Minutes of Guelph City Council

-
Remote meeting live streamed on guelph.ca/live
Council:
  • Mayor C. Guthrie
  • Councillor P. Allt
  • Councillor B. Bell
  • Councillor C. Billings
  • Councillor L. Caron
  • Councillor C. Downer
  • Councillor D. Gibson
  • Councillor R. Goller
  • Councillor J. Gordon
  • Councillor J. Hofland
  • Councillor M. MacKinnon
  • Councillor D. O'Rourke
  • Councillor M. Salisbury
Staff:
  • S. Stewart, Chief Administrative Officer
  • C. Clack-Bush, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Public Services
  • J. Holmes, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Infrastructure, Development and Enterprise Services
  • T. Lee, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Corporate Services
  • T. Baker, General Manager, Finance/City Treasurer
  • G. Clark, Manager, Financial Strategy and Long-term Planning
  • K. Newland, Manager, Finance Client Services
  • D. McMahon, Manager, Legislative Services/Deputy Clerk
  • L. Cline, Council and Committee Coordinator
  • G. Meades, Council and Committee Coordinator

Mayor Guthrie called the meeting to order (1:31 p.m.). 

  • Moved ByCouncillor O'Rourke
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller

    That the Council of the City of Guelph now hold a meeting that is closed to the public, pursuant to Section 239 (2)(d) of the Municipal Act relating to labour relations or employee negotiations.

    Voting in Favour: (12)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Bell, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, and Councillor Caron
    Carried (12 to 0)

    The following items were considered:


2.1
Call to Order (closed meeting)
 

2.2
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof (closed items)
 

2.3
2022 Non-union Municipal Employee Compensation Increase, 2021-351
 

Mayor Guthrie called the meeting to order (2:00 p.m.). 

Mayor Guthrie spoke regarding the matters discussed in closed session and identified the following:

2022 Non-union Municipal Employee Compensation Increase, 2021-351

A motion will be brought forward on this matter. Staff was also given direction on a second item related to this matter.

  • Moved ByCouncillor Hofland
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allt
    1. That City Council approve a 1.75 per cent merit increase for the Non-union Municipal Employee group, effective January 1, 2022, and that the Non-union Municipal Employee grid remains as approved on September 27, 2021.
    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Bell, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, and Councillor Caron
    Carried (13 to 0)

Councillor O'Rourke declared an interest related to funding for 10C as she is a bond holder with 10C. She also declared an interest related to a motion that may come forward regarding funding for business organizations as she has a business relationship with Innovation Guelph. 

Councillor Allt declared an interest related to motions regarding the Welcoming Streets Initiative and the court support worker as he is a board member of Stonehenge.

Trevor Lee, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Corporate Services, provided opening remarks regarding the 2022 and 2023 City Budget.

Point of Order

Councillor Allt raised a point of order seeking clarification on sections 2.3 (c) (i) and 8.1 (f) of the Procedural By-law related to no other business in Special Council meetings. He requested that the Mayor rule on these sections in case other motions come forward that do not relate specifically to the budget in front of City Council. 

The Mayor reserved the right to provide a ruling until later in the meeting depending on what motions are brought forward.

