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
  • K. Walkey, General Manager, Planning and Building Services
  • S. Laughlin, Downtown Revitalization Advisor
  • B. MacKinnon, Project Manager
  • J. Mallon, Heritage Planner
  • C. Matthews, Development Advisor
  • L. Mollame, Planner
  • K. Nasswetter, Project Manager
  • G. Meades, Acting Manager, Legislative Services/Deputy Clerk
  • S. Osborn, Administrative Coordinator
  • A. Sandor, Council and Committee Coordinator
  • J. Tang, Legislative Coordinator
Also Present:

  • Cameron Parkin, Consultant, 02 Design

2.
Call to Order

 

Mayor Guthrie called the meeting to order. (3:03 p.m.)

3.
Authority to move into closed meeting

 
  • Moved ByCouncillor Busuttil
    Seconded ByCouncillor 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)(e) and (f) of the Municipal Act, regarding litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting 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 Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (11 to 0)

    The following items were considered:


3.1
Call to Order (closed meeting)

 

3.2
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof

 

3.3
201 Elmira Road S. – Ontario Land Tribunal Update

 

4.
Closed Meeting Summary

 

Mayor Guthrie noted the following:

201 Elmira Road S. – Ontario Land Tribunal Update

Council received information and gave direction to staff.

5.
Open Meeting - 4:00 p.m.

 

5.4
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof

 

Councillor Caron declared a pecuniary interest for item 8.2 as this property is owned by her employer. 

6.
Council Consent Agenda

 

6.1
106 Carden Street – Objection to Notice of Intention to Designate, 2024-512

This item has attachments. 
1.106 Carden Street - Objection to Notice of Intention to Designate - 2024-512.pdf
2.Attachment-1 Notice of intention to designate - 106 Carden St (Sept 10 2024).pdf
3.Attachment-2 Notice of Objection to Intention to Designate 106 Carden Street (October 8 2024).pdf
4.Attachment-3 Proposed By-law (2024) - 21016.pdf
  • Moved ByCouncillor O'Rourke
    Seconded ByCouncillor Busuttil
    1. That the Notice of Objection to the intention to designate 106 Carden Street dated October 8, 2024 from Christienne Uchiyama of LHC Heritage Planning and Archaeology Inc. on behalf of the property owner (Master's Choice Capital Inc.) be received.
    2. That the designation by-law for 106 Carden Street be approved.
    Voting in Favour: (12)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (12 to 0)

7.
Public Meeting to Hear Applications Under Sections 17, 34 and 51 of The Planning Act

 

7.1
Decision Report Permitting Four Dwelling Units on a Lot City-initiated Zoning By-law Amendment 2024-405, 2024-405

This item has attachments. 
1.Decision Report Permitting Four Dwelling Units on a Lot City-initiated Zoning By-law Amendment 2024-405.pdf
2.Attachment-1 Proposed Official Plan Amendment.pdf
3.Attachment-2 Proposed By-law Amendments.pdf
4.Attachment-3 Gentle Density Background Review and Design Demonstrations Report.pdf
5.Attachment-4 Map of Current Additional Dwelling Units and Lots with Potential for Four Units.pdf
6.Attachment-5 Council Presentation.pdf
7.Correspondence - John Lawson, Old University Neighbourhood Residents Association.pdf
8.Correspondence - Kevin Thompson, SmithValeriote Law Firm LLP.pdf

Cushla Matthews, Development Advisor, and Katie Nasswetter, Project Manager, presented.

The following delegate spoke:
Mary-Kate Craig

Council recessed (4:37 p.m.). Council reconvened (4:41 p.m.)

The following delegate spoke:
Dillon Fraser

  • Main Motion
    Moved ByCouncillor O'Rourke
    Seconded ByCouncillor Klassen
    1. That the City-initiated Official Plan Amendment to exclude multi-unit residential buildings with four units or less from the net density calculation in the low density residential designation be approved, as shown in Attachment-1 of Report 2024-405 dated December 10, 2024.
    2. That the City-initiated Zoning By-law Amendment to permit up to four units on low density residential lots be approved, as shown in Attachment-2 of Report 2024-405 dated December 10, 2024.
    3. That in accordance with Section 34 (17) of the Planning Act, City Council has determined that no further public notice is required related to the minor modifications to the proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments permitting up to four units on a lot.
  • First Amendment to Main Motion
    Moved ByCouncillor Downer
    Seconded ByCouncillor Busuttil
    1. 4.12.1(g)(vi)B. An additional dwelling unit must be setback from an exterior side lot line no less than the exterior side yard setback of the main dwelling unit.
    Voting in Favour: (8)Councillor Gibson, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Voting Against: (5)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Goller, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Klassen, and Councillor Richardson
    Carried (8 to 5)
  • Second Amendment to Main Motion
    Moved ByCouncillor Caron
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allt

    Councillor Caron called a Point of Privilege regarding comments made by Mayor Guthrie. Mayor Guthrie provided clarifying remarks.

