tax levy.
    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (13 to 0)
  • Moved ByCouncillor Caton
    Seconded ByCouncillor Klassen
    1. That Council amend Guelph’s 2025 budget update by increasing the 2025 operating budget by $56,700 to advance budget request number 000937 Board and Committee Coordinator from 2026.
    2. That Council respectfully requests that the Mayor considers subsequently moving the 50 per cent phase in of the position in the operating budget in the amount of $53,600 from 2027 to 2026, funded by the tax levy.
    Voting in Favour: (12)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Voting Against: (1)Councillor Billings
    Carried (12 to 1)
  • Moved ByCouncillor Caton
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allt
    1. That Council respectfully requests that the Mayor considers increasing the 2026 operating budget by $50,000 and reducing the 2027 operating budget by $50,000 through the 2026 budget update to advance budget request number 001361 Advisory Committees Reimbursement and Training from 2027 into 2026, funded by the tax levy.
    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (13 to 0)
  • Moved ByCouncillor Goller
    Seconded ByCouncillor Busuttil
    1. That Council respectfully requests that the Mayor considers increasing the 2026 operating budget by $400,000 for a transfer to the Affordable Housing Reserve funded by the tax levy through the 2026 budget update.
    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (13 to 0)
  • Moved ByCouncillor Goller
    Seconded ByCouncillor Caron
    1. That Council amends the 2025 operating budget by increasing the transfer to the 100RE reserve fund by $996,133 and restoring operating investment in climate change initiatives in the amount of $153,867, funded through the property tax levy (total of $1,150,000 increase in the operating budget in 2025); and increasing the 2025 capital budget by $996,133 for capital project GG0261 100RE Initiatives funded by the 100RE Reserve Fund; and
    2. That Council respectfully requests that the Mayor considers increasing the 2026 operating budget by $153,867 for a transfer to the 100RE reserve fund, funded through the property tax levy, and including a capital budget of $1,150,000 in capital project GG0261 100RE Initiatives in 2026 and 2027 funded by the 100RE Reserve Fund; and
    3. That Council respectfully requests that the Mayor considers increasing the 2028 operating budget by $500,000 for a transfer to the 100RE reserve fund, funded through the property tax levy, and including a capital budget of $1,650,000 for GG0261 100RE Initiatives in each year from 2028 to 2034 funded by the 100RE Reserve Fund.

    It was requested that the clauses be voted on separately. 


  • Moved ByCouncillor Goller
    Seconded ByCouncillor Caron
    1. That Council amends the 2025 operating budget by increasing the transfer to the 100RE reserve fund by $996,133 and restoring operating investment in climate change initiatives in the amount of $153,867, funded through the property tax levy (total of $1,150,000 increase in the operating budget in 2025); and increasing the 2025 capital budget by $996,133 for capital project GG0261 100RE Initiatives funded by the 100RE Reserve Fund; and
    Voting in Favour: (9)Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, and Councillor Busuttil
    Voting Against: (4)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Billings, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (9 to 4)
  • Moved ByCouncillor Goller
    Seconded ByCouncillor Caron

    2. That Council respectfully requests that the Mayor considers increasing the 2026 operating budget by $153,867 for a transfer to the 100RE reserve fund, funded through the property tax levy, and including a capital budget of $1,150,000 in capital project GG0261 100RE Initiatives in 2026 and 2027 funded by the 100RE Reserve Fund; and

    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (13 to 0)
  • Moved ByCouncillor Goller
    Seconded ByCouncillor Caron

    3. That Council respectfully requests that the Mayor considers increasing the 2028 operating budget by $500,000 for a transfer to the 100RE reserve fund, funded through the property tax levy, and including a capital budget of $1,650,000 for GG0261 100RE Initiatives in each year from 2028 to 2034 funded by the 100RE Reserve Fund.