  • Moved ByCouncillor Hofland
    Seconded ByCouncillor Caron
    1. That the 2022/23 operating budget be approved at a gross expenditure budget of $481,768,460 and $500,610,142 with a 2022 property tax and payment-in-lieu of taxes levy requirement of $278,081,357 or 3.59 per cent over 2021 and a 2023 property tax and payment-in-lieu of taxes levy requirement of $293,029,001 or 4.38 per cent over 2022 inclusive of the following:
      1. 2022-23 fees, rates and charges, and inclusive of:
        1. A stormwater base charge of $7.00 per month equivalent residential unit or 9.37 per cent increase over 2021 and $7.60 per month equivalent residential unit or 8.57 per cent increase over 2022.
        2. A water and wastewater basic service charge for each of 2022 and 2023 equivalent to 2021 rates.
        3. A water volume charge of $1.87 per cubic meter, or 2.75 per cent increase over 2021 and $1.95 per cubic meter, or 4.28 per cent increase over 2022.
        4. A wastewater volume charge of $1.99 per cubic meter or 2.58 per cent increase over 2021 and $2.05 per cubic meter or 3.02 per cent increase over 2022.
      2. City service budget requirement, net of proportionate share of assessment growth, totaling an increased net levy requirement in 2022 of $5,445,712 or 2.05 per cent, and in 2023 of $7,075,961 or 2.54 per cent.
      3. Local Boards and Shared Services budget requirement, net of proportionate share of assessment growth, totaling an increased net levy requirement in 2022 of $4,066,841 or 1.53 per cent, and in 2023 of $5,093,182 or 1.84 per cent.
      4. Total transfers to/from Reserve and Reserve Funds in each of 2022 and 2023 in accordance with the reserve and reserve fund summary.
      5. The City Building base budget being allocated towards the prioritized Strategic City Building Investment items.
      6. No additional investment for Strategic City Building Investment Items.
    2. That the Guelph General Hospital levy in the amount of $750,000 be budgeted for the second and third of six years as approved on December 3, 2019, resulting in a net levy increase of 0.28 per cent.
    3. That the 2024–2025 operating budget forecast be received for information.
    4. That the 2022-2023 Capital Budget in the gross expenditure amount of $141,423,650 and $161,907,150 respectively and the required operating budget resulting from these projects totaling $2,099,910 and $919,340 respectively be approved, inclusive of the following:
      1. Funding transfers from capital reserve funds and other sources including partnerships and grants in each of 2022 and 2023.
    5. That the 2024-2031 Capital Forecast in the gross amount of $1,736,763,840, be received for information with the following implications:
      1. Operating budget impact from this forecast totaling $8,417,210.
      2. A City Building Reserve Fund will reach a deficit position of $34.2 million by 2031.
      3. A 100RE Reserve Fund deficit position of $15.6 million by 2031.
      4. A debt forecast that leverages the City’s available capacity in the eight-year period.
    6. That the Downtown Guelph Business Association 2022 and 2023 budget with gross expenditures of $699,252 and $719,512 respectively, and a total levy of $660,000 and $679,800 respectively be approved.
    7. That the Health Care Spending (Fire) Reserve (#103), the Evergreen Donation Bequest Reserve Fund (#134) and the Community Paramedicine Reserve Fund (#348) be created, and that the name of Federal Gas Tax Reserve Fund be updated to the Canada Community-Building Reserve Fund (#343) and Appendix A of the Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy be amended accordingly.
  • First Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Hofland
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller

    An increase in the Community Benefit Agreement for GNSC totaling $246,600 in 2022, using the City’s Tax Operating Contingency Reserve to phase this impact in over a two-year period with a one-time reserve transfer of $150,000 in 2022.

  • Amendment to the First Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Downer
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allt

    An increase in the CBA for GNSC totalling $246,600.

    Voting in Favour: (5)Councillor Gordon, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, and Councillor Caron
    Voting Against: (8)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Bell, Councillor Goller, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor MacKinnon, and Councillor Billings
    Defeated (5 to 8)
  • First Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Hofland
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller

    An increase in the Community Benefit Agreement for GNSC totaling $246,600 in 2022, using the City’s Tax Operating Contingency Reserve to phase this impact in over a two-year period with a one-time reserve transfer of $150,000 in 2022.

    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Bell, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, and Councillor Caron
    Carried (13 to 0)
  • Second Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Hofland
    Seconded ByCouncillor Caron

    An increase in the Community Benefit Agreement for GHS totalling $150,000 in 2022, using the City’s Tax Operating Contingency Reserve to phase this impact in over a two-year period with a one-time reserve transfer of $75,000 in 2022.

  • Amendment to Second Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Downer
    Seconded ByCouncillor O'Rourke

    An increase in the CBA for GHS totalling $150,000.

    Voting in Favour: (10)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Bell, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, and Councillor Caron
    Voting Against: (3)Councillor Gibson, Councillor MacKinnon, and Councillor Billings
    Carried (10 to 3)
  • Second Amendment as Amended
    Moved ByCouncillor Hofland
    Seconded ByCouncillor Caron

    An increase in the CBA for GHS totalling $150,000.

    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Bell, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, and Councillor Caron
    Carried (13 to 0)
  • Third Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Hofland
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller

    An increase in the paramedic services master plan totalling a net $384,800 in 2022 and $24,200 in 2023 with 2022 being phased in by utilizing the tax operating contingency reserve to offset $192,400 of the cost in 2022.

    Voting in Favour: (12)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, and Councillor Caron
    Voting Against: (1)Councillor Bell
    Carried (12 to 1)
  • Fourth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Billings
    Seconded ByCouncillor MacKinnon

    That the Guelph General Hospital levy in the amount of $750,000 be funded from the Tax Operating Contingency Reserve in each of 2022 and 2023 resulting in no net tax levy impact for each of these years.

    Voting in Favour: (12)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, and Councillor Caron
    Voting Against: (1)Councillor Bell
    Carried (12 to 1)
  • Fifth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Downer
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller

    f. The following City Building investments as follows:

    1. The Transit Route Review Strategy including digital enhancements resulting in net operating budget investment of $3,330,300 in 2022, and $1,257,700 in 2023.
  • Amendment to Fifth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor O'Rourke
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson

    ii. That the Transit Route Review Strategy fleet electrification base capital funding budget of $850,000 be reduced by $240,000 anticipating that a one-time dividend from Guelph Municipal Holdings Inc. may be declared to the City in 2022.