    1. That proposed Table 5.3 be amended to require a minimum of 1 off-street parking space per dwelling unit, in all zones except downtown zones.
    Voting in Favour: (3)Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, and Councillor Caron
    Voting Against: (10)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Defeated (3 to 10)
  • Main Motion as Amended
    Moved ByCouncillor O'Rourke
    Seconded ByCouncillor Klassen
    1. That the City-initiated Official Plan Amendment to exclude multi-unit residential buildings with four units or less from the net density calculation in the low density residential designation be approved, as shown in Attachment-1 of Report 2024-405 dated December 10, 2024.
    2. That the City-initiated Zoning By-law Amendment to permit up to four units on low density residential lots be approved as amended, and as shown in Attachment-2 of Report 2024-405 dated December 10, 2024.
    3. That in accordance with Section 34 (17) of the Planning Act, City Council has determined that no further public notice is required related to the minor modifications to the proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments permitting up to four units on a lot.
    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 (5:37 p.m.). Council reconvened (5:47 p.m.).


7.2
Final Recommended Housing Affordability Strategy, 2024-517

This item has attachments. 
1.Final Recommended Housing Affordability Strategy - 2024-517.pdf
2.Attachment 1 - Final Recommended 2024 Housing Affordability Strategy - AODA.pdf
3.Attachment-2 Proposed Official Plan Amendment No. 101.pdf
4.Attachment 3 - 2024 Housing Affordability Strategy Implementation and Monitoring Plan AODA.pdf
5.Attachment-4 Affordable Housing Proforma Scenarios.pdf
6.Attachment-5 Final Housing Affordability Strategy Presentation_December 10 2024.pdf
7.Correspondence - Michel Labbe, Home Opportunities Non-Profit.pdf
8.Correspondence - Daniel Segal, Segal Construction.pdf
9.Correspondence - Jessica Johnstone, Hopewell Support Services.pdf
10.Presentation - Stan Kozak.pdf
11.Correspondence - David McAuley.pdf
12.Correspondence - Cora Pacheco, Guelph Wellington Family Network.pdf

Cushla Matthews, Development Advisor, and Lucas Mollame, Planner, presented.

The following delegates spoke:
Susan Watson
Daniel Segal
David McAuley
Mike Labbe
Adrian Dingle
Mary-Kate Craig
Morgan Dandie

Council recessed (7:05 p.m.) Council reconvened (7:25 p.m.)

The following delegates spoke:
Ryan Deska
Stan Kozak

The following delegates did not speak:
Adam Segal

Councillor Allt called a Point of Order. Councillor Allt expressed concerns over the information being presented. Mayor Guthrie requested the delegate adjust their presentation appropriately. 

The following delegates spoke:
Mike Ashkewe
Cora Pacheco
Tay Anton
Dominica McPherson

Council recessed (8:02 p.m.). Council reconvened (8:04 p.m.).

The following delegate spoke:
Dillon Fraser

  • Main Motion
    Moved ByCouncillor Busuttil
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allt
    1. That Council approves the final recommended 2024 Housing Affordability Strategy, included as Attachment-1 to Report 2024-517, dated December 10, 2024.
    2. That the City-initiated Official Plan Amendment No. 101 for the new affordable housing targets be received and approved in accordance with Attachment-2 of Report 2024-517, dated December 10, 2024.
  • Amendment to Main Motion
    Moved ByCouncillor Busuttil
    Seconded ByCouncillor Caton
    1. That the 2024 Housing Affordability Strategy be amended to prioritize the protection of affordable housing by moving action 2.1.1 into the high priority actions and that staff report back on this action with a recommended approach and implementation schedule through the semiannual Housing Update in March 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)
  • Main Motion as Amended
    Moved ByCouncillor Busuttil
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allt
    1. That Council approves the final recommended 2024 Housing Affordability Strategy, included as Attachment-1 to Report 2024-517, dated December 10, 2024, as amended.
    2. That the City-initiated Official Plan Amendment No. 101 for the new affordable housing targets be received and approved in accordance with Attachment-2 of Report 2024-517, dated December 10, 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)