    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (13 to 0)
  • Moved ByCouncillor Klassen
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller
    1. That Council amend the 2025 budget update by increasing the operating budget by $167,400 to increase the base budget for Community Grants to a total of $500,000, funded by the tax levy.
  • Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Gibson
    Seconded ByCouncillor Chew
    1. That Council respectfully requests the mayor to amend the 2026 budget update by increasing the operating budget by $167,400 to increase the base budget for Community Grants to a total of $500,000, funded by the tax levy.
    Voting in Favour: (6)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, and Councillor Chew
    Voting Against: (7)Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, and Councillor Busuttil
    Defeated (6 to 7)
  • Moved ByCouncillor Klassen
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller
    1. That Council amend the 2025 budget update by increasing the operating budget by $167,400 to increase the base budget for Community Grants to a total of $500,000, funded by the tax levy.
    Voting in Favour: (10)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, and Councillor Richardson
    Voting Against: (3)Councillor Gibson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (10 to 3)
  • Moved ByCouncillor Klassen
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller
    1. That each subsequent budget, starting in 2026, be amended to reflect an of rate of inflation to keep pace with community grant funding needs.
    Voting in Favour: (10)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Voting Against: (3)Councillor Gibson, Councillor O'Rourke, and Councillor Billings
    Carried (10 to 3)
  • Moved ByCouncillor Klassen
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allt
    1. That Council amend the 2025 budget update by increasing the operating budget by $100,000 to transfer to the Public Art Reserve, funded by the tax levy.
    Voting in Favour: (5)Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, and Councillor Klassen
    Voting Against: (8)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Defeated (5 to 8)
  • Moved ByCouncillor Klassen
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller
    1. That Council amend the 2025 budget update by increasing the operating budget by $100,000 in 2025 funded by the tax levy, to provide a resource to expand sponsorship and identify potential corporate partnerships, and that Council directs staff to provide an information report that outlines the progress from this investment by the end of 2025.
  • Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor O'Rourke
    Seconded ByCouncillor Richardson
    1. To allocate up to $100,000 from the Tax Operating Contingency reserve to provide a resource to expand sponsorship and identify potential corporate partnerships, and that Council directs staff to provide an information report that outlines the progress from this investment by the end of 2025.
    Voting in Favour: (7)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Caron, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, and Councillor Chew
    Voting Against: (6)Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caton, and Councillor Busuttil
    Carried (7 to 6)
  • Motion as Amended
    Moved ByCouncillor Klassen
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller
    1. To allocate up to $100,000 from the Tax Operating Contingency reserve to provide a resource to expand sponsorship and identify potential corporate partnerships, and that Council directs staff to provide an information report that outlines the progress from this investment by the end of 2025.
    Voting in Favour: (11)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, and Councillor Chew
    Voting Against: (2)Councillor Allt, and Councillor Busuttil
    Carried (11 to 2)
  • Moved ByCouncillor Caron
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson
    1. That Council respectfully requests that the Mayor considers increasing the 2026 operating budget by $300,000 for Guelph’s bi-centennial, funded by the tax levy through the 2026 budget update.
    2. That Council respectfully requests that the Mayor considers increasing the 2027 operating budget by $200,000 for Guelph’s bi-centennial, funded by the tax levy through the 2027 budget update.
    3. That Council respectfully requests that the Mayor decreases the tax levy in 2028 by $500,000.
  • Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor O'Rourke
    Seconded ByCouncillor Caron
    1. That Council respectfully requests that the Mayor considers increasing the 2026 operating budget by $300,000 for Guelph’s bi-centennial, funded by the tax levy through the 2026 budget update.
    2. That Council respectfully requests that the Mayor considers increasing the 2027 operating budget by $200,000 for Guelph’s bi-centennial, funded by the tax levy through the 2027 budget update.
    3. That Council respectfully requests that the Mayor decreases the operating budget in 2028 by $500,000, reducing the tax levy.
    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (13 to 0)
  • Motion as Amended
    Moved ByCouncillor Caron
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson
    1. That Council respectfully requests that the Mayor considers increasing the 2026 operating budget by $300,000 for Guelph’s bi-centennial, funded by the tax levy through the 2026 budget update.
    2. That Council respectfully requests that the Mayor considers increasing the 2027 operating budget by $200,000 for Guelph’s bi-centennial, funded by the tax levy through the 2027 budget update.
    3. That Council respectfully requests that the Mayor decreases the operating budget in 2028 by $500,000, reducing the tax levy.
    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (13 to 0)

    Council recessed (10:57 a.m.).
    Council Reconvened (11:06 a.m.).