    Voting in Favour: (5)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, and Councillor Caron
    Voting Against: (8)Councillor Bell, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, and Councillor MacKinnon
    Defeated (5 to 8)
  • Fifth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Downer
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller

    f. The following City Building investments as follows:

    1. The Transit Route Review Strategy including digital enhancements resulting in net operating budget investment of $3,330,300 in 2022, and $1,257,700 in 2023.
    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Bell, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, and Councillor Caron
    Carried (13 to 0)
  • Sixth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Downer
    Seconded ByCouncillor Caron
    1. An increase for the Cultural Heritage Action Plan Implementation of $116,600 for a permanent heritage planner in 2022.
    2. An increase for consulting funding and a two-year temporary position of $380,000 in 2022 required to advance the Culture Heritage Action Plan work including the Couling inventory and this be funded from the Tax Operating Contingency Reserve for a total of $505,000 over 2022 and 2023.

    It was requested that the clauses be voted on separately.


  • Sixth Amendment - Clause One
    Moved ByCouncillor Downer
    Seconded ByCouncillor Caron

    1. An increase for the Cultural Heritage Action Plan Implementation of $116,600 for a permanent heritage planner in 2022.

    Voting in Favour: (9)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, and Councillor Caron
    Voting Against: (4)Councillor Gibson, Councillor Bell, Councillor MacKinnon, and Councillor Billings
    Carried (9 to 4)
  • Sixth Amendment - Clause Two
    Moved ByCouncillor Downer
    Seconded ByCouncillor Caron

    2. An increase for consulting funding and a two-year temporary position of $380,000 in 2022 required to advance the Culture Heritage Action Plan work including the Couling inventory and this be funded from the Tax Operating Contingency Reserve for a total of $505,000 over 2022 and 2023.

    Voting in Favour: (7)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, and Councillor Caron
    Voting Against: (6)Councillor Gibson, Councillor Bell, Councillor Goller, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor O'Rourke, and Councillor Billings
    Carried (7 to 6)

    Council recessed at 3:38 p.m. and reconvened at 3:45 p.m.


  • Seventh Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor MacKinnon
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller

    That a 12 month pilot be approved at a cost $385,000, funded from the Tax Operating Contingency Reserve, that includes three-tiers of income below the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) measure that would apply to the Affordable Bus Program beginning no later than with the March 2022 monthly bus pass, where approved applicants within the three income tiers would be eligible for monthly bus passes at rates of $4 (95% discount), $20 (75% discount), or $37.50 (53% discount).

    Voting in Favour: (8)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Bell, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, Councillor MacKinnon, and Councillor O'Rourke
    Voting Against: (5)Councillor Gibson, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Billings, and Councillor Caron
    Carried (8 to 5)
  • Eighth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor MacKinnon
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller

    That budget request 998 in the amount of $140,000 for the Strategic Communications Advisor position be removed.

    Voting in Favour: (4)Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor MacKinnon, and Councillor Billings
    Voting Against: (9)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Bell, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, and Councillor Caron
    Defeated (4 to 9)
  • Ninth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor MacKinnon
    Seconded ByCouncillor O'Rourke

    That the Digital Services and Customer Service Strategic City Building Investment item be approved in the amount of $87,200 in 2022 and $180,500 in 2023.

    Voting in Favour: (7)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor O'Rourke, and Councillor Caron
    Voting Against: (6)Councillor Gibson, Councillor Bell, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Downer, and Councillor Billings
    Carried (7 to 6)
  • Tenth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor MacKinnon
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson

    That the following changes be made to the proposed rates, fees and charges guide for parking services rates, effective January 1, 2022, which will be offset with reductions in the transfer from property taxation supporting the Downtown Parking Master Plan financial model to move the parking operation off the tax base:

    1. The hourly parking rate increases from $2.18 to $2.66 per hour, resulting in an anticipated additional $93,100 in revenue in 2022.
    2. The flat fee on Saturdays increases from $2.61 to $3.54, resulting in an anticipated additional $18,000 in revenue in 2022.
    3. That a new flat fee for Sunday Parking in all lots and parkades be approved at $3.54 resulting in an anticipated additional $10,000 in revenue in 2022.
    4. The flat fee event parking increases from $4.87 to $7.08, resulting in an anticipated additional $80,000 in revenue in 2022.
    5. The staff-proposed 5% permit increases instead become 10% increases, resulting in an anticipated additional $100,000 in revenue in 2022.
  • Amendment to Tenth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Goller
    Seconded ByCouncillor Caron
    1. The staff-proposed 5% permit increases instead become 10% increases, excluding the Norwich Street and Arthur Street Lots which shall remain at the 2021 rate with no increase, resulting in an anticipated additional $98,000 in revenue in 2022.