7.3
Special Meeting of Council for Downtown Heights Study under Section 26 of the Planning Act -2024-488, 2024-488

This item has attachments. 
1.Special Meeting of Council to commence the Downtown Heights Study - 2024-488.pdf
2.Attachment-1 Staff Presentation Commencement of the Downtown Heights Study.pdf
3.Correspondence - Paul Kraehling.pdf
4.Presentation - Stephen Litt and David Galbraith.pdf
5.Correspondence - Ian Panabaker, Wood Development Group.pdf

Stacey Laughlin, Downtown Revitalization Advisor, presented. 

The following delegates spoke:
Stephen Litt and David Galbraith

Council recessed (9:02 p.m.). Council reconvened (9:06 p.m.).

  • Main Motion
    Moved ByCouncillor Goller
    Seconded ByCouncillor Klassen
    1. That Staff be directed to proceed with the Section 26 Official Plan update as outlined in the report titled Special meeting of Council to commence the Downtown Building Heights Study dated December 10, 2024.
  • Amendment to Main Motion
    Moved ByCouncillor Goller
    Seconded ByCouncillor Caron
    1. That the environmental impact of built form, including carbon footprint, energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and heat islands be considered as part of the downtown building heights study.
    Voting in Favour: (4)Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Caron, and Councillor Caton
    Voting Against: (9)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Defeated (4 to 9)
  • Main Motion
    Moved ByCouncillor Goller
    Seconded ByCouncillor Klassen
    1. That Staff be directed to proceed with the Section 26 Official Plan update as outlined in the report titled Special meeting of Council to commence the Downtown Building Heights Study dated December 10, 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)

    Council recessed (9:30 p.m.) Council reconvened (9:41 p.m.).


8.
Items for Discussion

 

8.1
Decision Meeting – 8 Mitchell Street Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment File OZS24-011, 2024-445

This item has attachments. 
1.Decision Meeting - 8 Mitchell Street Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment File OZS24-011 - 2024-445.pdf
2.Attachment-1 Location Map and 120 m Circulation.pdf
3.Attachment-2 Aerial Photograph.pdf
4.Attachment-3 Existing Zoning.pdf
5.Attachment-4 Existing Official Plan Designation.pdf
6.Attachment-5 Proposed Zoning.pdf
7.Attachment-6 Conceptual Site Plan.pdf
8.Attachment-7 Staff Review and Planning Analysis.pdf
9.Attachment-8 Departmental and Agency Comments.pdf
10.Attachment-9 Public Notification Summary.pdf
11.Correspondence - Marcel Schlaff and Linda O'Neill.pdf
12.Correspondence - Sarah Wootton.pdf
13.Presentation - Sarah Wootton.pdf
14.Correspondence - Martin Cleaver.pdf
15.Presentation - Martin Cleaver.pdf
16.Correspondence - Hilary Wootton.pdf
17.Correspondence - Mary Tivy.pdf
18.Correspondence - David Wickland.pdf
19.Correspondence - Susan Schappert.pdf
20.Correspondence - Gabriella Currie.pdf
21.Correspondence - Sue Smith.pdf
22.Correspondence - Stanley Bunston.pdf
23.Correspondence - Uli Walle.pdf
24.Correspondence - Beth Cosentino.pdf
25.Correspondence - Thomas Ziegler.pdf
26.Correspondence - Theresa Shelton.pdf
27.Correspondence - Don and Catherine Bowman.pdf
28.Correspondence - Linda O'Neill.pdf
29.Correspondence - Bryan Griffin.pdf
30.Correspondence - Julia Aimes.pdf
31.Correspondence - Shelly Johnson.pdf
32.Correspondence - Marnie Benson and Peal Van Geese.pdf
33.Correspondence - Andrea Cleaver.pdf
34.Correspondence - CC Walker.pdf
35.Correspondence - Wendelin Galatianos.pdf
36.Correspondence - Sidney Sproule.pdf
37.Correspondence - Wendy and Rod MacDonald.pdf

The following delegates spoke:
Marcel Shlaff
Sarah Wootton
Martin Cleaver
Lenore Ross
Susan Schappert
Matthew Glass