3.
Shortening the 30-Day Budget Amendment Period

 
  • Moved ByCouncillor Gibson
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allt
    1. That the 30-day budget amendment period prescribed in Ontario Regulation 530/22 Section 7 (3) be shortened and the final day for amendments be November 27th, 2024.
    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (13 to 0)

4.
2025 Draft Budget Update Companion Report - Council Budget Decisions - 2024-457

This item has attachments. 
1.2025 Draft Budget Update Companion Report - Council Budget Decisions - 2024-457.pdf
  • Moved ByCouncillor Downer
    Seconded ByCouncillor Caron
    1. That staff be directed to report back on the progress of the Culture Plan and implementation funding through an Information Report in September 2025.
    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (13 to 0)
  • Moved ByCouncillor Downer
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller
    1. That staff be directed to report back through an information report on what outcomes are expected to be achieved in the 10-year capital budget and forecast period for each of the Council approved master plans and strategies based on the 2025 budget update. 
    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (13 to 0)
  • Moved ByCouncillor Gibson
    Seconded ByCouncillor Caron
    1. That the 2025-2027 rates fees and charges be readopted, in accordance with the adopted 2025 budget, and subject to any amendments in budget confirmation years 2026 and 2027.
    2. That the Development Applications Fee By-law be amended to reflect the changes in Attachment-1.
    3. That in accordance with the General Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy, total transfers to and from reserves and reserve funds for 2025 are approved.
    4. That a one-time transfer from the Library Capital reserve fund (#157) to the Infrastructure Renewal reserve fund (#150) to properly align funding and expenditures for Baker District debt servicing costs is approved.
    5. That Appendix A of the General Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy be amended to reflect the creation of a Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) reserve fund (#304) and a Building Faster Fund (BFF) reserve fund (#306) in accordance with the terms and authority identified in the 2024-457 2025 Draft Budget Update Companion Report – Council Budget Decisions report, dated October 30, 2024.
    6. That Council acknowledges the City’s reserve strategy deployed in the 2025 budget update results in operating contingency reserve balances that continue to be below approved targets, and that staff continue to be directed to replenish these reserves as a first priority through the allocation of year-end surplus until such point that they reach a minimum of 75 per cent of target over the multi-year budget period.
    7. That Council acknowledges that the 10-year capital budget and forecast included in the 2025 budget update will significantly draw down the City’s capital reserve funds and rely on inter-reserve fund borrowing, and that this is expected to result in balances below policy targets at times during the budget and forecast period.
    8. That Council acknowledges that the 10-year capital budget and forecast included in the 2025 budget update will be supported by debt financing at the same level as the debt strategy proposed in the 2024-2027 multi-year budget, and that the projected debt levels are in excess of the credit rating agency criterion, which will likely impact the City’s future credit rating.
    9. That given the sustained increase in the size of the capital budget and forecast, the projected drawdown of reserve funds and increased reliance on debt, staff be directed to undertake a sustainability analysis on the overall level of tax supported capital funding, and report back to Council with any recommendations prior to the next multi-year budget cycle (2028 – 2031).
    10. That staff be directed to assess the long-term capital needs of the water and wastewater services, and the impact on customers of adjusting utility rates between the services to achieve a balanced capital reserve fund forecast for each service; and that proposed adjustments resulting from this assessment are presented as part of the 2026 budget confirmation process.
    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (13 to 0)

5.
Budget Impacts per Ontario Regulation 284-09 and Budget – Public Sector Accounting Standards Reconciliation 2025 - 2024-490

This item has attachments. 
1.Budget Impacts per Ontario Regulation 284-09 and Budget – Public Sector Accounting Standards Reconciliation 2025 - 2024-490.pdf
2.Attachment-1 2025 City of Guelph Operating Budget (Unconsolidated) Public Sector Accounting Standards Reconciliation.pdf
  • Moved ByCouncillor Allt
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller
    1. That the budget impacts per Ontario Regulation 284-09 and budget - Public Sector Accounting Standards Reconciliation for the 2025 budget be approved.
    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (13 to 0)

6.
Adjournment

 
  • Moved ByCouncillor Billings
    Seconded ByCouncillor Busuttil
    1. That the meeting be adjourned (11:21 a.m.). 
    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (13 to 0)
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