    Point of Order

    Councillor Allt raised a point of order requesting that the Mayor rule on whether the amendment to the tenth amendment is in order.

    Point of Order

    Councillor O’Rourke raised a point of order suggesting it would be simpler to leave clause five as presented in Councillor MacKinnon’s amendment and add an additional motion excluding the two lots from an additional fare increase.

    Chair’s Ruling

    The Mayor ruled that the amendment to the tenth amendment is out of order and that Councillor Goller should re-word the amendment.

    Councillor MacKinnon requested that a vote be called on the Chair's ruling that the amendment to the tenth amendment is out of order.


  • Vote on Chair's Ruling
    Moved ByCouncillor MacKinnon
    Seconded ByMayor Guthrie

    That the amendment to the tenth amendment is in order.

    Voting in Favour: (5)Councillor Bell, Councillor Billings, Councillor Goller, Councillor MacKinnon, and Councillor O'Rourke
    Voting Against: (8)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Allt, Councillor Caron, Councillor Downer, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Hofland, and Councillor Salisbury
    Defeated (5 to 8)
  • Second Amendment to Tenth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Goller
    Seconded ByCouncillor Bell

    That Cllr McKinnon’s amendment #5 be replaced as follows:

    The staff-proposed 5% permit increases instead become 10% increases, excluding the Norwich Street and Arthur Street Lots which shall remain at the 2021 rate with no increase, resulting in an anticipated additional $98,000 in revenue in 2022.

    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Bell, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, and Councillor Caron
    Carried (13 to 0)
  • Third Amendment to Tenth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor MacKinnon
    Seconded ByCouncillor O'Rourke

    That clause 4 be removed.

    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Bell, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, and Councillor Caron
    Carried (13 to 0)
  • It was requested that the clauses be voted on separately.

    Tenth Amendment as Amended - Clause One
    Moved ByCouncillor MacKinnon
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson

    The hourly parking rate increases from $2.18 to $2.66 per hour, resulting in an anticipated additional $93,100 in revenue in 2022.

    Voting in Favour: (7)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Bell, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor MacKinnon, and Councillor Billings
    Voting Against: (6)Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Downer, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Gordon, and Councillor Caron
    Carried (7 to 6)
  • Tenth Amendment as Amended - Clause Two
    Moved ByCouncillor MacKinnon
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson

    The flat fee on Saturdays increases from $2.61 to $3.54, resulting in an anticipated additional $18,000 in revenue in 2022.

    Voting in Favour: (6)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Bell, Councillor Goller, Councillor Billings, and Councillor MacKinnon
    Voting Against: (7)Councillor Gibson, Councillor Allt, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Caron, and Councillor Downer
    Defeated (6 to 7)
  • Tenth Amendment as Amended - Clause Three
    Moved ByCouncillor MacKinnon
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson

    That a new flat fee for Sunday Parking in all lots and parkades be approved at $3.54 resulting in an anticipated additional $10,000 in revenue in 2022.

    Voting in Favour: (3)Councillor Bell, Councillor Goller, and Councillor MacKinnon
    Voting Against: (10)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Allt, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Caron, and Councillor Downer
    Defeated (3 to 10)
  • Tenth Amendment as Amended - Clause Four
    Moved ByCouncillor MacKinnon
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson

    The staff-proposed 5% permit increases instead become 10% increases, excluding the Norwich Street and Arthur Street Lots which shall remain at the 2021 rate with no increase, resulting in an anticipated additional $98,000 in revenue in 2022.

    Voting in Favour: (5)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Goller, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor Gordon, and Councillor Bell
    Voting Against: (8)Councillor Caron, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Gibson, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, and Councillor Salisbury
    Defeated (5 to 8)
  • Eleventh Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor MacKinnon
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson

    That the Library budget increase request in 2022 be reduced by $175,000.

    Point of Order

    Councillor Allt raised a point of order suggesting that the eleventh amendment is out of order as it was precluded with a statement of intent related to a line item and is likely contrary to the Libraries Act and Municipal Act.

    The Mayor ruled that the eleventh amendment is in order.


  • Amendment to Eleventh Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Downer
    Seconded ByCouncillor O'Rourke

    That the Library budget increase request in 2022 be reduced by $100,000.

    Voting in Favour: (9)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Downer, Councillor Billings, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Gibson, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Salisbury, and Councillor Caron
    Voting Against: (4)Councillor Gordon, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Bell, and Councillor MacKinnon
    Carried (9 to 4)
  • Eleventh Amendment as Amended
    Moved ByCouncillor MacKinnon
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson

    That the Library budget increase request in 2022 be reduced by $100,000.