The following delegate did not speak:
Bryan Griffin

  • Main Motion
    Moved ByCouncillor O'Rourke
    Seconded ByCouncillor Richardson
    1. That the application from Van Harten Surveying Inc. on behalf of 8 Mitchell St Inc. for a Zoning By-law Amendment to change the zoning from the current Neighbourhood Institutional (NI) Zone (2023 – 20790) to a Specialized Low Density Residential (RL.1-26(H)) Zone to permit the proposed semi-detached dwellings on the lands municipally known as 8 Mitchell Street be approved in accordance with Attachment-5 from Infrastructure, Development and Environment Services Report 2024-445 dated December 10, 2024.
  • Amendment to Main Motion
    Moved ByCouncillor Caron
    Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson
    1. To amend Subsection 18.1.26 (a)vii to change the word "may" to "shall" with respect to the provision of 4 additional parking spaces accessed from Mitchel Street.
    Voting in Favour: (4)Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor Caron, and Councillor Caton
    Voting Against: (9)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Defeated (4 to 9)
  • Motion to Extend Meeting
    Moved ByCouncillor Busuttil
    Seconded ByCouncillor Chew
    1. That Council extend the December 10, 2024 Council Planning meeting beyond the automatic adjournment time of 11:00 p.m. and extend the meeting to 11:59 p.m.
    Voting in Favour: (12)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Voting Against: (1)Councillor Allt
    Carried (12 to 1)
  • Main Motion
    Moved ByCouncillor O'Rourke
    Seconded ByCouncillor Richardson
    1. That the application from Van Harten Surveying Inc. on behalf of 8 Mitchell St Inc. for a Zoning By-law Amendment to change the zoning from the current Neighbourhood Institutional (NI) Zone (2023 – 20790) to a Specialized Low Density Residential (RL.1-26(H)) Zone to permit the proposed semi-detached dwellings on the lands municipally known as 8 Mitchell Street be approved in accordance with Attachment-5 from Infrastructure, Development and Environment Services Report 2024-445 dated December 10, 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)

8.2
37 Christie Lane - Application to Deconstruct a Cultural Heritage Resource - 2024-514

This item has attachments. 
1.37 Christie Lane - Application to Deconstruct a Cultural Heritage Resource - 2024-514.pdf
2.Attachment-1 Property Location.pdf
3.Correspondence - Janice Gallant.pdf
4.Correspondence - Jason Kalbfleisch, Guelph Chamber of Commerce.pdf
5.Correspondence - Rene Van Acker, University of Guelph.pdf

Councillor Caron recused themselves due to a declared conflict of interest.

Jack Mallon, Heritage Planner, presented. Alex Krucker, Heritage Guelph, presented.

The following delegates spoke:
Aimee Puthon
Betsy Puthon
Alex Smith
Harry Bakker

The following delegates did not speak:
Susan Watson

  • Main Motion
    Moved ByCouncillor O'Rourke
    Seconded ByCouncillor Chew
    1. That City Council approve the deconstruction of the Rutherford Conservatory at 37 Christie Lane on the condition that salvageable steel be retained and conserved for future use in a commemorative structure.
  • Amendment to Main Motion
    Moved ByCouncillor Klassen
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller
    1. That Council encourage the University of Guelph to retain to the best of their ability as much of the salvaged material from 37 Christie Lane and include and incorporate both limestone and glass into the redeveloped commemorative garden.
    Voting in Favour: (12)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (12 to 0)
  • Main Motion as Amended
    Moved ByCouncillor O'Rourke
    Seconded ByCouncillor Chew
    1. That City Council approve the deconstruction of the Rutherford Conservatory at 37 Christie Lane on the condition that salvageable steel be retained and conserved for future use in a commemorative structure.
    2. That Council encourage the University of Guelph to reuse and salvage to the best of their ability to include and incorporate both limestone and glass into the redeveloped commemorative garden.
    Voting in Favour: (12)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (12 to 0)

9.
By-laws

 
  • Moved ByCouncillor Goller
    Seconded ByCouncillor Caron
    1. That by-laws (2024)-21016, (2024)-21019, (2024)-21023 to (2024)-21025, (2024)-21029 and (2024)-21030 be approved as amended subject to Section 284.11 (4) of the Municipal Act.
    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)

10.
Mayor’s Announcements

 

There were no announcements.

11.
Adjournment

 
  • Moved ByCouncillor Billings
    Seconded ByCouncillor Busuttil

    That the meeting be adjourned (11:49 p.m.).

    Carried
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