    Voting in Favour: (8)Councillor Downer, Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Billings, Councillor Goller, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor Bell, Councillor Gibson, and Councillor O'Rourke
    Voting Against: (5)Councillor Gordon, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Caron, and Councillor Salisbury
    Carried (8 to 5)

    Council recessed at 5:08 p.m. and reconvened at 5:42 p.m.


  • Twelfth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Salisbury
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allt

    To remove $483,000 from the Police Services budget.

    Voting in Favour: (5)Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, and Councillor Bell
    Voting Against: (8)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Goller, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor Billings, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Gibson, and Councillor Caron
    Defeated (5 to 8)
  • Thirteenth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor O'Rourke
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson

    That the base capital City Building funding for GTMP, UFMP, and Open Spaces Strategy be reduced to $704,000 per year resulting in a $71,000 reduction to the City Building capital transfer budget in 2022 and that City Staff report back through the next budget cycle on the capital project deferral impacts of this decision.

    Point of Privilege

    In response to comments from Councillor Allt, Councillor O’Rourke raised a point of privilege in being accused of not taking the budget seriously.

    Councillor Allt clarified the intent of his comments and apologized to Councillor O’Rourke.

    Point of Order

    In response to a request from Councillor Bell to separate out the motion, Councillor O’Rourke raised a point of order to clarify that the amendment is one motion that can’t be separated out.

    The Mayor did not make a ruling but took the commentary into consideration.


  • Thirteenth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor O'Rourke
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson

    That the base capital City Building funding for GTMP, UFMP, and Open Spaces Strategy be reduced to $704,000 per year resulting in a $71,000 reduction to the City Building capital transfer budget in 2022 and that City Staff report back through the next budget cycle on the capital project deferral impacts of this decision.

    Voting in Favour: (4)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Gibson, and Councillor Billings
    Voting Against: (9)Councillor Bell, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Caron, and Councillor MacKinnon
    Defeated (4 to 9)
  • Fourteenth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor O'Rourke
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson

    That the base capital City Building funding for Active Transportation Network (ATN) including Cycling Master Plan Strategy be reduced to $980,000 per year resulting in a $145,000 reduction to the City Building capital transfer budget in 2022 and that City Staff report back through the next budget cycle on the capital project deferral impacts of this decision.

    Voting in Favour: (4)Councillor Billings, Councillor Gibson, Mayor Guthrie, and Councillor O'Rourke
    Voting Against: (9)Councillor Hofland, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Bell, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor MacKinnon, and Councillor Caron
    Defeated (4 to 9)
  • Fifteenth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor O'Rourke
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson

    That the base capital City Building funding for Investment in digital services and customer service Strategy be reduced to $541,000 per year resulting in a $109,000 reduction to the City Building capital transfer budget in 2022 and that City Staff report back through the next budget cycle on the capital project deferral impacts of this decision.

    Voting in Favour: (7)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Billings, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Goller, Councillor Bell, and Councillor Gibson
    Voting Against: (6)Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Caron, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, and Councillor MacKinnon
    Carried (7 to 6)
  • Sixteenth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor O'Rourke
    Seconded ByCouncillor Bell

    That the minimum wage impact of $130,000 be absorbed through annual gapping savings eliminating the levy impact of 0.05 per cent.

    Voting in Favour: (11)Councillor Salisbury, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Goller, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Downer, Councillor Billings, Councillor Bell, Councillor Allt, and Mayor Guthrie
    Voting Against: (2)Councillor Caron, and Councillor Gordon
    Carried (11 to 2)
  • Seventeenth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor O'Rourke
    Seconded ByCouncillor Billings

    As amended to reduce the transfer to the Growth Reserve fund by $500,000 in 2022.

    Voting in Favour: (10)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Bell, Councillor Billings, Councillor Downer, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Hofland, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor O'Rourke, and Councillor Salisbury
    Voting Against: (3)Councillor Gordon, Councillor Caron, and Councillor Allt
    Carried (10 to 3)
  • Eighteenth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Caron
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller

    That two co-op positions be funded within the planning department for 2022 as a pilot program to support planning and development application approvals. And that a follow up report by the beginning of Q4 2022 on the impacts of this initiative be brought back to Council for further consideration. And that this be funded one time from the Contingency Reserve Funding.

    Voting in Favour: (12)Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Downer, Councillor Caron, Councillor Billings, Councillor Bell, Councillor Allt, and Mayor Guthrie
    Voting Against: (1)Councillor Hofland
    Carried (12 to 1)
  • Nineteenth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Billings
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson

    As amended to apply the excess growth assessment of $819,074 in the 2022 property tax and payment-in-lieu of taxes levy calculation rather than 2023. 

  • Amendment to Nineteenth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Gibson
    Seconded ByCouncillor Billings

    As amended to apply the excess growth assessment of $500,000 in the 2022 property tax and payment-in-lieu of taxes levy calculation rather than 2023.

    Voting in Favour: (7)Councillor Salisbury, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Bell, Councillor Billings, Mayor Guthrie, and Councillor Goller
    Voting Against: (6)Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor Downer, Councillor Allt, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Hofland, and Councillor Caron
    Carried (7 to 6)
  • Nineteenth Amendment as Amended
    Moved ByCouncillor Billings
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson

    As amended to apply the excess growth assessment of $500,000 in the 2022 property tax and payment-in-lieu of taxes levy calculation rather than 2023.

    Voting in Favour: (9)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Goller, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor Bell, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, and Councillor Downer
    Voting Against: (4)Councillor Hofland, Councillor Caron, Councillor Allt, and Councillor Gordon
    Carried (9 to 4)
  • Councillor Allt declared a conflict of interest and disconnected from the remote meeting at 7:22 p.m. He did not participate in the discussion or vote on the matter.

    Twentieth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Goller
    Seconded ByCouncillor MacKinnon

    A one-time investment of $50,000 in 2022, funded from the Tax Operating Contingency Reserve.

  • Amendment to Twentieth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Bell
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller

    A one-time investment of $50,000 in 2022, funded from the Tax Operating Contingency Reserve for a court support worker.

    Voting in Favour: (11)Councillor Salisbury, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Downer, Councillor Caron, Councillor Billings, Councillor Bell, and Mayor Guthrie
    Voting Against: (1)Councillor Hofland
    Carried (11 to 1)
  • Twentieth Amendment as Amended
    Moved ByCouncillor Goller
    Seconded ByCouncillor MacKinnon

    A one-time investment of $50,000 in 2022, funded from the Tax Operating Contingency Reserve for a court support worker.

    Voting in Favour: (10)Councillor Salisbury, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Downer, Councillor Caron, Councillor Billings, Councillor Bell, and Mayor Guthrie
    Voting Against: (2)Councillor Hofland, and Councillor O'Rourke
    Carried (10 to 2)

    Councillor Allt rejoined the remote meeting at 7:27 p.m.


  • Councillor Allt declared a conflict of interest and disconnected from the remote meeting at 7:28 p.m. He did not participate in the discussion or vote on the matter.

    Twenty-first Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Goller
    Seconded ByCouncillor Caron

    A one-time investment of $91,000 in 2022, funded from the Tax Operating Contingency Reserve for the welcoming streets initiative.

    Voting in Favour: (12)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Bell, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Downer, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Hofland, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor O'Rourke, and Councillor Salisbury
    Carried (12 to 0)

    Councillor Allt rejoined the remote meeting at 7:30 p.m.


  • Twenty-second Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Hofland
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson

    A one-time investment of up to $120,000 in 2022, funded from the Tax Operating Contingency Reserve for PIN network volunteer checks.

  • Amendment to Twenty-second Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Billings
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson

    A one-time investment of up to $120,000 in 2022, funded from the Tax Operating Contingency Reserve for volunteer checks.

    The amendment and the amendment to the amendment were withdrawn.


  • Twenty-second Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Billings
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson

    That the amount of up to $120,000 for one-time funding to cover police volunteer records checks be allocated from the tax operating contingency reserve and to the 2022 Guelph Police Services budget.

    Voting in Favour: (12)Councillor Salisbury, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Downer, Councillor Caron, Councillor Billings, Councillor Bell, Councillor Allt, and Mayor Guthrie
    Voting Against: (1)Councillor Goller
    Carried (12 to 1)
  • Twenty-third Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Goller
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gordon

    A “kids ride free transit” 2022 pilot program for kids from 5-12 years old totaling a budget investment of up to $125,000 in 2022 funded from the Tax Operating Contingency Reserve, to be launched no later than March 1, 2022, and that staff report back by Q4, 2022 regarding the results of the pilot.

    Voting in Favour: (7)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor Bell, Councillor Downer, and Councillor Goller
    Voting Against: (6)Councillor Allt, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Caron, and Councillor Billings
    Carried (7 to 6)
  • Twenty-fourth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Goller
    Seconded ByCouncillor Caron

    That the staff proposed 5 per cent increase in parking permit fees exclude the Norwich and Arthur Street Lots. The permit fees for Norwich and Arthur street lots will remain at the 2021 fee of $102.00 with a resulting decrease to parking permit fees revenue of $2,000.

    Point of Order

    Councillor Allt raised a point of order suggesting that the amendment is out of order as it is too similar to a motion that was previously presented.

    Mayor Guthrie ruled that the amendment is in order.


  • Twenty-fourth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Goller
    Seconded ByCouncillor Caron

    That the staff proposed 5 per cent increase in parking permit fees exclude the Norwich and Arthur Street Lots. The permit fees for Norwich and Arthur street lots will remain at the 2021 fee of $102.00 with a resulting decrease to parking permit fees revenue of $2,000.

    Voting in Favour: (10)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Allt, Councillor Bell, Councillor Caron, Councillor Downer, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Gordon, Councillor O'Rourke, and Councillor Salisbury
    Voting Against: (3)Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor Hofland, and Councillor Billings
    Carried (10 to 3)

    Council recessed at 7:59 p.m. and reconvened at 8:10 p.m.


  • Twenty-fifth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Bell
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller
    1. That the capital for PK0075 "Downtown Pedestrian Bridge" in the amount of $1,140,000 be deferred until the EA for the abutting area is complete.

    Point of Order

    Councillor Downer raised a point of order suggesting that the conversation is going down the road of reconsideration and re-opening a previous issue.

    The Mayor did not make a ruling but expressed appreciation for the comment and called the vote on the amendment.


  • Twenty-fifth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Bell
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller
    1. That the capital for PK0075 "Downtown Pedestrian Bridge" in the amount of $1,140,000 be deferred until the EA for the abutting area is complete.
    Voting in Favour: (4)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Bell, Councillor Goller, and Councillor Salisbury
    Voting Against: (9)Councillor Gibson, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Downer, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, and Councillor Caron
    Defeated (4 to 9)
  • Twenty-sixth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Billings
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson

    Move an amendment to reduce the budget by $500,000, eliminating the transfer to the Efficiency, Innovation and Opportunity Reserve Fund for the Service Rationalization initiatives in 2022 and 2023.

    Voting in Favour: (9)Councillor Gibson, Councillor Bell, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, Councillor Billings, and Councillor Caron
    Voting Against: (4)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Goller, Councillor MacKinnon, and Councillor O'Rourke
    Carried (9 to 4)
  • Twenty-seventh Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Downer
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allt

    That $99,999 be put in the Guelph Public Library Budget.

  • Amendment to Twenty-seventh Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor O'Rourke
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson

    That $99,999 be put in the Guelph Public Library Budget to phase in over two years or $49,999.50 in 2022 and $49,999.50 in 2023.

    Voting in Favour: (4)Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor O'Rourke, and Councillor Billings
    Voting Against: (9)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Bell, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, Councillor MacKinnon, and Councillor Caron
    Defeated (4 to 9)
  • Twenty-seventh Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Downer
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allt

    That $99,999 be put in the Guelph Public Library Budget.

    Voting in Favour: (8)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, and Councillor Caron
    Voting Against: (5)Councillor Gibson, Councillor Bell, Councillor Goller, Councillor MacKinnon, and Councillor Billings
    Carried (8 to 5)
  • Twenty-eighth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor Downer
    Seconded ByCouncillor Salisbury

    As amended to reduce the tax transfer to the Contaminated Site Reserve Fund by $500,000 in 2022.

    Voting in Favour: (10)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Bell, Councillor Goller, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, and Councillor Caron
    Voting Against: (3)Councillor Gordon, Councillor Allt, and Councillor MacKinnon
    Carried (10 to 3)
  • Twenty-ninth Amendment
    Moved ByCouncillor MacKinnon
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson

    As amended to reduce the tax transfer to the 100 RE Capital Reserve Fund by $500,000 in 2022.

    Voting in Favour: (4)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor MacKinnon, and Councillor Billings
    Voting Against: (9)Councillor Gibson, Councillor Bell, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, and Councillor Caron
    Defeated (4 to 9)
  • Deferral
    Moved ByCouncillor Bell
    Seconded ByCouncillor Billings
    1. That Budget approval be deferred to late February and the two special meetings of council be scheduled for January 2022 to discuss Capital and Operating and that a second meeting for capital be scheduled for mid February and a final meeting in late February.
    Voting in Favour: (5)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Bell, Councillor O'Rourke, and Councillor Billings
    Voting Against: (8)Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, Councillor MacKinnon, and Councillor Caron
    Defeated (5 to 8)
  • Main Motion as Amended
    Moved ByCouncillor Hofland
    Seconded ByCouncillor Caron
    1. That the 2022/23 operating budget be approved at a gross expenditure budget of $485,666,624 and $506,173,886 with a 2022 property tax and payment-in-lieu of taxes levy requirement of $279,719,226 or 21 per cent over 2021 and a 2023 property tax and payment-in-lieu of taxes levy requirement of $296,975,450 or 5.17 per cent over 2022 inclusive of the following:
      1. 2022-23 fees, rates and charges, and inclusive of:
        1. A stormwater base charge of $7.00 per month equivalent residential unit or 9.37 per cent increase over 2021 and $7.60 per month equivalent residential unit or 8.57 per cent increase over 2022.
        2. A water and wastewater basic service charge for each of 2022 and 2023 equivalent to 2021 rates.
        3. A water volume charge of $1.87 per cubic meter, or 2.75 per cent increase over 2021 and $1.95 per cubic meter, or 4.28 per cent increase over 2022.
        4. A wastewater volume charge of $1.99 per cubic meter or 2.58 per cent increase over 2021 and $2.05 per cubic meter or 3.02 per cent increase over 2022.
      2. City service budget requirement, net of proportionate share of assessment growth, totaling an increased net levy requirement in 2022 of $7,360,066 or 78 per cent, and in 2023 of $9,373,567 or 3.35 per cent.
      3. Local Boards and Shared Services budget requirement, net of proportionate share of assessment growth, totaling an increased net levy requirement in 2022 of $3,796,546 or 43 per cent, and in 2023 of $5,085,465 or 1.82 per cent.
      4. Total transfers to/from Reserve and Reserve Funds in each of 2022 and 2023 in accordance with the reserve and reserve fund summary.
      5. The City Building base budget being allocated towards the prioritized Strategic City Building Investment items inclusive of the following Strategic City Building Investments; Investment in digital services and customer service, Paramedic Services Master Plan, Community Benefit Agreement expansion for Guelph Humane Society and Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition, Cultural Heritage Action Plan implementation, Transit Route Review and other transit digital investment, and Community Investment - subsidy pilot program
    2. That the Guelph General Hospital levy in the amount of $750,000 be budgeted for the second and third of six years as approved on December 3, 2019 and be funded from the Tax Operating Contingency Reserve.
    3. That the 2024–2025 operating budget forecast be received for information.
    4. That the 2022-2023 Capital Budget in the gross expenditure amount of $141,423,650 and $161,907,150 respectively and the required operating budget resulting from these projects totaling $2,099,910 and $919,340 respectively be approved, inclusive of the following:
      1. Funding transfers from capital reserve funds and other sources including partnerships and grants in each of 2022 and 2023.
    5. That the 2024-2031 Capital Forecast in the gross amount of $1,736,763,840, be received for information with the following implications:
      1. Operating budget impact from this forecast totaling $8,417,210.
      2. A City Building Reserve Fund will reach a deficit position of $28.0 million by 2031.
      3. A 100RE Reserve Fund deficit position of $7.1 million by 2031.
      4. A debt forecast that leverages the City’s available capacity in the eight-year period.
    6. That the Downtown Guelph Business Association 2022 and 2023 budget with gross expenditures of $699,252 and $719,512 respectively, and a total levy of $660,000 and $679,800 respectively be approved.
    7. That the Health Care Spending (Fire) Reserve (#103), the Evergreen Donation Bequest Reserve Fund (#134), and the Community Paramedicine Reserve Fund (#348) be created, and that the name of Federal Gas Tax Reserve Fund be updated to the Canada Community-Building Reserve Fund (#343) and Appendix A of the Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy be amended accordingly.
    Voting in Favour: (8)Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, Councillor MacKinnon, and Councillor Caron
    Voting Against: (5)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Bell, Councillor O'Rourke, and Councillor Billings
    Carried (8 to 5)
  • Moved ByCouncillor Hofland
    Seconded ByCouncillor O'Rourke

    That the Budget Impacts per Ontario Regulation 284/09 and Budget - Public Sector Accounting Standards Reconciliation for the 2022 budget be approved.

    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Bell, Councillor Allt, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Downer, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Hofland, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor O'Rourke, and Councillor Salisbury
    Carried (13 to 0)

The Mayor ruled that a proposed motion from Councillor O'Rourke regarding Community Benefit Agreements is out of order as it is more of a policy discussion best suited to be brought forward to Committee of the Whole.

The Mayor ruled that a proposed motion from Councillor Downer regarding local boards is in order as it relates to communication from City Council to ensure local boards remain in alignment with the City. 

  • Moved ByCouncillor Downer
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller

    That staff be directed to communicate to the Local Boards and Shared Service Agencies that Council expects their business planning and budget development to be aligned with the City’s methodology (separating investment for maintaining current service, investment to maintain current service for a growing community, and investment for service enhancements) and that investment in maintaining current services to a growing community is aligned to their proportionate share of property tax assessment growth as a benchmark to ensuring service growth investment is not out pacing taxation revenue growth over-time.

    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Bell, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, and Councillor Caron
    Carried (13 to 0)
  • Moved ByCouncillor Allt
    Seconded ByCouncillor Hofland

    That By-laws numbered (2021)-20651 to (2021)-20656, inclusive, and (2021)-20660 are hereby passed, as amended.

    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Bell, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, and Councillor Caron
    Carried (13 to 0)
  • Moved ByCouncillor Allt
    Seconded ByCouncillor Hofland

    That the meeting be adjourned (10:24 p.m.). 

    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Bell, Councillor Gordon, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Hofland, Councillor Salisbury, Councillor Downer, Councillor MacKinnon, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, and Councillor Caron
    Carried (13 to 0)